Centrosome: A Microtubule Nucleating Cellular Machinery

Abstract

Centrosome serves as the primary site of microtubule organization
in a majority of animal cells. These microtubules carry out several
significant functions in the cell such as cell division, chromosome
segregation, mechanical support and cellular transport. Proteins localized
at the centrosome play extensive role in orchestrating the process
of microtubule organization, growth and stabilization in space and time.
Anomalies in centrosome number, structure and functioning disturb
microtubule organization and lead to several human diseases. Advancements in proteomics and microscopy methods have been instrumental in identifying molecular mechanisms pertaining to the microtubule organizing function of centrosomes. This review focuses on the involvement of centrosome as a microtubule nucleating center of the cell. We present the major molecular mechanisms at the centrosome which affect microtubule nucleation and activation. Finally, we discuss human diseases
associated with defective microtubule organization resulting from centrosome abnormalities.