Melanoma Antigen Gene Expression Linked to Cancer Outcomes

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the University of Alberta investigated the link between melanoma antigen (MAGE) gene expression and cancer outcomes. The study utilized transcriptomic and survival data from 26 cancer studies through the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal to examine the dysregulation of 34 MAGE genes in cancer. The findings revealed that up to 44% of samples had over-expression of 22 Type 1 MAGE genes, which are not expressed in most normal tissues, or dysregulation of 12 Type 2 MAGE genes, which are expressed in normal tissues. The study demonstrated that over-expression of MAGE genes in a subset of cancers is associated with reduced survival and that patterns of MAGE expression could inform individualized treatment in cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Up to 44% of cancer samples had over-expression of 22 Type 1 MAGE genes or dysregulation of 12 Type 2 MAGE genes.
  • Dysregulation of specific MAGE genes correlated with reduced overall survival in four cancer types, including brain low-grade gliomas, renal clear cell carcinomas, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and uterine corpus endometrioid carcinomas.
  • Analysis of transcriptomic and survival data from 26 cancer studies through the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal showed that MAGE genes are dysregulated in many cancers.
  • The study highlights the value of cancer-germline antigen expression profiling as a complement to mutation analysis for prognosis in cancer.
  • Patterns of MAGE expression could inform individualized treatment in cancer.

Statistics:

  • Up to 44% of cancer samples had over-expression of 22 Type 1 MAGE genes or dysregulation of 12 Type 2 MAGE genes.
  • 34 MAGE genes were examined for dysregulation in cancer.
  • 26 cancer studies were explored through the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal.
  • Four cancer types were found to have a significant correlation between MAGE gene dysregulation and reduced overall survival: brain low-grade gliomas, renal clear cell carcinomas, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and uterine corpus endometrioid carcinomas.

Sources:

  • Evaluation of melanoma antigen (MAGE) gene expression in human cancers using The Cancer Genome Atlas. Cancer Genetics, 2015;208(1-2):25-93.
  • X. Li et al. (University of Alberta, Dept. of Cell Biol, Edmonton, AB, Canada)
  • S.C. Hughes and R. Wevrick (see also Oncology)
  • cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (www.cbioportal.org)