Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 5, 2025

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

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

Published on: July 30, 2020

3.2K

Nuclear localisation of Aurora-A: its regulation and significance for Aurora-A functions in cancer

Francesco Davide Naso1, Dalila Boi2, Camilla Ascanelli3

  • 1Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, c/o Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Oncogene
|May 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Aurora-A kinase, crucial for cell division, is often overexpressed in cancer. This review explores its nuclear functions and potential for novel cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Aurora-A kinase is vital for cell division, regulating centrosome biology and spindle assembly.
  • Elevated Aurora-A kinase levels are common in cancer, driven by gene amplification, increased transcription, or post-translational modifications.
  • Aurora-A inhibitors are being developed as anti-cancer agents and are in clinical trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the oncogenic roles of nuclear-localized Aurora-A.
  • To explore kinase-independent functions of Aurora-A.
  • To discuss Aurora-A stabilization and localization in the context of cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review
  • Database examination
  • Analysis of existing data on Aurora-A stabilization and localization

Main Results:

  • Recent evidence suggests non-mitotic functions for Aurora-A.
  • A nuclear fraction of Aurora-A exhibits oncogenic roles.
  • Aurora-A may possess kinase-independent functions.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting nuclear Aurora-A, including its kinase-independent functions, could offer novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding Aurora-A stabilization and localization is key to developing more effective cancer treatments.
  • Further research into non-mitotic roles of Aurora-A is warranted for improved cancer therapy.

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