Aurora B overexpression associates with the thyroid carcinoma undifferentiated phenotype and is required for thyroid carcinoma cell proliferation

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Feb;90(2):928-35. doi: 10.1210/jc.2004-1518. Epub 2004 Nov 23.

Abstract

Alterations in chromosome number (aneuploidy) are common in human neoplasias. Loss of mitotic regulation is believed to induce aneuploidy in cancer cells and act as a driving force during the malignant progression. The serine/theronine protein kinases of aurora family genes play a critical role in the regulation of key cell cycle processes. Aurora B mediates chromosome segregation by ensuring orientation of sister chromatids and overexpression of Aurora B in diploid human cells NHDF (normal human diploid fibroblast) induces multinuclearity. We analyzed Aurora B expression in human thyroid carcinomas. Cell lines originating from different histotypes showed an increase in Aurora B expression. Immunohistochemical analysis of archive samples showed a high expression of Aurora B in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas; conversely, Aurora B expression was not detectable in normal thyroid tissue. Real-time PCR analysis confirmed a strong expression of Aurora B in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. The block of Aurora B expression induced by RNA interference or by using an inhibitor of Aurora kinase activity significantly reduced the growth of thyroid anaplastic carcinoma cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Base Sequence
  • Carcinoma / enzymology
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Primers
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • AURKB protein, human
  • Aurkb protein, mouse
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases