Targeting aurora kinases in cancer treatment

Kevin R. Kelly, Jeffrey Ecsedy, Devalingam Mahalingam, Steffan T. Nawrocki, Swaminathan Padmanabhan, Francis J. Giles, Jennifer S. Carew

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Aurora family of serine/threonine kinases is essential for chromosome alignment, segregation, centrosomal maturation, mitotic spindle formation, and cytokinesis during mitosis. Their fundamental role in cell cycle regulation and aberrant expression in a broad range of malignancies prompted the development of small molecules that selectively inhibit their activity. Recent studies have revealed new insights into the cellular effects of Aurora kinase inhibition. Moreover, early phase clinical studies have shown that these agents have therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we will outline the functions of Aurora kinases in normal cell division and in malignancy. We will focus on recent preclinical and clinical studies that have explored the mechanism of action and clinical effect of Aurora inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2067-2078
Number of pages12
JournalCurrent Drug Targets
Volume12
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aurora kinase inhibitors
  • Cancer
  • Mitosis
  • Targeted therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery
  • Clinical Biochemistry

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