Aurora kinase A and ninein-interacting protein (AUNIP)

Aurora kinase A and ninein-interacting protein (AUNIP) is a DNA-binding protein that accumulates at sites of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) following damage and facilitates DNA end resection and homologous recombination repair, favoring repair via this pathway over nonhomologous end joining. It acts as a damage sensor, binding preferentially to DNA structures at stalled replication forks, and recruits CtIP to these sites. AUNIP is also important for the movement of Aurora kinase A at centrosomes and spindle apparatus, and participates in spindle pole organization during the cell cycle. Overexpression of AUNIP has been implicated in several cancers, correlating with poor prognosis and altered immune infiltration, and genetic studies suggest a role in conditions like young-onset hypertension.

Other names

AUNIPC1orf135AIBPAIBpMGC2603aurora kinase A- and ninein-interacting proteinaurora A-binding protein

For modulating AUNIP in therapeutic context (preclinical research): Inhibition or downregulation suppresses tumor cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest. Reduced function increases genomic instability by limiting homologous recombination. Altering its activity may change DNA repair pathway choice and therapy sensitivity for DNA-damaging agents.