Researchers discover new insights into a key protein in cell division and cancer

A study, led by University of Leeds and University of Oxford, has revealed new knowledge about an enzyme involved in cancer treatment.

The enzyme, called Aurora-A, is currently used as drug target for some lung cancers because it plays an important role in controlling cell division.

These current cancer treatments work by blocking Aurora-A completely to stop cancer cells from duplicating and spreading, however, in doing so, they also stop Aurora-A from working in healthy cells too. This can lead to side effects for patients such as nausea and a reduced number of white blood cells, which are important in fighting infections.

Professor Richard Bayliss said "By understanding the mechanisms of Aurora-A, more precise and kinder treatments that eliminate cancer cells whilst sparing healthy cells could be developed."

Aurora-A is a type of enzyme called a kinase that modifies other proteins to control their activity.

A master controller of cell division, it organises the mitotic spindle, a structure that pulls apart chromosomes during the cell division process.

Without Aurora-A, the process would be chaotic, leading to errors that could cause diseases like cancer.

Read the full press release on the Faculty of Biological Sciences website.

Read CEP192 localises mitotic Aurora-A activity by priming its interaction with TPX2 on the EMBO website.