Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 28, 2026

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

Published on: July 30, 2020

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Aurora A Kinase Is a Priority Pharmaceutical Target for the Treatment of Cancers

Arun Prasath Damodaran1, Lucie Vaufrey1, Olivia Gavard1

  • 1CNRS, UMR 6290, Équipe labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer 2014-2016, 35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes 1, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|June 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Aurora kinases are crucial for cell division and cancer. This review examines Aurora A inhibitors, exploring their efficacy and potential as cancer treatments, despite limited clinical success so far.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Aurora kinases regulate cell cycle progression, spindle assembly, and function.
  • Overexpression of Aurora kinases, particularly Aurora A, is common in various cancers, implicating them in oncogenesis.
  • Aurora kinases are targeted for cancer therapy development due to their oncogenic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the development and efficacy of Aurora A inhibitors for cancer treatment.
  • To address challenges and questions regarding Aurora A as a therapeutic target.
  • To explore potential biomarkers and strategies for improving Aurora A-inhibiting drugs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Aurora kinases and their inhibitors.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for Aurora A-targeting compounds.
  • Discussion of scientific literature concerning drug efficacy, biomarkers, and drug improvement strategies.

Main Results:

  • Several Aurora A inhibitors have been developed and entered clinical trials.
  • No Aurora A inhibitors have successfully completed Phase III trials to date.
  • Varying drug efficiencies and specificities raise questions about Aurora A's suitability as a target.

Conclusions:

  • Aurora A kinase remains a promising but challenging target for cancer therapy.
  • Further research is needed to identify effective biomarkers and optimize drug development strategies.
  • Improving Aurora A-inhibiting drugs is crucial for their clinical translation and potential as cancer treatments.
Keywords:
Auroracancerinhibitorskinase

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