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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors
Published on: December 7, 2014
Aurora kinase inhibitors as anticancer molecules
Hiroshi Katayama1, Subrata Sen
1Department of Molecular Pathology, Unit 951, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 7435 Fannin, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
Abstract:
Aurora kinase family of serine/threonine kinases are important regulators of mitosis that are frequently over expressed in human cancers and have been implicated in oncogenic transformation including development of chromosomal instability in cancer cells. In humans, among the three members of the kinase family, Aurora-A, -B and -C, only Aurora-A and -B are expressed at detectable levels in all somatic cells undergoing mitotic cell division and have been characterized in greater detail for their involvement in cellular pathways relevant to the development of cancer associated phenotypes. Aurora-A and -B are being investigated as potential targets for anticancer therapy. Development of inhibitors against Aurora kinases as anticancer molecules gained attention because of the facts that aberrant expression of these kinases leads to chromosomal instability and derangement of multiple tumor suppressor and oncoprotein regulated pathways. Preclinical studies and early phase I and II clinical trials of multiple Aurora kinase inhibitors as targeted anticancer drugs have provided encouraging results. This article discusses functional involvement of Aurora kinase-A and -B in the regulation of cancer relevant cellular phenotypes together with findings on some of the better characterized Aurora kinase inhibitors in modulating the functional interactions of Aurora kinases. Future possibilities about developing next generation Aurora kinase inhibitors and their clinical utility as anticancer therapeutic drugs are also discussed.
Insights
Aurora kinases A and B are key regulators of cell division, often overexpressed in cancers. Inhibitors targeting these kinases show promise as anticancer therapies by correcting chromosomal instability and related pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Aurora kinases (A, B, and C) are serine/threonine kinases crucial for mitosis.
- Aurora-A and Aurora-B are highly expressed in somatic cells and implicated in cancer development, including chromosomal instability.
- Aberrant Aurora kinase expression disrupts tumor suppressor and oncoprotein pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the functional roles of Aurora kinase-A and -B in cancer-related cellular phenotypes.
- To review findings on Aurora kinase inhibitors and their mechanisms.
- To explore future directions for next-generation Aurora kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Aurora kinase function in mitosis and cancer.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical trial data for Aurora kinase inhibitors.
- Discussion of molecular mechanisms of Aurora kinase regulation and inhibition.
Main Results:
- Aurora kinases A and B are vital for mitotic regulation and their dysregulation contributes to oncogenesis.
- Multiple Aurora kinase inhibitors have demonstrated encouraging results in preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials.
- Inhibitors modulate Aurora kinase interactions, impacting cancer-associated pathways.
Conclusions:
- Aurora kinase inhibitors represent a promising targeted therapy for various cancers.
- Further development of next-generation inhibitors is warranted to enhance clinical utility.
- Targeting Aurora kinases offers a strategic approach to combatting cancer-related chromosomal instability and pathway derangements.
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