Mary Bernheim

Mary Lilias Christian Bernheim (née Hare; 28 June 1902 – 19 November 1997) was a British biochemist best known for her discovery of the enzyme tyramine oxidase, which was later renamed as monoamine oxidase. Bernheim discovered the enzyme system of tyramine oxidase during her doctorate research at the University of Cambridge in 1928, and her research has been referred to as "one of the seminal discoveries in twentieth century neurobiology".

Early life and education Bernheim was born under the name Mary Lilias Christian Hare in Gloucester, England on 28 June 1902. However, she was referred to as "Molly" by those around her. As a child, Bernheim was raised in India. She obtained higher degrees of BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Cambridge in England.

Discovery of monoamine oxidase As a doctoral student, Bernheim was aware of the limited research which had been conducted on the catabolism of tyramine, a naturally occurring monoamine compound obtained from the amino acid tyrosine. Keeping in mind the availability of newly enhanced techniques for the analysis of oxidative processes, she decided to study the manner in which the addition of tyramine affected oxygen uptake in tissues.

Despite the fact that MAO inhibitors were eventually replaced by tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of depression, there is still enormous interest in the function of MAO. The discovery of different MAO subtypes has led to research on selective MAO subtype inhibitors, which have been shown to exhibit reduced side effects and greater specificity during inhibition. These MAO subtype inhibitors are being used in the treatment of geriatric depression and as potential replacements for MAO reuptake inhibitors. Additionally, the discovery of MAO in blood platelets has led to research on the function of platelet enzyme activity as an indicator of MAO dysfunction. At the time of her death in 1997, she was the final surviving member of the original faculty of Duke Medical School.

Bernheim was recognised for her contributions to scientific research, and she was honoured at the Ciba Foundation symposium held in 1975 for her discovery of monoamine oxidase. Although she retired in 1983, she remained in a teaching position until her death on 19 November 1997 at the age of 95.