Abstract: Background and purpose: Aurora-A is a member of serine/threonine kinase family. The abnormal expression of Aurora-A induces tumorigenesis and radioresistance. This study was aimed to investigate the association of Aurora-A with radioresistance. Methods: Capan-1 cells were treated with Aurora-A kinase inhibitor, and then used to test cell proliferation, anchorage independent assay, cell cycle, and cell cycle regulatory proteins. Treated cells were also used to detect cell apoptosis after γ-irradiation. Results: Cell growth and colony number in soft agar were decreased after treatment with Aurora-A inhibitor. Treatment of cells with Aurora-A inhibitor also down-regulated the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK2 and CDK6 to induce cell cycle arrest at G₁/S and G₂/M phases, but promoted cell apoptosis after γ-irradiation. Conclusion: Treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with Aurora-A kinase inhibitor blocks cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, and promotes sensitivity of cells to radiation. Thus, Aurora-A may be used as one of therapeutic targets to increase the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer radiotherapy.

Key words: Aurora-A, Pancreatic cancer, Radiosensitivity