Nuclear localisation of Aurora-A: its regulation and significance for Aurora-A functions in cancer.

The Aurora-A kinase regulates cell division, by controlling centrosome biology and spindle assembly. Cancer cells often display elevated levels of the kinase, due to amplification of the gene locus, increased transcription or post-translational modifications. Several inhibitors of Aurora-A activity have been developed as anti-cancer agents and are under evaluation in clinical trials. Although the well-known mitotic roles of Aurora-A point at chromosomal instability, a hallmark of cancer, as a major link between Aurora-A overexpression and disease, recent evidence highlights the existence of non-mitotic functions of potential relevance. Here we focus on a nuclear-localised fraction of Aurora-A with oncogenic roles. Interestingly, this pool would identify not only non-mitotic, but also kinase-independent functions of the kinase. We review existing data in the literature and databases, examining potential links between Aurora-A stabilisation and localisation, and discuss them in the perspective of a more effective targeting of Aurora-A in cancer therapy

Sensitivity and specificity of Epstein-Barr virus IgA titer in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A three-year institutional review

Background. IgA antibody titers to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (EBV IgA-VCA) and to the EBV early antigen (EBV IgA-EA) are used to screen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of EBV IgA-VCA and EBV IgA-EA titers in screening patients for NPC and in those diagnosed with NPC at our institution. Methods. NPC status was determined for all patients who had their EBV IgA-VCA and EBV-IgA EA titers measured over a 3-year period, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results. Five thousand one hundred ninety-six samples were analyzed. NPC was diagnosed in 215 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a raised EBV IgA-VCA titer (≥1:5) for diagnosing NPC were 89% and 80%, respectively, with a raised EbV IgA-EA titer (≥1:5) having a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 97%, respectively. Conclusions. Although the EBV IgA-VCA titer is sensitive for the diagnosis of NPC, it should not be used as the sole means of screening for NPC in a population in which NPC is endemic. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.link_to_subscribed_fulltex