Aurora kinase A pseudogene 1 (AURKAP1)

Aurora kinase A pseudogene 1 is a human pseudogene located on chromosome 1q41. It is transcribed as a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and shares sequence similarity with the protein-coding Aurora kinase A gene. While it does not produce a functional kinase enzyme, AURKAP1 is upregulated in several cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Higher expression levels are associated with increased genome instability, aggressive tumor phenotype, and worse response to radiotherapy. AURKAP1 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA, sponging microRNAs such as miR-182, miR-155, and miR-142, thereby influencing cell cycle regulation, DNA repair pathways, cell proliferation, and tumor invasion. Current evidence supports its potential utility as a molecular diagnostic or prognostic biomarker, but it is not considered a direct therapeutic target due to its pseudogene status.

Other names

AurAps1AURKAPS1STK6P

Drugs do not directly target this pseudogene; its functional impact is via regulation of gene expression and interaction with microRNAs (e.g., sponging miR-182, miR-155, and miR-142).