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Ingebriktsen LM, Humlevik ROC, Svanøe AA, Sæle AKM, Winge I, Toska K, Kalvenes MB, Davidsen B, Heie A, Knutsvik G, Askeland C, Stefansson IM, Hoivik EA, Akslen LA, Wik E. Elevated expression of Aurora-A/AURKA in breast cancer associates with younger age and aggressive features. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:126. [PMID: 39198859 PMCID: PMC11360479 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is reported to be overexpressed in breast cancer. In addition to its role in regulating cell cycle and mitosis, studies have reported AURKA involvements in oncogenic signaling in suppressing BRCA1 and BRCA2. We aimed to characterize AURKA protein and mRNA expression in a breast cancer cohort of the young, investigating its relation to clinico-pathologic features and survival, and exploring age-related AURKA-associated biological processes. METHODS Aurora kinase A immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue microarrays of primary tumors from an in-house breast cancer cohort (n = 355) with information on clinico-pathologic data, molecular markers, and long and complete follow-up. A subset of the in-house cohort (n = 127) was studied by the NanoString Breast Cancer 360 expression panel for exploration of mRNA expression. METABRIC cohorts < 50 years at breast cancer diagnosis (n = 368) were investigated for differentially expressed genes and enriched gene sets in AURKA mRNA high tumors stratified by age. Differentially expressed genes and gene sets were investigated using network analyses and g:Profiler. RESULTS High Aurora kinase A protein expression associated with aggressive clinico-pathologic features, a basal-like subtype, and high risk of recurrence score. These patterns were confirmed using mRNA data. High AURKA gene expression demonstrated independent prognostic value when adjusted for traditional clinico-pathologic features and molecular subtypes. Notably, high AURKA expression significantly associated with reduced disease-specific survival within patients below 50 years, also within the luminal A subtype. Tumors of high AURKA expression showed gene expression patterns reflecting increased DNA damage activation and higher BRCAness score. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate higher AURKA expression in young breast cancer, and associations between high Aurora-A/AURKA and aggressive tumor features, including higher tumor cell proliferation, and shorter survival, in the young. Our findings point to AURKA as a marker for increased DNA damage and DNA repair deficiency and suggest AURKA as a biomarker of clinical relevance in young breast cancer.
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Grants
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- F-12143 Helse Vest Research Fund
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- 223250 University of Bergen, Research Council of Norway, Center of Excellence funding scheme
- University of Bergen (incl Haukeland University Hospital)
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Ingebriktsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - R O C Humlevik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - A A Svanøe
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - A K M Sæle
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - I Winge
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - K Toska
- Section for Cancer Genomics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - M B Kalvenes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - B Davidsen
- Department of Surgery, Section for Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Heie
- Department of Surgery, Section for Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - G Knutsvik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - C Askeland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - I M Stefansson
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - E A Hoivik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - L A Akslen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - E Wik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Sankhe K, Prabhu A, Khan T. Design strategies, SAR, and mechanistic insight of Aurora kinase inhibitors in cancer. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:73-93. [PMID: 33934503 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aurora kinases (AURKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases that play a critical role during cell proliferation. Three isoforms of AURKs reported in mammals include AURKA, AURKB, AURKC, and all share a similar C-terminal catalytic domain with differences in their subcellular location, substrate specificity, and function. Recent research reports indicate an elevated expression of these kinases in several cancer types highlighting their role as oncogenes in tumorigenesis. Inhibition of AURKs is an attractive strategy to design potent inhibitors modulating this target. The last few years have witnessed immense research in the development of AURK inhibitors with few FDA approvals. The current clinical therapeutic regime in cancer is associated with severe side-effects and emerging resistance to existing drugs. This has been the key driver of research initiatives toward designing more potent drugs that can potentially circumvent the emerging resistance. This review is a comprehensive summary of recent research on AURK inhibitors and presents the development of scaffolds, their synthetic schemes, structure-activity relationships, biological activity, and enzyme inhibition potential. We hope to provide the reader with an array of scaffolds that can be selected for further research work and mechanistic studies in the development of new AURK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaksha Sankhe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
| | - Arati Prabhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Quality Assurance, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
| | - Tabassum Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Quality Assurance, Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
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Byrum AK, Vindigni A, Mosammaparast N. Defining and Modulating 'BRCAness'. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:740-751. [PMID: 31362850 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The concept of 'BRCAness' defines the pathogenesis and vulnerability of multiple cancers. The canonical definition of BRCAness is a defect in homologous recombination repair, mimicking BRCA1 or BRCA2 loss. In turn, BRCA-deficient cells utilize error-prone DNA-repair pathways, causing increased genomic instability, which may be responsible for their sensitivity to DNA damaging agents and poly-(ADP)-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis). However, recent work has expanded the mechanistic basis of BRCAness, to include defects in replication fork protection (RFP). Here, we broaden the definition of BRCAness to include RFP and regulatory mechanisms that cause synthetic lethality with PARPis. We highlight these recent discoveries, which include mechanisms of RFP regulation, DNA damage checkpoint proteins, as well as kinases that regulate BRCA1/2 function. Importantly, many of these emerging mechanisms may be targeted for inhibition with small molecule inhibitors, thus inducing BRCAness in a much larger subset of BRCA-proficient tumors, with significant translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Byrum
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alessandro Vindigni
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Nima Mosammaparast
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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4
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Tang A, Gao K, Chu L, Zhang R, Yang J, Zheng J. Aurora kinases: novel therapy targets in cancers. Oncotarget 2017; 8:23937-23954. [PMID: 28147341 PMCID: PMC5410356 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinases, a family of serine/threonine kinases, consisting of Aurora A (AURKA), Aurora B (AURKB) and Aurora C (AURKC), are essential kinases for cell division via regulating mitosis especially the process of chromosomal segregation. Besides regulating mitosis, Aurora kinases have been implicated in regulating meiosis. The deletion of Aurora kinases could lead to failure of cell division and impair the embryonic development. Overexpression or gene amplification of Aurora kinases has been clarified in a number of cancers. And a growing number of studies have demonstrated that inhibition of Aurora kinases could potentiate the effect of chemotherapies. For the past decades, a series of Aurora kinases inhibitors (AKIs) developed effectively repress the progression and growth of many cancers both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that Aurora kinases could be a novel therapeutic target. In this review, we'll first briefly present the structure, localization and physiological functions of Aurora kinases in mitosis, then describe the oncogenic role of Aurora kinases in tumorigenesis, we shall finally discuss the outcomes of AKIs combination with conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqun Tang
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Jiangsu, China
| | - Keyu Gao
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Jiangsu, China
| | - Laili Chu
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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5
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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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6
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Zheng XQ, Guo JP, Yang H, Kanai M, He LL, Li YY, Koomen JM, Minton S, Gao M, Ren XB, Coppola D, Cheng JQ. Aurora-A is a determinant of tamoxifen sensitivity through phosphorylation of ERα in breast cancer. Oncogene 2014; 33:4985-96. [PMID: 24166501 PMCID: PMC4002670 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the clinical success of tamoxifen, its resistance remains a major challenge in breast cancer. Here we show that Aurora-A determines tamoxifen sensitivity by regulation of oestrogen receptor (ER)α. Ectopic expression of Aurora-A decreases and depletion of Aurora-A enhances tamoxifen sensitivity in ERα-positive breast cancer. Elevated Aurora-A was significantly associated with the recurrence of ERα-positive tumours. Notably, Aurora-A inhibitor MLN8237, which is currently in clinical trial, synergizes with tamoxifen and overcomes tamoxifen resistance. Furthermore, Aurora-A interacts with and phosphorylates ERα on serine-167 and -305, leading to increase in ERα DNA-binding and transcriptional activity. Elevated levels of Aurora-A are significantly associated with disease-free survival in ERα-positive but not ERα-negative breast cancers. These data suggest that Aurora-A has a pivotal role in tamoxifen resistance and ERα is a bona fide substrate of Aurora-A. Thus, Aurora-A represents a prognostic marker in ERα-positive tumour and a critical therapeutic target in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer, and Aurora-A inhibitor could be used as either an independent or concurrent agent in tamoxifen-resistant tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- XQ Zheng
