Aurora Kinases as Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer

• Published in: The cancer journal (Sudbury, Mass.) Vol. 28; no. 5; p. 387
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Theodore T, Silva, Flaviane N, Golemis, Erica A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2022
• Subjects: Aurora Kinase A - genetics; Aurora Kinase A - metabolism; Chromatin; Head and Neck Neoplasms - drug therapy; Humans; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck - drug therapy
• ISSN: 1540-336X
• DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000614

The Aurora kinases (AURKA and AURKB) have attracted attention as therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Aurora kinases were first defined as regulators of mitosis that localization to the centrosome (AURKA) and centromere (AURKB), governing formation of the mitotic spindle, chromatin condensation, activation of the core mitotic kinase CDK1, alignment of chromosomes at metaphase, and other processes. Subsequently, additional roles for Aurora kinases have been defined in other phases of cell cycle, including regulation of ciliary disassembly and DNA replication. In cancer, elevated expression and activity of Aurora kinases result in enhanced or neomorphic locations and functions that promote aggressive disease, including promotion of MYC expression, oncogenic signaling, stem cell identity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance. Numerous Aurora-targeted inhibitors have been developed and are being assessed in preclinical and clinical trials, with the goal of improving head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment.