Aurora A and B kinases as targets for cancer: will they be selective for tumors?

Aurora A and B kinases are closely related kinases involved in regulating separate points in the cell cycle. This review highlights the rationale for Aurora kinases as cancer targets and examines the currently known Aurora kinase inhibitors in the patent and scientific literature. The known crystal structures of the Aurora kinases are described with relevance to bound ligand interactions and the prospect of the generation of drug-resistant mutant forms. The potential for selectivity versus primary cells will also be discussed. The status of the inhibitors in clinical development is described.