Aurora kinase inhibitors in preclinical and clinical testing

Chun Hei Antonio Cheung1, Mohane Selvaraj Coumar, Hsing-Pang Hsieh

  • 1Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.

Abstract

Insights

Aurora kinase inhibitors are crucial for targeting mitotic errors and genomic instability in cancer. This review highlights 13 inhibitors in clinical trials, supporting their development for cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Mitosis is essential for cell division; errors can cause genomic instability.
  • Aurora kinases (A, B, C) are critical for mitosis, and their dysregulation is linked to cancer.
  • Targeting aurora kinases offers a potential molecular-based cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on aurora kinase inhibitors.
  • To assess their clinical and preclinical development status.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search conducted using PubMed, SciFinder, and clinicaltrials.gov.
  • Focused on aurora kinase inhibitors in cancer research.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 13 aurora kinase inhibitors are in Phase I/II clinical trials.
  • Numerous other inhibitors are undergoing preclinical testing.
  • Preclinical and clinical data are being evaluated for future development.

Conclusions:

  • Aurora kinase inhibitors show promise for cancer treatment.
  • Further development is warranted, potentially in combination therapies.
  • Targeting aurora kinase is a key strategy for combating tumorigenesis.

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
Preclinical Development: Overview01:28

Preclinical Development: Overview

Preclinical development consists of a series of tests that ensure the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic compound before it is tested in humans. There are four main phases to this process. First, safety pharmacology tests are conducted to ensure the drug does not produce any acutely harmful effects. These tests examine parameters such as bronchoconstriction, cardiac dysrhythmias, blood pressure changes, and ataxia. Next, preliminary toxicological testing is performed to determine the...
Clinical Trials: Overview01:11

Clinical Trials: Overview

Clinical development focuses on how the drug will interact with the human body and encompasses four key phases of clinical trials, each serving a specific purpose in assessing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. These phases overlap and build upon one another. Phase I involves a small group of healthy volunteers (typically 20-80 individuals) or, in cases where significant toxicity is expected, patients with the targeted disease, such as cancer or AIDS. The volunteers are tested for...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...