Comparative Biology of Centrosomal Structures in Eukaryotes

Abstract

The centrosome is not only the largest and most sophisticated protein complex within a eukaryotic cell, in the light of evolution, it is also one of its most ancient organelles. This special issue of “Cells” features representatives of three main, structurally divergent centrosome types, i.e., centriole-containing centrosomes, yeast spindle pole bodies (SPBs), and amoebozoan nucleus-associated bodies (NABs). Here, I discuss their evolution and their key-functions in microtubule organization, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Furthermore, I provide a brief history of centrosome research and highlight recently emerged topics, such as the role of centrioles in ciliogenesis, the relationship of centrosomes and centriolar satellites, the integration of centrosomal structures into the nuclear envelope and the involvement of centrosomal components in non-centrosomal microtubule organization.

Cep192, a Novel Missing Link between the Centrosomal Core and Corona in Dictyostelium Amoebae

“…Centrosomes are best known for their function as main microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) [ 1 ]. Despite their occasional absence in some subgroups such as higher plants, there is no doubt that they were already part of the inventory of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…On the other hand, acentriolar centrosomes are typically found in organisms without cilia, including many fungi and amoebozoans [ 2 ]. Acentriolar centrosomes have been intensely studied in yeast, where they are called spindle pole bodies, and in the amoebozoan model organism Dictyostelium discoideum , where it is also called nucleus-associated body (NAB) [ 1 ]. While fungi and animals are in the same eukaryotic supergroup (Opisthokonta), the Dictyostelium centrosome provides the best-established model for an acentriolar centrosome outside the Opisthokonta.…”

“…Although earlier work suggested that the layers make up a box-shaped core structure [ 9 ], now there is no doubt that they form a cylindrical stack of layers [ 8 , 10 ] as was also found in the related amoebozoan Polysphondylium violaceum [ 11 ]. Layered structures occur also in yeasts; however, they are most likely analogous to the Dictyostelium core layers, not homologous [ 1 ].…”

The Dictyostelium Centrosome

“…Centrosomes are proteinacious organelles best known for their function as major microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). They have been extensively studied since the late 19th century, when they were first characterized independently by three pioneers, Walther Flemming, Theodor Boveri and Edouard van Beneden [1][2][3][4]. While studying cell division in various fertilized eggs and tissues they recognized a role of centrosomes in mitotic spindle formation and chromosome movements.…”

“…In mammalian cells, in late mitosis Polo-like kinase 1 and separase play a key role in licensing each of the two centrioles to a further round of duplication in the following cell cycle [12]. Taken from [4].…”