MAGEC1

MAGEC1 Full Name

melanoma antigen family C, 1

MAGEC1 Introduction

MAGEC1 (Melanoma Antigen Family C, 1), frequently referred to as CT7, is a gene located on the X chromosome (Xq26-27) that encodes a large protein belonging to the Type I MAGE family. It is classically defined as a Cancer-Testis Antigen (CTA). This classification means that under physiological conditions, its expression is strictly limited to the germ cells of the testis (which lack HLA class I molecules and thus cannot present antigens), while it is epigenetically silenced in all other normal adult somatic tissues. However, in malignant states, the gene is demethylated and re-expressed. Biologically, MAGEC1 functions as a scaffolding protein that interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase KAP1 (TRIM28). Through this interaction, MAGEC1 facilitates the formation of ubiquitin ligase complexes that target specific tumor suppressors (such as p53 or AMPK) for degradation. By hijacking this machinery, MAGEC1 suppresses apoptosis and promotes cell cycle progression, effectively conferring a survival advantage to cancer cells under stress.

Figure 1. Schematic representation of MAGE-C1/CT7 gene: comparison of content structure MAGE-C1/CT7 and MAGEA1 genes. (Source: de Carvalho F, et al. 2012)

The clinical relevance of MAGEC1 is most profound in hematological malignancies, particularly Multiple Myeloma (MM). It is widely regarded as one of the most specific and frequently expressed antigens in myeloma, detected in over 70% of patient samples. Its expression is closely correlated with the proliferation rate of the plasma cells and advanced disease stages. Furthermore, MAGEC1 is associated with other aggressive cancers, including melanoma and synovial sarcoma. Because of its highly restricted expression pattern (present in tumors but absent in vital organs), MAGEC1 is an ideal target for immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines and adoptive T-cell transfer therapies. The immune system can be trained to recognize and kill MAGEC1-positive tumor cells without risking autoimmunity against healthy tissues.

Alternate Names for MAGEC1

Cancer/testis antigen 7.1; Cancer/testis antigen family 7 member1; CT7; CT7.1; MAGC1_HUMAN; MAGE C1; MAGE C1 antigen; MAGE-C1 antigen;MAGEC1; melanoma antigen family C, 1; Melanoma associated antigen C1; Melanoma-associatedantigen C1; MGC39366; MAGE-C1; O

• 1. Mei AH, et al. Melanoma antigen genes (MAGE); novel functional targets in multiple myeloma. Semin Hematol. 2025 Feb;62(1):43-49.
  2. de Carvalho F, et al. Cancer/Testis Antigen MAGE-C1/CT7: new target for multiple myeloma therapy. Clin Dev Immunol. 2012;2012:257695.