### AURKA Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** AURKA  
**Location:** Chromosome 20  
**Function:** The AURKA gene encodes the Aurora kinase A protein, a serine/threonine kinase involved in regulating the cell cycle, particularly during mitosis. It is essential for proper mitotic spindle formation, microtubule stabilization, centrosome function, and chromosomal alignment.

### 1. Other Associated Genes
While the provided summaries mention several target proteins that AURKA phosphorylates, other genes known to interact or be associated with AURKA include:
- **AURKB** (Aurora Kinase B): Shares similar functions in mitosis and may have redundancies with AURKA.
- **CDK1** (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1): AURKA is critical for the activation of CDK1, which drives the cell cycle.
- **PLK1** (Polo-like Kinase 1): May interact with AURKA in regulating various phases of the cell cycle.
- **TP53** (Tumor Protein p53): AURKA negatively regulates the p53 pathway; mutations or dysregulation of TP53 can lead to cancer.
- **BRCA1** (Breast Cancer 1, Early Onset): Interaction with AURKA can be significant in DNA repair mechanisms.

### 2. Aging and Age-related Diseases
Research has shown that AURKA is involved in processes related to cellular senescence and the maintenance of genomic stability:
- **Aging**: Increased expression of AURKA has been linked to age-related cellular dysfunction, including impaired cell cycle regulation and increased genomic instability.
- **Cancer**: Overexpression of AURKA is frequently observed in various tumors, contributing to oncogenic transformation and cancer progression. It may play a role in age-related cancers due to its influence on mitotic regulation and chromosomal stability.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: Aberrant kinase activity of AURKA may be implicated in neurodegenerative diseases by affecting microtubule dynamics, which are crucial for neuronal function.

### 3. Drug Interactions
AURKA is a target for several small molecule inhibitors designed for cancer therapeutics:
- **MLN8237 (Alisertib)**: A selective AURKA inhibitor that is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers, including lymphomas and solid tumors.
- **Other drug classes**: Aurora kinase inhibitors are a developing class of cancer therapeutics, with various compounds currently in preclinical or clinical stages aimed at targeting AURKA and related kinases.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes Involved
AURKA is involved in several critical biological pathways:
- **Cell Cycle Regulation**: Key in the G2/M transition and mitosis.
- **Mitotic Spindle Assembly**: Plays a vital role in spindle assembly checkpoint mechanisms.
- **Microtubule Dynamics**: Critical for microtubule stabilization and organization during cell division.
- **Centrosome Cycle**: Required for centrosome duplication and function.
- **DNA Damage Response**: Modulates pathways involved in cellular responses to DNA damage.
- **Apoptosis/Survival Signaling**: Interacts with pathways that regulate apoptosis and cell survival, particularly in cancer contexts.

In summary, the AURKA gene is crucial for proper cell cycle regulation and mitotic progression, with significant implications in cancer biology and potential associations with aging and age-related diseases. Its interactions with various proteins and influence on cellular pathways highlight its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis.