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Chen M, Zhu H, Li J, Luo D, Zhang J, Liu W, Wang J. Research progress on the relationship between AURKA and tumorigenesis: the neglected nuclear function of AURKA. Ann Med 2024; 56:2282184. [PMID: 38738386 PMCID: PMC11095293 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2282184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
AURKA is a threonine or serine kinase that needs to be activated by TPX2, Bora and other factors. AURKA is located on chromosome 20 and is amplified or overexpressed in many human cancers, such as breast cancer. AURKA regulates some basic cellular processes, and this regulation is realized via the phosphorylation of downstream substrates. AURKA can function in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. It can promote the transcription and expression of oncogenes together with other transcription factors in the nucleus, including FoxM1, C-Myc, and NF-κB. In addition, it also sustains carcinogenic signaling, such as N-Myc and Wnt signaling. This article will focus on the role of AURKA in the nucleus and its carcinogenic characteristics that are independent of its kinase activity to provide a theoretical explanation for mechanisms of resistance to kinase inhibitors and a reference for future research on targeted inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghua Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huijun Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Danjing Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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2
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Aurora Kinases as Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancer J 2022; 28:387-400. [PMID: 36165728 PMCID: PMC9836054 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT 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.
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3
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Whately KM, Voronkova MA, Maskey A, Gandhi J, Loskutov J, Choi H, Yanardag S, Chen D, Wen S, Margaryan NV, Smolkin MB, Purazo ML, Hu G, Pugacheva EN. Nuclear Aurora-A kinase-induced hypoxia signaling drives early dissemination and metastasis in breast cancer: implications for detection of metastatic tumors. Oncogene 2021; 40:5651-5664. [PMID: 34326467 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer causes most breast cancer-associated deaths, especially in triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). The metastatic drivers of TNBCs are still poorly understood, and effective treatment non-existent. Here we reveal that the presence of Aurora-A Kinase (AURKA) in the nucleus and metastatic dissemination are molecularly connected through HIF1 (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1) signaling. Nuclear AURKA activates transcription of "hypoxia-induced genes" under normoxic conditions (pseudohypoxia) and without upregulation of oxygen-sensitive HIF1A subunit. We uncover that AURKA preferentially binds to HIF1B and co-localizes with the HIF complex on DNA. The mass-spectrometry analysis of the AURKA complex further confirmed the presence of CBP and p300 along with other TFIIB/RNApol II components. Importantly, the expression of multiple HIF-dependent genes induced by nuclear AURKA (N-AURKA), including migration/invasion, survival/death, and stemness, promote early cancer dissemination. These results indicate that nuclear, but not cytoplasmic, AURKA is a novel driver of early metastasis. Analysis of clinical tumor specimens revealed a correlation between N-AURKA presence and decreased patient survival. Our results establish a mechanistic link between two critical pathways in cancer metastasis, identifying nuclear AURKA as a crucial upstream regulator of the HIF1 transcription complex and a target for anti-metastatic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Whately
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Maria A Voronkova
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Abha Maskey
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jasleen Gandhi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Juergen Loskutov
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Hyeran Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sila Yanardag
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Dongquan Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sijin Wen
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Naira V Margaryan
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Matthew B Smolkin
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Marc L Purazo
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Gangqing Hu
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. .,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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4
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Wang J, Hu T, Wang Q, Chen R, Xie Y, Chang H, Cheng J. Repression of the AURKA-CXCL5 axis induces autophagic cell death and promotes radiosensitivity in non-small-cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 509:89-104. [PMID: 33848520 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aurora kinase A (AURKA) regulates apoptosis and autophagy in various diseases and has shown promising clinical effects. Nevertheless, the complex regulatory mechanism of AURKA and autophagy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiosensitivity remains to be elucidated. Here, we showed that AURKA was upregulated in NSCLC cell lines and tissues and that AURKA overexpression was significantly related to a poor prognosis, tumor stage and lymph node metastasis in NSCLC. Interestingly, AURKA expression was significantly increased after 8Gy radiotherapy. Silencing of AURKA enhanced radiosensitivity and impaired migration and invasion in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we determined that CXCL5, a member of the chemokine family, was a key downstream effector of AURKA, and the phenotype induced by AURKA silencing was partly due to CXCL5 inhibition. We further demonstrated that the AURKA-CXCL5 axis played an essential role in NSCLC autophagy and that the activation of cytotoxic autophagy attenuated the malignant biological behavior of NSCLC cells mediated by AURKA-CXCL5. In general, we revealed the role of the AURKA-CXCL5 axis and autophagy in regulating the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to radiotherapy, which may provide potential therapeutic targets and new strategies for combatting NSCLC resistance to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Renwang Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuxiu Xie
