Aurora B expression modulates paclitaxel response in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Taxanes are mitotic poisons widely used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, little is known about potential molecular modulators of response to these compounds. Aurora B (AURKB) is a critical regulator of the mitotic spindle assembly, previously shown overexpressed in NSCLC. Here we investigated the hypothesis that AURKB expression modulates the efficacy of taxanes in NSCLC cells. Methods: AURKB mRNA expression was determined by qPCR in 132 frozen NSCLC tissues and nine NSCLC cell lines. Aurora B expression was knocked down in cell lines using multiple shRNA constructs. Barasertib was used to specifically inhibit AURKB activity, determined by the level of H3S10 phosphorylation. Results: Frequent AURKB mRNA upregulation was observed in NSCLC tissues (P<0.0001), being more prominent in squamous carcinomas (P<0.0001). Aurora B expression in cell lines strongly correlated with sensitivity to both docetaxel (P = 0.004) and paclitaxel (P = 0.007). Aurora B knockdown derivatives consistently showed a dose-dependent association between low-AURKB expression and resistance to paclitaxel. Specific chemical inhibition of Aurora B activity also demonstrated a strong dose-dependent efficiency in triggering paclitaxel resistance. Conclusions: Aurora B activity is an important modulator of taxane response in NSCLC cells. This may lead to further insights into taxane sensitivity of NSCLC tumours.