Expression of MAGE^{dsRNA.Scer\UAS} in retinal photoreceptors under the control of Scer\GAL4^hs.2sev increases apoptosis by 1.6 times compared to control retina. However, gross morphological changes are not observed.

Expression of MAGE^{dsRNA.Scer\UAS} in the mushroom bodies through the driver Scer\GAL4^ey-OK107 increases neuron number but has no effect on glia. These mushroom bodies are morphologically similar to control mushroom bodies at the adult stage despite being enlarged at the pupal stage. There is no difference in the thickness of the peduncle between control and MAGE^{dsRNA.Scer\UAS}-expressing flies, suggesting that the numbers of mushroom body neurons in MAGE^{dsRNA.Scer\UAS} and control flies are similar at the adult stage. However, there are a number of vacuoles around the peduncle in MAGE^{dsRNA.Scer\UAS} flies.

Expression of MAGE^{dsRNA.Scer\UAS} in the developing brain through the driver Scer\GAL4^ey-OK107 results in severe vacuolation and neuritic disorganization in the parenchyma of the central brain, whereas the optic lobes and retinas are less affected.