Two polyamine oxidase genes Bjpao1 and Bjpao2 are identified in amphioxus.
Bjpao1 and Bjpao2 both show distinct tissue-specific expression pattern.
rBjPAO1 and rBjPAO2 oxidize Spm and N1-Aspm respectively but both oxidase Spd.
Key residues important for enzymatic activity are identified in BjPAO1 and BjPAO2.
A model depicting evolution and specialization of SMO and APAO is proposed.