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Haiyan Chang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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5
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Naso FD, Boi D, Ascanelli C, Pamfil G, Lindon C, Paiardini A, Guarguaglini G. Nuclear localisation of Aurora-A: its regulation and significance for Aurora-A functions in cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:3917-3928. [PMID: 33981003 PMCID: PMC8195736 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01766-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Aurora-A kinase regulates cell division, by controlling centrosome biology and spindle assembly. Cancer cells often display elevated levels of the kinase, due to amplification of the gene locus, increased transcription or post-translational modifications. Several inhibitors of Aurora-A activity have been developed as anti-cancer agents and are under evaluation in clinical trials. Although the well-known mitotic roles of Aurora-A point at chromosomal instability, a hallmark of cancer, as a major link between Aurora-A overexpression and disease, recent evidence highlights the existence of non-mitotic functions of potential relevance. Here we focus on a nuclear-localised fraction of Aurora-A with oncogenic roles. Interestingly, this pool would identify not only non-mitotic, but also kinase-independent functions of the kinase. We review existing data in the literature and databases, examining potential links between Aurora-A stabilisation and localisation, and discuss them in the perspective of a more effective targeting of Aurora-A in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Davide Naso
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, c/o Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dalila Boi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Georgiana Pamfil
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, c/o Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Catherine Lindon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Giulia Guarguaglini
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, c/o Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Druker J, Wilson JW, Child F, Shakir D, Fasanya T, Rocha S. Role of Hypoxia in the Control of the Cell Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094874. [PMID: 34062959 PMCID: PMC8124716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell cycle is an important cellular process whereby the cell attempts to replicate its genome in an error-free manner. As such, mechanisms must exist for the cell cycle to respond to stress signals such as those elicited by hypoxia or reduced oxygen availability. This review focuses on the role of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms initiated in hypoxia that interface with cell cycle control. In addition, we discuss how the cell cycle can alter the hypoxia response. Overall, the cellular response to hypoxia and the cell cycle are linked through a variety of mechanisms, allowing cells to respond to hypoxia in a manner that ensures survival and minimal errors throughout cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Druker
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK;
| | - James W. Wilson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK; (J.W.W.); (F.C.); (D.S.); (T.F.)
| | - Fraser Child
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK; (J.W.W.); (F.C.); (D.S.); (T.F.)
| | - Dilem Shakir
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK; (J.W.W.); (F.C.); (D.S.); (T.F.)
| | - Temitope Fasanya
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK; (J.W.W.); (F.C.); (D.S.); (T.F.)
| | - Sonia Rocha
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK; (J.W.W.); (F.C.); (D.S.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)151-794-9084
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7
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Lee JW, Parameswaran J, Sandoval-Schaefer T, Eoh KJ, Yang DH, Zhu F, Mehra R, Sharma R, Gaffney SG, Perry EB, Townsend JP, Serebriiskii IG, Golemis EA, Issaeva N, Yarbrough WG, Koo JS, Burtness B. Combined Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) and WEE1 Inhibition Demonstrates Synergistic Antitumor Effect in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:3430-3442. [PMID: 30755439 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) commonly bear disruptive mutations in TP53, resulting in treatment resistance. In these patients, direct targeting of p53 has not been successful, but synthetic lethal approaches have promise. Although Aurora A kinase (AURKA) is overexpressed and an oncogenic driver, its inhibition has only modest clinical effects in HPV-negative HNSCC. We explored a novel combination of AURKA and WEE1 inhibition to overcome intrinsic resistance to AURKA inhibition.Experimental Design: AURKA protein expression was determined by fluorescence-based automated quantitative analysis of patient specimens and correlated with survival. We evaluated treatment with the AURKA inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) and the WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib (AZD1775), alone or in combination, using in vitro and in vivo HNSCC models. RESULTS Elevated nuclear AURKA correlated with worse survival among patients with p16(-) HNSCC. Alisertib caused spindle defects, G2-M arrest and inhibitory CDK1 phosphorylation, and cytostasis in TP53 mutant HNSCC FaDu and UNC7 cells. Addition of adavosertib to alisertib instead triggered mitotic entry and mitotic catastrophe. Moreover, in FaDu and Detroit 562 xenografts, this combination demonstrated synergistic effects on tumor growth and extended overall survival compared with either vehicle or single-agent treatment. CONCLUSIONS Combinatorial treatment with adavosertib and alisertib leads to synergistic antitumor effects in in vitro and in vivo HNSCC models. These findings suggest a novel rational combination, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for TP53-mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Woo Lee
