Aurora A Protein Kinase: To the Centrosome and Beyond

Biomolecules. 2019 Jan 15;9(1):28. doi: 10.3390/biom9010028.

Abstract

Accurate chromosome segregation requires the perfect spatiotemporal rearrangement of the cellular cytoskeleton. Isolated more than two decades ago from Drosophila, Aurora A is a widespread protein kinase that plays key roles during cell division. Numerous studies have described the localisation of Aurora A at centrosomes, the mitotic spindle, and, more recently, at mitotic centromeres. In this review, we will summarise the cytoskeletal rearrangements regulated by Aurora A during cell division. We will also discuss the recent discoveries showing that Aurora A also controls not only the dynamics of the cortical proteins but also regulates the centromeric proteins, revealing new roles for this kinase during cell division.

Keywords: Aurora A protein kinase, centrosome, mitotic spindle, polarity, centromere, kinetochore, cohesion, transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aurora Kinase A / metabolism*
  • Centromere Protein A / metabolism
  • Centrosome / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Protein Kinase C / metabolism
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism

Substances

  • Centromere Protein A
  • Aurora Kinase A
  • Protein Kinase C