Protein Kinase A and Chromosomal Stability

: All malignant human tumors contain chromosomal rearrangements. Among them, the majority of solid tumors show chromosomal instability, caused by abberations in chromosomal segregation during cell division. Chromosomal instability, defined as increased probability of formation of novel chromosomal mutations compared to that of normal or control cells, appears to be a feature of tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro (in cancer cell lines). Several enzymatic kinases are involved in maintaining proper chromosomal segregation and regulating cell cycle progression. One such kinase, cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), has a functional role in many aspects of cell signaling, metabolism, and proliferation. In this review, we will discuss the potential participation of PKA in chromosomal stability. This role includes the association of PKA with the centrosome, microtubules, and the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (ACP/C), all key aspects of proper chromosomal segregation.