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Janaki Parameswaran
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Teresa Sandoval-Schaefer
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kyung Jin Eoh
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- Biosample Repository, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ranee Mehra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Roshan Sharma
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Stephen G Gaffney
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Elizabeth B Perry
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jeffrey P Townsend
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ilya G Serebriiskii
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Natalia Issaeva
- Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Wendell G Yarbrough
- Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ja Seok Koo
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Barbara Burtness
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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8
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Abstract
ADP-ribosylation, including poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) and mono-ADP-ribosylation (MARylation), is a multifunctional post-translational modification catalyzed by intracellular ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTDs or PARPs). Although PARylation has been investigated most thoroughly, the function of MARylation is currently largely undefined. Here, we provide evidences that deficiency of PARP10, a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase, markedly increased the migration and invasion of tumor cells through regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and PARP10 inhibited tumor metastasis in vivo, which was dependent on its enzyme activity. Mechanistically, we found that PARP10 interacted with and mono-ADP-ribosylated Aurora A, and inhibited its kinase activity, thereby regulating its downstream signaling. Moreover, the expression level of PARP10 was downregulated in intrahepatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with its corresponding primary HCC and adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Taken together, our results indicated that PARP10 has an important role in tumor metastasis suppression via negatively regulation of Aurora A activity.
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9
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Aurora-A promotes the establishment of spindle assembly checkpoint by priming the Haspin-Aurora-B feedback loop in late G2 phase. Cell Discov 2017; 3:16049. [PMID: 28101375 PMCID: PMC5223110 DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2016.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora-A kinase functions mainly in centrosome maturation, separation and spindle formation. It has also been found to be amplified or overexpressed in a range of solid tumors, which is linked with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Importantly, Aurora-A inhibitors are being studied in a number of ongoing clinical trials. However, whether and how Aurora-A has a role in the regulation of the mitotic checkpoint is controversial. Additionally, the function of nuclear-accumulated Aurora-A in late G2 phase is not clear. Here we show that knockout, inhibition or blockade of the nuclear entry of Aurora-A severely decreased the centromere localization of Aurora-B and the phosphorylation of histone H3 threonine 3 (H3T3-ph) mediated by the kinase Haspin in late G2 phase. We further reveal that nuclear-accumulated Aurora-A phosphorylates Haspin at multiple sites at its N-terminus and that this promotes H3T3-ph and the rapid recruitment to the centromere of the chromosomal passenger complex. In addition, Aurora-A facilitates the association of Aurora-B with their common substrates: Haspin and Plk1. Notably, these functions of Aurora-A are mostly independent of Plk1. Thus we demonstrate that, in late G2 and prophase, Aurora-A phosphorylates Haspin to trigger the Haspin-H3T3-ph-Aurora-B positive feedback loop that supports the timely establishment of the chromosomal passenger complex and the mitotic checkpoint before spindle assembly.
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10
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Nuclear AURKA acquires kinase-independent transactivating function to enhance breast cancer stem cell phenotype. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10180. [PMID: 26782714 PMCID: PMC4735655 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrosome-localized mitotic Aurora kinase A (AURKA) facilitates G2/M events. Here we show that AURKA translocates to the nucleus and causes distinct oncogenic properties in malignant cells by enhancing breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) phenotype. Unexpectedly, this function is independent of its kinase activity. Instead, AURKA preferentially interacts with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) in the nucleus and acts as a transcription factor in a complex that induces a shift in MYC promoter usage and activates the MYC promoter. Blocking AURKA nuclear localization inhibits this newly discovered transactivating function of AURKA, sensitizing resistant BCSC to kinase inhibition. These findings identify a previously unknown oncogenic property of the spatially deregulated AURKA in tumorigenesis and provide a potential therapeutic opportunity to overcome kinase inhibitor resistance.