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumour, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Oncology Key Laboratory of cancer prevention and therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China, 300060
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Oncology Key Laboratory of cancer prevention and therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China, 300060
| | - JP Guo
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - H Yang
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - M Kanai
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - LL He
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - YY Li
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - JM. Koomen
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - S. Minton
- Department of Women’s Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - M Gao
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumour, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Oncology Key Laboratory of cancer prevention and therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China, 300060
| | - XB Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Oncology Key Laboratory of cancer prevention and therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China, 300060
| | - D Coppola
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - JQ Cheng
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
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Yang G, Mercado-Uribe I, Multani AS, Sen S, Shih IM, Wong KK, Gershenson DM, Liu J. RAS promotes tumorigenesis through genomic instability induced by imbalanced expression of Aurora-A and BRCA2 in midbody during cytokinesis. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:275-85. [PMID: 23319376 PMCID: PMC3883442 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene RAS is known to induce genomic instability, leading to cancer development; the underlying mechanism, however, remains poorly understood. To better understand how RAS functions, we measured the activity of the functionally related genes Aurora-A and BRCA2 in ovarian cancer cell lines and tumor samples containing RAS mutations. We found that Aurora-A and BRCA2 inversely controlled RAS-associated genomic instability and ovarian tumorigenesis through regulation of cytokinesis and polyploidization. Overexpression of mutated RAS ablated BRCA2 expression but induced Aurora-A accumulation at the midbody, leading to abnormal cytokinesis and ultimately chromosomal instability via polyploidy in cancer cells. RAS regulates the expression of Aurora-A and BRCA2 through dysregulated protein expression of farnesyl protein transferase β and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. Our results suggest that the imbalance in expression of Aurora-A and BRCA2 regulates RAS-induced genomic instability and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Yang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Imelda Mercado-Uribe
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Asha S. Multani
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Subrata Sen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Department of Gynecologic Pathology, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21209, USA
| | - Kwong-Kwok Wong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David M Gershenson
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
Aurora kinases play an important role in the control of the cell cycle and have been implicated in tumourigenesis in a number of cancers. Among the haematological malignancies, overexpression of Aurora kinases has been reported in acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, multiple myeloma, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. A large number of Aurora kinase inhibitors are currently in different stages of clinical development. In addition to varying in their selectivity for the different Aurora kinases, some also have activity directed at other cellular kinases involved in important molecular pathways in cancer cells. This review summarizes the biology of Aurora kinases and discusses why they may be good therapeutic targets in different haematological cancers. We describe preclinical data that has served as the rationale for investigating Aurora kinase inhibitors in different haematological malignancies, and summarize published results from early phase clinical trials. While the anti-tumour effects of Aurora kinase inhibitors appear promising, we highlight important issues for future clinical research and suggest that the optimal use of these inhibitors is likely to be in combination with cytotoxic agents already in use for the treatment of various haematological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif S Farag
