InterPro domain: IPR002190

The first mammalian members of the MAGE (melanoma-associated antigen) genefamily were originally described as completely silent in normal adult tissues,with the exception of male germ cells and, for some of them, placenta. Bycontrast, these genes were expressed in various kinds of tumors. However, othermembers of the family were recently found to be expressed in normal cells,indicating that the family is larger and more disparate than initiallyexpected. MAGE-like genes have also been identified in non-mammalian species, including Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly) and Danio rerio (Zebrafish). Although no MAGE homologoussequences have been identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's yeast) or Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Fission yeast), MAGE sequences have been found inseveral vegetal species, including Arabidopsis thaliana (Mouse-ear cress) [ 1 ].

The only region of homology shared by all of the members of the family is astretch of about 200 amino acids which has been named the MAGE homologydomain. The MAGE homology domain is usually located close to the C-terminal,although it can also be found in a more central position in some proteins. TheMAGE homology domain is generally present as a single copy but it isduplicated in some proteins. It has been proposed that the MAGE homologydomain of MAGE-D proteins might interact with p75 neurotrophin or relatedreceptors [ 2 ].

Proteins known to contain a MAGE domain are listed below:

• Human MAGE-A, -B and -C proteins. MAGE-A, -B and -C genes are silent in all normal tissues with the exception of testis.
• Human MAGE-D to -L proteins. MAGE-D to -L genes are expressed in normal adult tissues.
• Mouse Mage-a and -b proteins.
• Mouse Mage-d, -e, -g, -h, -k and -l.
• Mammalian Necdin. The human Necdin gene is a candidate for the Prader-Willi syndrome.

1. An overview of the MAGE gene family with the identification of all human members of the family. Cancer Res. 61, 5544-51