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11
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Gavriilidis P, Giakoustidis A, Giakoustidis D. Aurora Kinases and Potential Medical Applications of Aurora Kinase Inhibitors: A Review. J Clin Med Res 2015; 7:742-51. [PMID: 26345296 PMCID: PMC4554212 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr2295w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinases (AKs) represent a novel group of serine/threonine kinases. They were originally described in 1995 by David Glover in the course of studies of mutant alleles characterized with unusual spindle pole configuration in Drosophila melanogaster. Thus far, three AKs A, B, and C have been discovered in human healthy and neoplastic cells. Each one locates in different subcellular locations and they are all nuclear proteins. AKs are playing an essential role in mitotic events such as monitoring of the mitotic checkpoint, creation of bipolar mitotic spindle and alignment of centrosomes on it, also regulating centrosome separation, bio-orientation of chromosomes and cytokinesis. Any inactivation of them can have catastrophic consequences on mitotic events of spindle formation, alignment of centrosomes and cytokinesis, resulting in apoptosis. Overexpression of AKs has been detected in diverse solid and hematological cancers and has been linked with a dismal prognosis. After discovery and identification of the first aurora kinase inhibitor (AKI) ZM447439 as a potential drug for targeted therapy in cancer treatment, approximately 30 AKIs have been introduced in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Gavriilidis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Theageneio Anticancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Giakoustidis
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Hippokrateion University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Giakoustidis
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Hippokrateion University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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12
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Aurora-A signaling is activated in advanced stage of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cancer and requires osteopontin to stimulate invasive behavior. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2243-62. [PMID: 24810160 PMCID: PMC4039160 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical significances, cellular effects, and molecular mechanisms by which Aurora-A mediate its invasive effects in HNSCC are still unclear. Here, we found that Aurora-A expression is significantly higher in tumor tissues on 14-microarray of HNSCC in Oncomine-databases. The activity of Aurora-A was not only found in HNSCC specimens, but also significantly correlated with advanced-T-classification, positive-N-classification, TNM-stage and the poor 5-year survival rate. HNSCC-microarray profile showed that osteopontin and Aurora-A exhibited positive correlation. Stimulation of HNC cells with osteopontin results in an increase in Aurora-A expression where localized at the centrosome. Functionally, Aurora-A had the abilities to stimulate cell motility in HNC cells through increase ERK1/2 activity under osteopontin stimulation. Conversely, depletion of Aurora-A expression by siRNAs suppressed ERK1/2 activity as well as inhibition of cell invasiveness. Treatment with anti-CD44 antibodies in HNC cells not only caused a decrease of mRNA/protein of Aurora-A and ERK1/2 activity upon osteopontin stimulation, but also affected the abilities of Aurora-A-elicited cell motility. Finally, immunohistochemical/Western-blotting analysis of human aggressive HNSCC specimens showed a significant positively correlation between osteopontin-Aurora-A and ERK1/2. These findings suggest that Aurora-A is not only an important prognostic factor but also a new therapeutic target in the osteopontin/CD44/ERK pathway for HNSCC treatment.
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13
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Aradottir M, Reynisdottir ST, Stefansson OA, Jonasson JG, Sverrisdottir A, Tryggvadottir L, Eyfjord JE, Bodvarsdottir SK. Aurora A is a prognostic marker for breast cancer arising in BRCA2 mutation carriers. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2014; 1:33-40. [PMID: 27499891 PMCID: PMC4858119 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of the Aurora A kinase has been shown to have prognostic value in breast cancer. Previously, we showed a significant association between AURKA gene amplification and BRCA2 mutation in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic impact of Aurora A overexpression on breast cancer arising in BRCA2 mutation carriers. Aurora A expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on breast tumour tissue microarrays from 107 BRCA2 999del5 mutation carriers and 284 of sporadic origin. Prognostic value of Aurora A nuclear staining was estimated in relation to clinical markers and adjuvant treatment, using multivariate Cox's proportional hazards ratio regression model. BRCA2 wild‐type allele loss was measured by TaqMan in BRCA2 mutated tumour samples. All statistical tests were two sided. Multivariate analysis of breast cancer‐specific survival, including proliferative markers and treatment, indicated independent prognostic value of Aurora A nuclear staining for BRCA2 mutation carriers (hazards ratio = 7.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.23–40.6; p = 0.028). Poor breast cancer‐specific survival of BRCA2 mutation carriers was found to be significantly associated with combined Aurora A nuclear expression and BRCA2 wild type allele loss in tumours (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated independent prognostic value of both positive Aurora A nuclear staining (hazards ratio = 10.09; 95% confidence interval = 1.19–85.4, p = 0.034) and BRCA2 wild type allele loss (hazards ratio = 9.63; 95% confidence interval = 1.81–51.0, p = 0.008) for BRCA2 mutation carriers. Aurora A nuclear expression was found to be a significant prognostic marker for BRCA2 mutation carriers, independent of clinical parameters and adjuvant treatment. Our conclusion is that treatment benefits for BRCA2 mutation carriers and sporadic breast cancer patients with Aurora A positive tumours may be enhanced by giving attention to Aurora A targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margret Aradottir
