title: Melanoma-associated antigen genes - an update.
abstract: To date, dozens of melanoma-associated antigens (MAGE) have been identified. Based on the differences in tissue-specific gene expression and gene structure, the MAGE family has been divided into two big subfamilies: MAGE-I and MAGE-II. MAGE-I genes were identified as a group of highly attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy because of their wide expression in a variety of malignant tumors but silent in normal adult cells except germ-line cells lacking human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression. However, little is known regarding the functions of MAGE family members in cell activities. In this review, we briefly described the classification of MAGE family members and their expression pattern in cancer. We also summarized the mechanism of MAGE activation and the functions of MAGE family members in cell cycle progression and apoptosis. We also discussed what is known of immunotherapy targeting MAGE family.
authors.affiliation: Tumor Research Institute, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, PR China.
authors.forename: Meixiang
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sang
authors.forename: Lifang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chunyan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Xinliang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Ling
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yishui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lian
authors.forename: Baoen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shan
mesh_terms: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; C119317:MAGE-A10 antigen; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins