Identification of a new, unorthodox member of the MAGE gene family

Several tumor-associated antigen families, such as MAGE, GAGE/PAGE, PRAME, BAGE, and LAGE/NY-ESO-1, exist. These antigens are of particular interest i n tumor immunology, because their expression, with exception of testis and fetal tissues, seems to be restricted to tumor cells only. We have identifi ed a novel member of the MAGE gene family, MAGED1. Northern hybridization a nd RT-PCR demonstrated that the expression level of MAGED1 in different nor mal adult tissues is comparable to that in testis and fetal liver. Thus, MA GED1 does not possess an expression pattern characteristic of previously id entified MAGE family genes, suggesting that the biology of the MAGE-family genes is more complex than previously thought. Chromosome mapping linked MA GED1 tot marker AFM119xd6 (DXS1039) on chromosome Xp11.23. (C) 1999 Academi c Press.