Overview:

AURORA B is a member of the Aurora kinase family that associates with microtubules during chromosome movement and segregation. AURORA B localizes to the microtubules near kinetochores, specifically to the specialized microtubules called K-fibers (1). AURORA B inhibits the microtubule depolymerizing activity of mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK) by phosphorylating MCAK on Ser92 (2). This phosphorylation also regulates MCAK translocalization from kinetochores to the centromere. AURORA B has been identified as a target for the development of new anticancer agents since inhibition of AURORA B gives rise to the more pronounced antiproliferative phenotype.

References:

1. Shannon, K B. et al: Chromosome dynamics: new light on Aurora B kinase function. Curr Biol. 2002 Jul 9;12(13):R458-60.2. Andrews, P. D. et al: Aurora B regulates MCAK at the mitotic centromere. Dev. Cell 6: 253-268, 2004.