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Shared and separate functions of polo-like kinases and aurora kinases in cancer

Susanne M A Lens1, Emile E Voest, René H Medema

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Centre, UMC Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, Stratenum 2. 118, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands. s.m.a.lens@umcutrecht.nl

Nature Reviews. Cancer
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Targeting polo-like kinases (PLK) and aurora kinases with anticancer drugs shows promise. Understanding their complex interactions and potential off-target effects is crucial for effective and safe clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Polo-like kinases (PLK) and aurora kinases are key regulators of mitosis.
  • Numerous inhibitors targeting PLK1, AURKA, and AURKB are under investigation as anticancer agents.
  • Current understanding of kinase inhibitor selectivity in vivo and their complex interplay is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical applicability of polo-like kinase and aurora kinase inhibitors.
  • To discuss the implications of novel insights into kinase interactions and off-target effects.
  • To evaluate the impact of these kinases on responses to conventional chemotherapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on PLK and aurora kinase inhibitors.
  • Analysis of in vivo selectivity data for kinase inhibitors.
  • Discussion of the interplay between PLK and aurora kinases in mitosis and cancer.

Main Results:

  • Interest in PLK and aurora kinase inhibitors is high due to their mitotic roles.
  • Limited in vivo selectivity data suggests potential off-target effects impacting efficacy and toxicity.
  • Extensive interplay exists between PLK and aurora kinases, influencing responses to DNA-damaging and spindle-targeting chemotherapeutics.

Conclusions:

  • Novel insights into PLK and aurora kinase biology necessitate careful consideration for clinical applications.
  • Understanding kinase family interplay and off-target effects is critical for optimizing anticancer drug development.
  • These kinases are important factors in the efficacy of classical chemotherapeutics, suggesting combination therapy potential.

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