European researchers investigated how the melanoma antigen (MAGE) genes cause metabolic dysfunction in neurons.
MAGE genes have received increasing attention due to their roles in human diseases, mainly cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Two members of the MAGE superfamily, necdin and MAGEL2, cause the Prader-Willi syndrome. This genetic disorder is associated with aberrant cognitive function and psychoses, as well metabolic dysfunctions such as hyperphagia, high body fat mass and obesity.
Further details: The molecular determinants of neuronal metabolic dysfunction