The MAGE protein family and cancer

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2015 Dec:37:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2015.08.002. Epub 2015 Sep 3.

Abstract

The Melanoma Antigen Gene (MAGE) protein family is a large, highly conserved group of proteins that share a common MAGE homology domain. Intriguingly, many MAGE proteins are restricted in expression to reproductive tissues, but are aberrantly expressed in a wide variety of cancer types. Originally discovered as antigens on tumor cells and developed as cancer immunotherapy targets, recent literature suggests a more prominent role for MAGEs in driving tumorigenesis. This review will highlight recent developments into the function of MAGEs as oncogenes, their mechanisms of action in regulation of ubiquitin ligases, and outstanding questions in the field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Neoplasm Proteins