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 840 Westr Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Steinarsdottir M, Gudmundsson IH, Jonasson JG, Olafsdottir EJ, Eyfjörd JE, Ogmundsdottir HM. Cytogenetic polyclonality of breast carcinomas: association with clinico-pathological characteristics and outcome. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2011; 50:930-9. [PMID: 21910159 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Routinely used prognostic factors fail to predict clinical outcome in a significant proportion of breast cancer patients, implying that they can not detect some important biological characteristics. Chromosomal changes have been described in breast carcinomas for many years but their significance is not clear. We compared chromosomal changes with clinico-pathological characteristics and clinical outcome in 203 breast cancer patients with a follow-up of 9-18 years. Combining data from classical cytogenetics and flow cytometry revealed chromosomal abnormalities in 142 cases (70%). Of these, 51 (35.9%) contained two or more cytogenetically abnormal clones. Polyclonality was significantly associated with poor breast-cancer-specific survival (P = 0.03) within 5 years, independent of tumor size, lymph node metastases, and hormone receptors. Specific changes were similar to those previously described, but a new finding was a significant association between del 3p12p21 and poor survival. Polyclonality was significantly associated with TP53-mutations but not with a germline BRCA2 mutation. Less than one third of the polyclonal samples were identified by flow cytometry alone. Cytogenetic changes were detected in 17 out of 114 samples from non-tumorous tissue (15%), two of them identical with a clone in the corresponding tumor. Several samples contained clearly unrelated clones within the tumor and outside, implying either multifocal origin or early divergence. In conclusion, the common deletion on Chromosome 3p12p21 was associated with poor clinical outcome. Chromosomal polyclonality is common in breast carcinomas and predicts poor survival. Polyclonality was poorly detected by one-sample flow cytometry. Multiple sampling might improve the detection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margret Steinarsdottir
- Chromosome Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
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p53: guardian of ploidy. Mol Oncol 2011; 5:315-23. [PMID: 21852209 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy, often preceded by tetraploidy, is one of the hallmarks of solid tumors. Indeed, both aneuploidy and tetraploidy are oncogenic occurrences that are sufficient to drive neoplastic transformation and cancer progression. True to form, the tumor suppressor p53 obstructs propagation of these dangerous chromosomal events by either instigating irreversible cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. The tumor suppressor Lats2, along with other tumor inhibitory proteins such as BRCA1/2 and BubR1, are central to p53-dependent elimination of tetraploid cells. Not surprisingly, these proteins are frequently inactivated or downregulated in tumors, synergizing with p53 inactivation to establish an atmosphere of "tolerance" for a non-diploid state.
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Vidarsdottir L, Steingrimsdottir G, Bodvarsdottir SK, Ogmundsdottir HM, Eyfjord JE. Sensitivity of BRCA2 mutated human cell lines to Aurora kinase inhibition. Invest New Drugs 2010; 30:425-34. [PMID: 20960027 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-010-9566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aurora kinases play a vital part in successful mitosis and cell division. Aberrant Aurora-A and -B expression is commonly seen in various types of tumors. Small molecule Aurora inhibitors have already entered clinical trials. Aurora-A amplification has been shown to be associated with breast tumors from BRCA2-mutation carriers and such patients might therefore be candidates for treatment with Aurora kinase inhibitors. There is a need to identify markers that can predict sensitivity to Aurora inhibition. In this study sensitivity to the inhibitor ZM447439 was tested on a panel of 15 non-malignant and malignant epithelial cell lines that differed with respect to BRCA2 and p53 status and related to level of Aurora kinase expression. The IC(50) value for cell survival ranged from 1.9-8.1 μM and was not related to presence or absence of BRCA2 mutation. The levels of Aurora-A and -B expression correlated with each other but sensitivity towards ZM447439 did not correlate with levels of Aurora-A and -B mRNA expression, alone. Cells treated with the Aurora kinase inhibitor completed mitosis but cytokinesis was inhibited resulting in polyploidy and multinucleation. Different levels of polyploidy could not be fully explained by defects in p53. Only cell lines with a combination of high Aurora-A and -B expression, BRCA2 mutation and p53 defects showed more sensitivity towards Aurora inhibition than other cell lines. In conclusion, BRCA2-mutated cells showed variable sensitivity towards Aurora kinase inhibition. The level of sensitivity could not be predicted by Aurora expression levels alone but BRCA2 mutated tumors with high Aurora expression and non-functional p53 are likely candidates for treatment with Aurora inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vidarsdottir