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland Reykjavik Iceland
| | - Sigridur T Reynisdottir
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland Reykjavik Iceland
| | - Olafur A Stefansson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland Reykjavik Iceland
| | - Jon G Jonasson
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Health Sciences, University of IcelandReykjavikIceland; Icelandic Cancer RegistryIcelandic Cancer SocietyReykjavikIceland; Department of PathologyNational University HospitalReykjavikIceland
| | | | - Laufey Tryggvadottir
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Health Sciences, University of IcelandReykjavikIceland; Icelandic Cancer RegistryIcelandic Cancer SocietyReykjavikIceland
| | - Jorunn E Eyfjord
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland Reykjavik Iceland
| | - Sigridur K Bodvarsdottir
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland Reykjavik Iceland
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14
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Lu L, Han H, Tian Y, Li W, Zhang J, Feng M, Li Y. Aurora kinase A mediates c-Myc's oncogenic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2014; 54:1467-79. [PMID: 25284017 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of c-Myc (Myc) has been shown to contribute to progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, however, the detailed molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we report that Myc binds to the Aurora kinase A (Aurka) promoter and induces expression of Aurka in HCC cells. Increased expression of Aurka correlates with that of Myc in HCC. Nuclear accumulation of Aurka was confirmed by subcellular protein fractionation and immunoblot experiments in HCC cells. Myc inhibition decreases the nuclear accumulation of Aurka in HCC cells. Also Aurka accumulating in the nucleus up-regulates Myc transcription by binding the Myc promoter containing the highly conserved CCCTCCCCA in the NHE region of the CpG islands. Inhibition of Myc or Aurka diminishes the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells by down-regulating some common target genes. Also Aurka and Myc mediates the effects of each other, at least partially, on proliferation, anchorage-independent soft agar growth, and ATP production. Blocking Aurka in an orthotopic model significantly impairs tumor growth in mice. These results identify a Myc-Aurka feedback loop in which Myc and Aurka regulate expression of each other at the transcriptional level and both play an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Han
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinxiang Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Wuhan Union Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Maohui Feng
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Youjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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15
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Mehra R, Serebriiskii IG, Burtness B, Astsaturov I, Golemis EA. Aurora kinases in head and neck cancer. Lancet Oncol 2013; 14:e425-35. [PMID: 23993387 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(13)70128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In healthy cells, controlled activation of aurora kinases regulates mitosis. Overexpression and hyperactivation of aurora kinases A and B have major roles in tumorigenesis, and can induce aneuploidy and genomic instability. In squamous-cell carcinomas of the head and neck, overexpression of aurora kinase A is associated with decreased survival, and a reduction in aurora kinase A and aurora kinase B expression inhibits cell growth and increases apoptosis. In this Review, we provide an overview of the biological functions of aurora kinases in healthy cells and in cancer cells, and we review small studies and high-throughput datasets that particularly implicate aurora kinase A in the pathogenesis of squamous-cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Early phase trials are beginning to assess the activity of small-molecule inhibitors of aurora kinases. We summarise trials of aurora kinase inhibitors in squamous-cell carcinomas of the head and neck, and discuss directions for future drug combination trials and biomarkers to use with drugs that inhibit aurora kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranee Mehra
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
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16
