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Updated: Jan 8, 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

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Aurora Kinases in Ocular Malignancies: Functional Significance and Potential Implications

Saswati S Lenka1, Naheed Arfin Borah1,2, Soumya Sucharita3

  • 1The Operation Eyesight Universal Institute for Eye Cancer, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, India.

Ocular Oncology and Pathology
|December 18, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aurora kinases (AURKA and AURKB) are key drivers of ocular tumor progression in retinoblastoma (RB) and uveal melanoma (UM). Inhibiting these kinases presents a promising new therapeutic strategy for rare eye cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Ocular malignancies are rare, with limited treatment options primarily involving chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
  • These rare tumors have historically received less research attention compared to other cancers.
  • Recent research focuses on molecular pathways to develop targeted therapies for eye cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of aurora kinases (AURKs) in ocular tumor progression.
  • To discuss the potential of targeting AURKs, specifically AURKA and AURKB, as a therapeutic strategy for retinoblastoma (RB) and uveal melanoma (UM).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on aurora kinase function in normal and cancer cells.
  • Analysis of AURK dysregulation in ocular malignancies, including RB and UM.
  • Exploration of current therapeutic approaches for aurora kinase inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Aurora kinases (AURKA and AURKB) are critical regulators of tumor progression in RB and UM.
  • Dysregulation of AURKs is implicated in the development and progression of these ocular cancers.
  • Aurora kinase inhibition shows therapeutic potential for treating RB and UM.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting AURKA and AURKB represents a novel therapeutic avenue for rare ocular malignancies.
  • Further research into aurora kinase inhibition could lead to improved treatment efficacy for patients with RB and UM.
  • Understanding the molecular drivers of ocular cancers is crucial for developing effective targeted therapies.
Keywords:
Aurora kinasesOcular malignanciesRetinoblastomaUveal melanoma

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