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Quantitative Analysis of Autophagy using Advanced 3D Fluorescence Microscopy
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Aurora-A regulates autophagy through the Akt pathway in human prostate cancer

Shiying Zhang, Jianye Li, Gaobiao Zhou

    Cancer Biomarkers : Section a of Disease Markers
    |March 9, 2017
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Aurora A kinase, often overexpressed in prostate cancer, suppresses autophagy by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation. Its inhibition halts tumor growth and promotes autophagy, revealing a key oncogenic role.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Cellular Signaling

    Background:

    • Aurora A kinase is frequently overexpressed in prostate cancer.
    • Its role in prostate cancer autophagy remains uninvestigated.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To elucidate the function of Aurora A in prostate cancer.
    • To explore its associated autophagy signaling pathways.

    Main Methods:

    • Aurora A down-regulation and functional assays.
    • Immunohistochemistry for Aurora A expression in patient samples.
    • In vitro and in vivo assays (CCK8, Transwell, nude mice) and Western blot analysis.
    • Autophagy assessment via LC3-II expression.

    Main Results:

    • Aurora A overexpression is significantly higher in prostate cancer than BPH.
    • Aurora A knockdown inhibits proliferation by suppressing the Akt pathway, identifying Akt as a novel substrate.
    • Aurora A down-regulation induces autophagy and significantly reduces tumor formation in mice.

    Conclusions:

    • Aurora A suppresses autophagy by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation, thereby preventing autophagy-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer.
    • Aurora A is a key oncogenic effector in prostate cancer progression.
    Keywords:
    Aurora Aautophagychromosome instability geneprostate cancer

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