Aurora-C and Aurora-B share phosphorylation and regulation of CENP-A and Borealin during mitosis

Cell Cycle. 2008 Mar 15;7(6):787-95. doi: 10.4161/cc.7.6.5563. Epub 2008 Mar 4.

Abstract

Aurora-B and -C kinases are members of the Aurora serine/threonine kinase family of mitotic regulators. Aurora-B kinase is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans and has multiple functions in chromosome condensation, cohesion, biorientation and in cytokinesis. In contrast, Aurora-C kinase has only been found in mammals, is upregulated in some tumor cell lines and tissues, and has a unique physiological role in spermiogenesis. Despite these known functions, little is known about the function of Aurora-C in mitosis. We have found that Aurora-C interacts with Borealin in addition to the other known members of the Aurora-B chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). We have also found that Aurora-C, like Aurora-B, phosphorylates the centromeric histone Centromere Protein-A (CENP-A) and Borealin in vitro. These molecular mechanisms are consistent with our observation that in the absence of Aurora-B, Aurora-C is sufficient for proper mitotic phosphorylation of CENP-A and centromeric localization of the CPC proteins. Thus, Aurora-C shares Aurora-B substrates and is capable of performing mitotic functions previously attributed only to Aurora-B.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinase C
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Autoantigens / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Centromere / physiology
  • Centromere Protein A
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism*
  • Chromosome Segregation / physiology
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • CDCA8 protein, human
  • CENPA protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Centromere Protein A
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • AURKB protein, human
  • AURKC protein, human
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinase C
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases