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Aurora-A: the maker and breaker of spindle poles

Alexis R Barr1, Fanni Gergely

  • 1Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.

Journal of Cell Science
|August 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Aurora-A kinase, a cancer drug target, is crucial for cell division in normal cells. Recent discoveries reveal its role in spindle assembly and other key mitotic processes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Aurora-A kinase gene is amplified in breast cancer and overexpressed in other tumors.
  • Aurora-A is a potential cancer therapeutic target, yet its function in normal cells is poorly understood.
  • Its primary role in promoting bipolar spindle assembly was recently elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding the early mitotic functions of Aurora-A.
  • To highlight Aurora-A's specific roles at the mitotic spindle poles.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of novel Aurora-A-binding proteins and substrates.

Main Results:

  • Aurora-A is implicated in centrosome maturation and separation.
  • It plays roles in both acentrosomal and centrosomal spindle assembly.
  • Aurora-A also influences kinetochore function, cytokinesis, and cell fate.

Conclusions:

  • Aurora-A is essential for proper cell division and mitotic progression in normal cells.
  • Understanding its detailed molecular functions is key to developing targeted cancer therapies.

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