The melanoma antigen gene (MAGE) family is clustered in the chromosomal band Xq28.

The melanoma antigen gene (MAGE) family comprises 12 known genes, of which 6 are expressed in tumors. In the course of a systematic analysis of transcripts in Xq28, we have identified cDNAs related to different MAGE genes. Analysis of cell hybrids, ordered YACs, and cosmids showed that all MAGE genes are located in Xq28 and are clustered in three main intervals within 3.5 Mb. The six genes expressed in tumors are contained in the two intervals closest to the telomere and are highly homologous to each other. Analysis of different species suggests that human MAGE sequences are conserved in primates, but less well conserved in other vertebrate species.