Polymorphisms of the AURKA (STK15/Aurora Kinase) Gene and Breast Cancer Risk (United States)

Cancer Causes Control. 2006 Feb;17(1):81-3. doi: 10.1007/s10552-005-0429-9.

Abstract

AURKA is an important protein in the regulation of G2 to M transition during mitosis. Due to this regulatory function, it has been hypothesized to be a potential cancer susceptibility gene. Two non-synonymous polymorphisms (F31I and V57I) have been associated with breast cancer risk in prior studies. We sought to confirm these findings in a large case control study nested within a prospective cohort, the Nurses' Health Study. Post-menopausal women who were homozygous for the 31I and 57V alleles had an increased risk of invasive breast cancer (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.08-2.45). We also performed a meta-analysis to summarize the findings of this and prior studies of association between the F31I polymorphism and breast cancer risk (Summary OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08-1.53, p-heterogeneity = 0.29). These results confirm prior findings that AURKA represents a low penetrance breast cancer susceptibility gene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Aurora Kinase A
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • AURKA protein, human
  • Aurora Kinase A
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases