Abstract
Background: Aurora kinases (AURKs), members of the serine/threonine kinases gene family, have been implicated in various human cancers, including lung cancer. However, the expression and clinical significance of AURKA, AURKB, and AURKC in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. Methods: Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were conducted using databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on tissue microarrays (TMAs) from 29 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. AURKA/B knockdown and overexpression cell models were successfully established in LUAD cells. The proliferative capacity of the stable cells was assessed using colony formation assays and CCK-8 assays. Results: AURKA and AURKB were upregulated in lung cancer tissues compared to normal, while AURKC was downregulated. High expression of AURKA and AURKB was associated with advanced tumor stage and poor survival outcomes in LUAD patients. AURKA and AURKB expression levels correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint genes, suggesting potential roles in immunotherapy. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that AURKA and AURKB played crucial roles in promoting proliferation of LUAD cells. Conclusion: This study highlights the prognostic value of AURKA and AURKB in NSCLC, particularly LUAD, and identifies them as potential therapeutic targets or prognostic biomarkers.