Aurora A plays a role in cell cycle regulation during anaphase and/or telophase, in relation to the function of the centrosome/spindle pole region during chromosome segregation. Aurora A plays a key role during tumor development and progression and is overexpressed in many human cancers including breast, ovarian and colorectal. Aurora A is viewed as a potential target for anticancer drug treatment.

Aurora B is a mitotic protein kinase that phosphorylates histone H3 (probably on Serine 10)