AOC3

Amine oxidase, copper containing 3 (vascular adhesion protein 1), also known as semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO, copper-containing amine:oxygen oxidoreductase), is an is_associated_with::enzyme that in humans is encoded by the AOC3 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
Copper is_associated_with::amine oxidases catalyze the oxidative conversion of is_associated_with::amines to is_associated_with::aldehydes in the presence of is_associated_with::copper and is_associated_with::quinone cofactor. The product is a major protein on the is_associated_with::adipocyte plasma membrane. It has adhesive properties and also has functional is_associated_with::monoamine oxidase activity.

Like is_associated_with::monoamine oxidase (MAO), SSAO can deaminate short-chain primary amines, but is insensitive to is_associated_with::MAO inhibitors. is_associated_with::Semicarbazide inhibits the enzyme, in addition to other is_associated_with::hydrazines, is_associated_with::hydroxylamine and propargylamine. However, hydrazines are weak inhibitors and stronger inhibitors have been developed.

SSAO is found in the smooth muscle of blood vessels and various other tissues. The physiological function of SSAO is not well understood. Development of blood vessels, lipolysis regulation, and detoxication are suggested. It may function as a scavenger enzyme to assist MAO. However, the oxidation process generates harmful products that may be involved in causing atherosclerosis and vascular damage in diabetes. Elevation of SSAO activity is observed in is_associated_with::atherosclerosis, is_associated_with::diabetes mellitus, is_associated_with::obesity, is_associated_with::carotid plaque cases and varicosities.

There are SSAO inhibitors in development.

Clinical relevance
is_associated_with::Semicarbazide-cadmium therapy has been used to alleviate the symptoms of cancers, but the APIs have significant toxicity.