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Cui SY, Huang JY, Chen YT, Song HZ, Huang GC, De W, Wang R, Chen LB. The role of Aurora A in hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-promoting malignant phenotypes of hepatocelluar carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:2849-66. [PMID: 23966163 DOI: 10.4161/cc.25916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of both hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and Aurora A has been found in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether HIF-1α and Aurora A synergistically promote malignant phenotypes of HCC cells is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles and functional correlation of HIF-1α and Aurora A in HCC progression. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect HIF-1α and Aurora A protein expression in 55 primary HCC and corresponding non-tumor tissues and their clinical significance. Gene knockout technology using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knockdown expression of HIF-1α or Aurora A and analyze their effects on malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. The transcriptional regulation of Aurora A by HIF-1α and the possible downstream molecular signaling pathways were also determined. Results showed that hypoxia could induce the increased expression of HIF-1α and Aurora A in HCC cells. Also, shRNA-mediated HIF-1α downregulation could lead to the decreased Aurora A expression and inhibition of growth or invasion in HCC cells. Moreover, HIF-1α could transcriptionally regulate Aurora A expression by binding to hypoxia-responsive elements in the Aurora A promoter and recruiting the coactivator-p300/CBP. Additionally, shRNA-mediated Aurora A knockdown could mimic the effects of HIF-1α downregulation on phenotypes of HCC cells, and overexpression of Aurora A could partially rescue the phenotypical changes of HCC cells induced by HIF-1α downregulation. Further research indicated that activation of Akt and p38-MAPK signaling pathways mediated the downstream effects of HIF-1α and Aurora A in HCC cells under hypoxic condition. Taken together, our findings indicated that Aurora A might be a key regulator of HIF-1α-promoting malignant phenotypes of HCC by activation of Akt and p38-MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yun Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology; Jinling Hospital; School of Medicine; Nanjing University; Nanjing, PR China
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17
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Kao SY, Chen YP, Tu HF, Liu CJ, Yu AH, Wu CH, Chang KW. Nuclear STK15 expression is associated with aggressive behaviour of oral carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro. J Pathol 2010; 222:99-109. [PMID: 20597069 DOI: 10.1002/path.2737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. Chromosome 20q is a hotspot for gene amplification in OSCC and the serine/threonine kinase STK15 (also named Aurora-A) maps to 20q13. The amplification and over-expression of STK15 is common in neoplasia but the functional and clinical impact of STK15 in OSCC remains poorly understood. STK15 copy number is amplified in 12% of OSCCs and nuclear STK15 protein expression increases with tumour progression. In vivo elevated nuclear STK15 protein expression is significantly associated with the worse prognosis of OSCC patients. The combination of high nuclear STK15 and Ki-67 expression has a 2.55-fold hazard for cancer-associated mortality. In vitro knockdown of STK15 reduced the oncogenic phenotypes of OECM-1 cells. Injection of lentivirus carrying shRNA vectors against STK15 significantly reduced the growth of SAS xenografts on nude mice. Knockdown of STK15 also induced autophagy and apoptosis of OSCC cells. Our data provide evidence that STK15 is oncogenic for OSCC and that its nuclear expression is a predictor of clinical behaviour. Knockdown of STK15 could be a potential therapeutic option in OSCC and other tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Yen Kao
- School of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Okamoto M, Koga S, Tatsuka M. Differential regulation of caspase-9 by ionizing radiation- and UV-induced apoptotic pathways in thymic cells. Mutat Res 2010; 688:78-87. [PMID: 20346366 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In mouse thymic lymphoma 3SB cells bearing wild type p53, ionizing radiation (IR) and UV light are potent triggers of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. Although cytochrome c was released from mitochondria as expected, caspase-9 activation was not observed in UV-exposed cells. Laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis showed that caspase-9 is localized in an unusual punctuated pattern in UV-induced apoptotic cells. In agreement with differences in the status of caspase-9 activation between IR and UV, subcellular protein fractionation experiments showed that pro-apoptotic apoptosis protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1), normally a part of the apoptosome assembled in response to the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and B-cell lymphoma extra long (Bcl-xL), an inhibitor of the change in mitochondrial membrane permeability, were redistributed by the IR-exposure but not by the UV-exposure. Instead of the sequestration of the capase-9/apoptosome activation in UV-induced apoptotic cells, the extrinsic apoptotic signaling generated by caspase-8 activation and consequent activation of B-cell lymphoma extra long (Bid) to release cytochrome c from mitochondria was observed. Thus, the post-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway downstream of cytochrome c release cannot operate the apoptosome function in UV-induced apoptosis in thymic 3SB cells. The intracellular redistribution and sequestration of apoptosis-related proteins upon mitochondrion-based apoptotic signaling was identified as a novel cellular mechanism to respond to DNA damage in an agent type-specific manner. This finding suggests that the kind of the critical ultimate apoptosis-inducing DNA lesion complex form resulting from the agent-specific DNA damage responses is important to determine which of apoptosis signals would be activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Okamoto
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shoubara, Hiroshima 727-0023, Japan
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