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Real-Time Monitoring of Aurora kinase A Activation using Conformational FRET Biosensors in Live Cells
06:29

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Aurora kinase inhibitors

J J E M Kitzen1, M J A de Jonge, J Verweij

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus University Medical Center, EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|April 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Aurora kinases are key regulators of cell division and are targeted in new anticancer therapies. This review covers their mechanism, preclinical data, and early clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Human cancer cells often exhibit DNA organization changes, leading to chromosome instability and aneuploidy.
  • Mitotic kinases, including Aurora kinases, are crucial for regulating cell division (mitosis).
  • Three Aurora kinases (Aurora-A, Aurora-B, Aurora-C) have been identified in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanism of action of Aurora kinases.
  • To summarize preclinical data on Aurora kinase inhibitors.
  • To discuss clinical phase I data and suggest future research directions for anticancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on Aurora kinases.
  • Analysis of preclinical data for Aurora kinase inhibitors.
  • Discussion of clinical phase I trial results.

Main Results:

  • Aurora kinases are implicated in cell cycle regulation and are potential anticancer targets.
  • Several inhibitors targeting Aurora-A and Aurora-B kinases are under development.
  • Early clinical data suggests potential therapeutic applications.

Conclusions:

  • Aurora kinases represent a promising target for novel anticancer strategies.
  • Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate Aurora kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy.

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