Aurora kinase A

Aurora kinase A is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AURKA gene. It is a member of the Aurora kinase family, which plays a crucial role in cell division by controlling chromosome segregation. Aurora kinase A is involved in the regulation of the mitotic spindle assembly, a critical step in mitosis where replicated chromosomes are separated into two daughter cells.

Function

Aurora kinase A is essential for the proper functioning of mitosis. It is activated at the onset of mitosis and contributes to the formation of the mitotic spindle, the structure that separates duplicated genomes between dividing cells. The kinase ensures accurate chromosome alignment and segregation by phosphorylating various substrates involved in spindle assembly and function. Its activity is tightly regulated through the cell cycle, with peaks of activity observed during G2 phase and M phase.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression and activity of Aurora kinase A have been implicated in the development and progression of several cancers. Overexpression of Aurora kinase A has been observed in a wide range of human tumors, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and colorectal cancer. This overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and increased aggressiveness of the tumors. As a result, Aurora kinase A has become a target of interest for cancer therapy, with several inhibitors being developed and tested in clinical trials.

Inhibitors

Several small molecule inhibitors targeting Aurora kinase A are under investigation for their potential use in cancer therapy. These inhibitors aim to block the kinase activity of Aurora kinase A, thereby disrupting mitotic progression and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Some of these inhibitors have shown promise in preclinical studies and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their efficacy and safety in treating various types of cancer.

See Also

• Aurora kinase B
• Aurora kinase C
• Mitosis
• Cancer therapy

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