NCIt definition : A second-generation, orally bioavailable, highly selective small molecule inhibitor
of the serine/threonine protein kinase Aurora A kinase with potential antineoplastic
activity. Alisertib binds to and inhibits Aurora A kinase, which may result in disruption
of the assembly of the mitotic spindle apparatus, disruption of chromosome segregation,
and inhibition of cell proliferation. Aurora A kinase localizes to the spindle poles
and to spindle microtubules during mitosis, and is thought to regulate spindle assembly.
Aberrant expression of Aurora kinases occurs in a wide variety of cancers, including
colon and breast cancers.;