Overexpression of
Aurora kinase A (
AURKA) is frequently observed in various
cancers, including
laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We investigated the effects of knockdown of
AURKA on
laryngeal cancer HEp-2 cells both in vitro and in vivo. A plasmid containing short hairpin (sh)
RNA against
AURKA was constructed and transfected into HEp-2. Measurements included the
CCK-8 assay for viability and proliferation, flow cytometry for apoptosis and effects on the mitotic checkpoint, a trans-well assay for migration, immunofluorescence for assessment of
genomic instability, and western blotting for
protein expression.
AURKA knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and colony formation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. The knockdown induced the accumulation of cells in G2-M phase and eventual apoptosis. Knockdown of
AURKA caused delayed entry into mitosis
after treatment with
nocodazole, reduced
chromosomal instability, and decreased expression of
focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphorylated FAK, and
matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), key regulators in cell adhesion and invasion. Knockdown of
AURKA inhibits the growth and invasiveness of this LSCC cell line both in vitro and in vivo. These effects may partially result from the reduced expression of FAK and MMP-2. Knockdown of
AURKA expression may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of LSCC.