Aurora A kinase also known as serine/threonine-protein kinase 6 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the AURKA gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a cell cycle-regulated kinase that appears to be involved in microtubule formation and/or stabilization at the spindle pole during chromosome segregation. The encoded protein is found at the centrosome in interphase cells and at the spindle poles in mitosis. This gene may play a role in tumor development and progression. A processed pseudogene of this gene has been found on chromosome 1, and an unprocessed pseudogene has been found on chromosome 10. Multiple transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq].
Contributes to the regulation of cell cycle progression. Required for normal mitosis. Associates with the centrosome and the spindle microtubules during mitosis and functions in centrosome maturation, spindle assembly, maintenance of spindle bipolarity, centrosome separation and mitotic checkpoint control. Phosphorylates numerous target proteins, including ARHGEF2, BRCA1, KIF2A, NDEL1, PARD3, PLK1 and BORA. Regulates KIF2A tubulin depolymerase activity (By similarity). Required for normal axon formation. Plays a role in microtubule remodeling during neurite extension. Important for microtubule formation and/or stabilization.