New insights into subcomplex assembly and modifications of centrosomal proteins

Abstract

This review provides a brief overview of the recent work on centrosome proteomics, protein complex identification and functional characterization with an emphasis on the literature of the last three years. Proteomics, genetic screens and comparative genomics studies in different model organisms have almost exhaustively identified the molecular components of the centrosome. However, much knowledge is still missing on the protein-protein interactions, protein modifications and molecular changes the centrosome undergoes throughout the cell cycle and development. The dynamic nature of this large multi-protein complex is reflected in the variety of annotated subcellular locations and biological processes of its proposed components. Some centrosomal proteins and complexes have been studied intensively in different organisms and provided detailed insight into centrosome functions. For example, the molecular, structural and functional characterization of the γ-Tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) and the the discovery of the Augmin/HAUS complex has advanced our understanding of microtubule (MT) capture, nucleation and organization. Surprising findings revealed new functions and localizations of proteins that were previously regarded as bona fide centriolar or centrosome components, e.g. at the kinetochore or in the nuclear pore complex regulating MT plus end capture or mRNA processing. Many centrosome components undergo posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, SUMOylation and ubiquitylation that are critical in modulating centrosome function and biology. A wealth of information has recently become available driven by new developments in technologies such as mass spectrometry, light and electron microscopy providing more detailed molecular and structural definition of the centrosome and particular roles of proteins throughout the cell cycle and development.

Amorphous no more: subdiffraction view of the pericentriolar material architecture

“…A critical task in centrosome biology is to integrate this information into defined protein molecular complexes and understand how their structure influences activity in cells(31). Toward this end, studies by electron microscopy (EM) have provided insights into the ultrastructural organization of the centriole cartwheel(32,33) and procentrioles(34,35) or γTuRC(11).…”

A coiled-coil protein is required for coordination of karyokinesis and cytokinesis in Toxoplasma gondii

“…This ensures the proper segregation of chromosomes and organelles, which is key to the survival of the parasite (Suvorova et al, ). Centrosome duplication, positioning, and separation are highly regulated processes, and several post‐translational modifications are instrumental to these mechanisms (Habermann & Lange, ). Moreover, the function of cyclin and Cdk‐related kinases have been recently deciphered in T. gondii , adding another layer of regulation in cell cycle control (Alvarez & Suvorova, ).…”

Anti-centrosome antibodies in breast cancer are the expression of autoimmunity

“…Important centrosome proteins undergo posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and ubiquitination, that are critical in modulating centrosome function and biology [49]. In this study, we identified (Table 1).…”