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Holstege H, van Beers E, Velds A, Liu X, Joosse SA, Klarenbeek S, Schut E, Kerkhoven R, Klijn CN, Wessels LFA, Nederlof PM, Jonkers J. Cross-species comparison of aCGH data from mouse and human BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutated breast cancers. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:455. [PMID: 20735817 PMCID: PMC2940799 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genomic gains and losses are a result of genomic instability in many types of cancers. BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutated breast cancers are associated with increased amounts of chromosomal aberrations, presumably due their functions in genome repair. Some of these genomic aberrations may harbor genes whose absence or overexpression may give rise to cellular growth advantage. So far, it has not been easy to identify the driver genes underlying gains and losses. A powerful approach to identify these driver genes could be a cross-species comparison of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) data from cognate mouse and human tumors. Orthologous regions of mouse and human tumors that are commonly gained or lost might represent essential genomic regions selected for gain or loss during tumor development. Methods To identify genomic regions that are associated with BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutated breast cancers we compared aCGH data from 130 mouse Brca1Δ/Δ;p53Δ/Δ, Brca2Δ/Δ;p53Δ/Δ and p53Δ/Δ mammary tumor groups with 103 human BRCA1-mutated, BRCA2-mutated and non-hereditary breast cancers. Results Our genome-wide cross-species analysis yielded a complete collection of loci and genes that are commonly gained or lost in mouse and human breast cancer. Principal common CNAs were the well known MYC-associated gain and RB1/INTS6-associated loss that occurred in all mouse and human tumor groups, and the AURKA-associated gain occurred in BRCA2-related tumors from both species. However, there were also important differences between tumor profiles of both species, such as the prominent gain on chromosome 10 in mouse Brca2Δ/Δ;p53Δ/Δ tumors and the PIK3CA associated 3q gain in human BRCA1-mutated tumors, which occurred in tumors from one species but not in tumors from the other species. This disparity in recurrent aberrations in mouse and human tumors might be due to differences in tumor cell type or genomic organization between both species. Conclusions The selection of the oncogenome during mouse and human breast tumor development is markedly different, apart from the MYC gain and RB1-associated loss. These differences should be kept in mind when using mouse models for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henne Holstege
- Division of Molecular Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Yang G, Chang B, Yang F, Guo X, Cai KQ, Xiao XS, Wang H, Sen S, Hung MC, Mills GB, Chang S, Multani AS, Mercado-Uribe I, Liu J. Aurora kinase A promotes ovarian tumorigenesis through dysregulation of the cell cycle and suppression of BRCA2. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:3171-81. [PMID: 20423983 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-3171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aurora kinase A (Aurora-A) is known to regulate genomic instability and tumorigenesis in multiple human cancers. The underlying mechanism, however, is not fully understood. We examined the molecular mechanism of Aurora-A regulation in human ovarian cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Retrovirus-mediated small hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to silence the expression of Aurora-A in the ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3, OVCA432, and OVCA433. Immunofluorescence, Western blotting, flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis, and animal assay were used to test centrosome amplification, cell cycle alteration, apoptosis, DNA damage response, tumor growth, and genomic instability. Immunostaining of BRCA2 and Aurora-A was done in ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and colon cancer samples. RESULTS Knockdown of Aurora-A reduced centrosome amplification, malformation of mitotic spindles, and chromosome aberration, leading to decreased tumor growth. Silencing Aurora-A attenuated cell cycle progression and enhanced apoptosis and DNA damage response by restoring p21, pRb, and BRCA2 expression. Aurora-A was inversely correlated with BRCA2 in high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. In high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma, positive expression of BRCA2 predicted increased overall and disease-free survival, whereas positive expression of Aurora-A predicted poor overall and disease-free survival (P < 0.05). Moreover, an increased Aurora-A to BRCA2 expression ratio predicted poor overall survival (P = 0.047) compared with a decreased Aurora-A to BRCA2 expression ratio. CONCLUSION Aurora-A regulates genomic instability and tumorigenesis through cell cycle dysregulation and BRCA2 suppression. The negative correlation between Aurora-A and BRCA2 exists in multiple cancers, whereas the expression ratio of Aurora-A to BRCA2 predicts ovarian cancer patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gong Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Lukasiewicz KB, Lingle WL. Aurora A, centrosome structure, and the centrosome cycle. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2009; 50:602-619. [PMID: 19774610 DOI: 10.1002/em.20533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The centrosome, also known as the microtubule organizing center of the cell, is a membrane-less organelle composed of a pair of barrel-shaped centrioles surrounded by electron-dense pericentriolar material. The centrosome progresses through the centrosome cycle in step with the cell cycle such that centrosomes are duplicated in time to serve as the spindle poles during mitosis and that each resultant daughter cell contains a single centrosome. Regulation of the centrosome cycle with relation to the cell cycle is an essential process to maintain the ratio of one centrosome per new daughter cell. Numerous mitosis-specific kinases have been implicated in this regulation, and phosphorlyation plays an important role in coordinating the centrosome and cell cycles. Centrosome amplification can occur when the cycles are uncoupled, and this amplification is associated with cancer and with an increase in the levels of chromosomal instability. The aurora kinases A, B, and C are serine/threonine kinases that are active during mitosis. Aurora A is associated with centrosomes, being localized at the centrosome just prior to the onset of mitosis and for the duration of mitosis. Overexpression of aurora A leads to centrosome amplification and cellular transformation. The activity of aurora A is regulated by phosphorlyation and proteasomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara B Lukasiewicz
