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The XAGE family of cancer/testis‐associated genes: Alignment and expression profile in normal tissues, melanoma lesions and Ewing's sarcoma
Author(s) -
Zendman Albert J.W.,
van Kraats Annemieke A.,
Weidle Ulrich H.,
Ruiter Dirk J.,
van Muijen Goos N.P.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.10371
Subject(s) - gene , biology , sarcoma , melanoma , homology (biology) , open reading frame , gene family , cancer , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , genetics , cancer research , pathology , peptide sequence , medicine
The existence of XAGE genes was first reported after database homology searches for PAGE ‐like sequences identified 3 XAGE EST clusters. One of these clusters, XAGE‐1, has in later studies been identified as a cancer/testis‐associated gene. Here, we report the expression profiles of all 3 reported XAGE genes, as well as several splice variants of XAGE‐1, in normal human tissues, Ewing's sarcoma and melanocytic tumors. We also provide the genetic structure of the corresponding genes. Moreover, by searching the databases for XAGE homologues, we identified 3 additional GAGE ‐like genes. RT‐PCR studies showed frequent expression in melanoma metastases and Ewing's sarcoma for 2 XAGE‐1 ‐derived transcripts. XAGE‐2 was expressed at lower frequency in these tissues, while XAGE‐3 was seen only in normal placenta. Due to a frameshift, the largest XAGE‐1 putative protein is far less homologous to GAGE‐like proteins than the other XAGEs. Interestingly, all GAGE ‐like genes contain a large secondary open reading frame, coding for putative proteins homologues to the XAGE‐1 primary protein. The XAGE family of cancer/testis‐associated genes is located on chromosome Xp11.21‐Xp11.22. The data outline a superfamily of GAGE ‐like cancer/testis antigens, consisting of at least 19 genes. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.