Melanoma Antigen Family B2 (MAGEB2)

MAGEB2 is a member of the MAGEB gene family.  The promoters and first exons of the MAGEB genes show considerable variability, suggesting that the existence of this gene family enables the same function to be expressed under different transcriptional controls. This gene is localized in the DSS (dosage-sensitive sex reversal) critical region. It is expressed in testis and placenta, and in a significant fraction of tumors of various histological types. The MAGEB genes are clustered on chromosome Xp22-p21. MAGEB2 is expressed in testis and placenta, and in a significant fraction of tumors of various histologic types. Expression could be induced by a demethylating agent, suggesting that the activation of MAGEB2 in tumors results from a demethylation process.