- Section on Cell Cycle Regulation, Program in Cellular Regulation and Metabolism, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Venkitaraman AR. Linking the Cellular Functions ofBRCAGenes to Cancer Pathogenesis and Treatment. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2009; 4:461-87. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev.pathol.3.121806.151422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok R. Venkitaraman
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, and the Medical Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Center, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, United Kingdom;
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Bodvarsdóttir SK, Steinarsdóttir M, Hilmarsdóttir H, Jónasson JG, Eyfjörd JE. MYC amplification and TERT expression in breast tumor progression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 176:93-9. [PMID: 17656250 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergencyto.2007.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/02/2007] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complex roles of genomic instability, MYC oncogene amplification, activation of telomerase, and p53 function still remain to be fully described in breast tumors. MYC stimulates the telomerase catalytic subunit, TERT, which interacts with p53. Oncogene MYC amplification analysis was performed on 27 paraffin-embedded breast tumor samples by fluorescence in situ hybridization, selected on the basis of chromosomal instability. TERT immunostaining was performed on a larger group of breast tumor sections. All tumor samples were analyzed for TP53 mutation, genomic index, S-phase fraction, and pathological stages. Amplification of MYC was detected in 16 of 27 tumors (59%) and found to be associated with TNM stages I and II (P = 0.018), genomic index > 1.5 (P = 0.033), and S-phase fraction > 5% (P = 0.020). No association was found between MYC amplification and TERT immunostaining or TP53 mutations. Analysis of TERT in 103 primary breast tumors showed > 50% nuclei immunostaining in 58% of cases. High TERT immunostaining associated with genomic index > 1.5 (P = 0.017), high S-phase fraction (P = 0.056), and TP53 mutations (P = 0.030). No association was found between TERT staining and TNM stages. This study supports early involvement of MYC amplification in breast tumor progression. Both MYC amplification and TERT expression appear to be associated with high genomic instability and proliferation. TERT association with TP53 mutations indicates that TERT activity is downregulated by functional p53 protein in breast tumors.
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Gautschi O, Heighway J, Mack PC, Purnell PR, Lara PN, Gandara DR. Aurora kinases as anticancer drug targets. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:1639-48. [PMID: 18347165 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-2179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The human aurora family of serine-threonine kinases comprises three members, which act in concert with many other proteins to control chromosome assembly and segregation during mitosis. Aurora dysfunction can cause aneuploidy, mitotic arrest, and cell death. Aurora kinases are strongly expressed in a broad range of cancer types. Aurora A expression in tumors is often associated with gene amplification, genetic instability, poor histologic differentiation, and poor prognosis. Aurora B is frequently expressed at high levels in a variety of tumors, often coincidently with aurora A, and expression level has also been associated with increased genetic instability and clinical outcome. Further, aurora kinase gene polymorphisms are associated with increased risk or early onset of cancer. The expression of aurora C in cancer is less well studied. In recent years, several small-molecule aurora kinase inhibitors have been developed that exhibit preclinical activity against a wide range of solid tumors. Preliminary clinical data from phase I trials have largely been consistent with cytostatic effects, with disease stabilization as the best response achieved in solid tumors. Objective responses have been noted in leukemia patients, although this might conceivably be due to inhibition of the Abl kinase. Current challenges include the optimization of drug administration, the identification of potential biomarkers of tumor sensitivity, and combination studies with cytotoxic drugs. Here, we summarize the most recent preclinical and clinical data and discuss new directions in the development of aurora kinase inhibitors as antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Gautschi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Bodvarsdottir SK, Vidarsdottir L, Eyfjord JE. AURKA and Breast Cancer in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007; 16:2517. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-07-0669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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