This gene is a member of the melanoma antigen gene (MAGE) family. Most of the genes of this family encode tumor specific antigens that are not expressed in normal adult tissues except testis. Although the protein encoded by this gene shares strong homology with members of the MAGE family, it is expressed in almost all normal adult tissues. This gene has been demonstrated to be involved in the p75 neurotrophin receptor mediated programmed cell death pathway. Three transcript variants encoding two different isoforms have been found for this gene.