The MAGEA family is comprised of 12 highly homologous genes clusted at Xq28. The genes are characterized by the presence of a conserved domain (MHD, MAGE Homology Domain).

MAGEA9 has been reported to be expressed in a variety of tumors, such as hepatobiliary and lung cancers at the mRNA level.

Spontaneous humoral, but not cellular immune responses against MAGEA9 have been detected in cancer patients.

MAGE family proteins bind to and activate RING E3 ubiquitin ligases.