Aurora kinases are a family of highly conserved protein kinases essential for various aspects of cell division. In yeast, there is a single Aurora kinase, while mammals have three: Aurora A, B, and C. During mitosis, Aurora kinases regulate the structure and function of the cytoskeleton, chromosomes, and kinetochores, as well as signaling pathways like the spindle assembly checkpoint and cytokinesis. Perturbation of Aurora kinase expression or function can lead to cancer. Aurora A is associated with the centrosome and microtubules, playing a crucial role in centrosome separation and maturation, spindle assembly, and chromosome congression. Aurora B, on the other hand, is involved in chromosome biorIENTATION, kinetochore-microtubule interactions, and chromosome condensation. Both kinases are regulated by phosphorylation and degradation, with Aurora A being targeted for degradation by the APC/C during mitotic exit. Aurora kinases are also involved in the spindle assembly checkpoint, where they help stabilize the checkpoint response to spindle tension. They form a chromosomal passenger complex with INCENP and survivin, which is essential for proper localization and function. Overexpression of Aurora kinases has been detected in various cancer types, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.Aurora kinases are a family of highly conserved protein kinases essential for various aspects of cell division. In yeast, there is a single Aurora kinase, while mammals have three: Aurora A, B, and C. During mitosis, Aurora kinases regulate the structure and function of the cytoskeleton, chromosomes, and kinetochores, as well as signaling pathways like the spindle assembly checkpoint and cytokinesis. Perturbation of Aurora kinase expression or function can lead to cancer. Aurora A is associated with the centrosome and microtubules, playing a crucial role in centrosome separation and maturation, spindle assembly, and chromosome congression. Aurora B, on the other hand, is involved in chromosome biorIENTATION, kinetochore-microtubule interactions, and chromosome condensation. Both kinases are regulated by phosphorylation and degradation, with Aurora A being targeted for degradation by the APC/C during mitotic exit. Aurora kinases are also involved in the spindle assembly checkpoint, where they help stabilize the checkpoint response to spindle tension. They form a chromosomal passenger complex with INCENP and survivin, which is essential for proper localization and function. Overexpression of Aurora kinases has been detected in various cancer types, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.