Editorial: Aurora Kinases: Classical Mitotic Roles, Non-Canonical Functions and Translational Views

Abstract

Aurora kinases are key mitotic regulators that have also been associated with tumor development and progression. The interest on this highly conserved family of protein kinases has grown exponentially since they were discovered in the 1990s. Despite the steady increase in the number of laboratories involved and the consequent boost of the volume of research output during the last years, the study of Aurora kinases remains a very dynamic area in which new discoveries frequently keep coming to light. From a clinical perspective, the interest on Aurora kinase biology stems from their identification as targets for drug development; an increasing number of Aurora kinase inhibitors are being tested in preclinical projects and clinical trials. In this Frontiers Research Topic, we have aimed to not only review and revisit different aspects of the functions and regulation of Aurora kinases but also provide a forum for the publication of new developments in the field. We have been privileged to count on contributions from authors and reviewers that include some of the most experienced voices in our research area. In their introductory article to the Research Topic, two old-timers in the field, David Glover and Bill Earnshaw, have provided a historical perspective of Aurora Kinase research. By looking at the field's origin using genetic screens in Drosophila and yeast and cell biological studies in vertebrates that led to the identification of Aurora kinases and their partner proteins, the authors give us a unique first witness account of the development of the field (Carmena et al.).

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