Aurora A, meiosis and mitosis
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Published on: February 26, 2018
Richard Crane1, Bedrick Gadea, Laurie Littlepage
1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract:
The Aurora family kinases are pivotal to the successful execution of cell division. Together they ensure the formation of a bipolar mitotic spindle, accurate segregation of chromosomes and the completion of cytokinesis. They are also attractive drug targets, being frequently deregulated in cancer and able to transform cells in vitro. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the three family members, Aur-A, Aur-B and Aur-C. We then focus on Aur-A, its roles in mitotic progression, and its emerging roles in checkpoint control pathways. Aur-A activity can be controlled at several levels, including phosphorylation, ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis and interaction with both positive regulators, such as TPX2, and negative ones, like the tumor suppressor protein p53. In addition, work in Xenopus oocytes and early embryos has revealed a second role for Aur-A, directing the polyadenylation-dependent translation of specific mRNAs important for cell cycle progression. This function extends to post-mitotic neurons, and perhaps even to cycling somatic cells.
Insights
Aurora kinases (Aur-A, Aur-B, Aur-C) are crucial for cell division and cancer. This review details Aur-A
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Aurora family kinases are essential regulators of cell division.
- These kinases are frequently deregulated in cancer, making them potential drug targets.
- The review focuses on Aurora-A (Aur-A), Aurora-B (Aur-B), and Aurora-C (Aur-C).
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on Aurora kinases, with a focus on Aur-A.
- To explore Aur-A's roles in mitotic progression and checkpoint control.
- To discuss Aur-A's regulatory mechanisms and emerging functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on Aurora kinases.
- Analysis of Aur-A's regulation through phosphorylation and proteolysis.
- Examination of Aur-A interactions with positive (TPX2) and negative (p53) regulators.
Main Results:
- Aurora kinases ensure proper spindle formation, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis.
- Aur-A activity is controlled by phosphorylation, proteolysis, and protein interactions.
- Emerging roles for Aur-A in checkpoint control and mRNA translation have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Aurora kinases are critical for cell division and are implicated in cancer.
- Aur-A has diverse roles in mitosis, cell cycle control, and mRNA translation.
- Further research into Aur-A's functions may reveal new therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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