Anti-MAGEC1

This gene is a member of the melanoma antigen gene (MAGE) family. The proteins of this family are tumor-specific antigens that can be recognized by autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes. This protein contains a large number of unique short repetitive sequences in front of the MAGE-homologous sequence, and therefore is about 800 aa longer than the other MAGE proteins. Protein function: This proteoglycan is a major component of extracellular matrix of cartilagenous tissues. A major function of this protein is to resist compression in cartilage. It binds avidly to hyaluronic acid via an N-terminal globular region. May play a regulatory role in the matrix assembly of the cartilage. [The UniProt Consortium]