The MAGE and EID proteins affect transcription regulation oftarget genes

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes are highly conserved from bacteria to human and play fundamental roles in chromosome dynamics, gene regulation and DNA repair. The SMC5/6 complex is involved in several DNA repair pathways. The complex is composed of two subcomplexes SMC5-SMC6-Nse2 and Nse1-Nse3-Nse4. The human Nse3 ortholog MAGEG1 belongs to MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Genes) family of proteins. These proteins are overexpressed in certain types of cancer and their function has been linked to cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, neuronal development and transcription regulation. We have identified conserved Nse3-binding surface essential for Nse4 interaction and we have found that a number of MAGE proteins bind human Nse4 homologs, also called EID proteins (E1A-like inhibitor of Differentiation). We have found that MAGE and EID proteins independently and in combination can affect transcription activity via nuclear receptor.