Nucleolar proteins and cancer: The roles of aurora a-interacting nucleolar proteins in mitosis and cancer

Abstract

Nucleolar proteins have been in the limelight due to their involvement in multiple cellular processes other than their well-studied functions in maintaining the structural integrity of the nucleolus and ribosome synthesis. Many of these nucleolar proteins have now been shown to play roles in the processes of mitosis as well as tumorigenesis. In this book chapter, we have discussed the contribution of three such Aurora A-interacting nucleolar proteins: NuSAP, Arpc1b and Eg5, to mitosis and tumor progression. Importantly, we have also brought into light several unanswered questions pertaining to the function and regulation of these nucleolar proteins in both mitosis as well as cancer. Finally, we have attempted to reason why several nucleolar proteins have now been implicated as important players in mitosis.