Control of Centrin Stability by Aurora A
2011

Aurora A and Centrin Interaction in Cell Division

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kara B. Lukasiewicz, Tammy M. Greenwood, Vivian C. Negron, Amy K. Bruzek, Jeffrey L. Salisbury, Wilma L. Lingle

Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America

Hypothesis

Posttranslational centrin modifications driven by Aurora A regulate its stability and abundance.

Conclusion

Aurora A regulates the stability of centrin, and excess phosphorylated centrin may promote centrosome amplification in cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Aurora A and phospho-centrin localize at the centrosome during mitosis.
  • Phosphorylation of centrin at serine 170 is necessary for its stability.
  • Cells expressing a centrin mutant that mimics phosphorylation show increased stability and centrosome amplification.
  • Over-expression of Aurora A leads to centrosome amplification.
  • Phospho-centrin levels are highest during prophase and metaphase.

Takeaway

Aurora A helps keep centrin stable during cell division, and when centrin is too stable, it can lead to problems like extra centrosomes, which are often seen in cancer.

Methodology

The study used immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, Western blotting, and in vitro kinase assays to analyze the interaction between Aurora A and centrin.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on HeLa cells, which may not fully represent other cell types.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.027

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021291

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