Constitutive Phosphorylation of Aurora-A on Ser51 Induces Its Stabilization and Consequent Overexpression in Cancer
2007

Aur-A Stabilization in Cancer

Sample size: 9 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kitajima Shojiro, Kudo Yasusei, Ogawa Ikuko, Tatsuka Masaaki, Kawai Hidehiko, Pagano Michele, Takata Takashi

Primary Institution: Hiroshima University

Hypothesis

Aberration of the protein destruction system induces accumulation and consequently overexpression of Aur-A in cancer.

Conclusion

This study identifies a new mode of Aur-A overexpression in cancer through phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of its proteolysis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Aur-A protein was found to be overexpressed in head and neck cancer cells without gene amplification.
  • Phosphorylation on Ser51 was detected in head and neck cancer tissues with Aur-A protein overexpression.
  • Constitutive phosphorylation on Ser51 was observed in cancer cells, suggesting a mechanism for Aur-A stabilization.

Takeaway

In some cancers, a protein called Aur-A doesn't get broken down like it should, which makes it build up and can help cancer grow.

Methodology

The study involved examining the phosphorylation status of Aur-A in head and neck cancer cell lines and tissues, along with experiments to assess protein degradation and transformation potential.

Limitations

The study did not find a correlation between PP2A expression and Aur-A Ser51 phosphorylation status in cancer cell lines.

Participant Demographics

Head and neck cancer patients, with tissue samples collected from 9 cases.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0000944

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