In cell biology, the centrosome is an organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center (MTOC) of the animal cell, as well as a regulator of cell-cycle progression. The centrosome provides structure for the cell. The centrosome is thought to have evolved only in the metazoan lineage of eukaryotic cells. Fungi and plants lack centrosomes and therefore use other structures to organize their microtubules. Although the centrosome has a key role in efficient mitosis in animal cells, it is not essential in certain fly and flatworm species.
In cell biology, the spindle apparatus is the cytoskeletal structure of eukaryotic cells that forms during cell division to separate sister chromatids between daughter cells. It is referred to as the mitotic spindle during mitosis, a process that produces genetically identical daughter cells, or the meiotic spindle during meiosis, a process that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
Aurora kinase A also known as serine/threonine-protein kinase 6 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the AURKA gene.
Ninein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NIN gene.
Kinesin-like protein KIF2C is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KIF2C gene.
Pericentrin (kendrin), also known as PCNT and pericentrin-B (PCNTB), is a protein which in humans is encoded by the PCNT gene on chromosome 21. This protein localizes to the centrosome and recruits proteins to the pericentriolar matrix (PCM) to ensure proper centrosome and mitotic spindle formation, and thus, uninterrupted cell cycle progression. This gene is implicated in many diseases and disorders, including congenital disorders such as microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPDII) and Seckel syndrome.
Centrosome-associated protein 350 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP350 gene.
Gamma-tubulin complex component 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TUBGCP2 gene. It is part of the gamma-tubulin complex, which is required for microtubule nucleation at the centrosome.
Centrosome-associated protein CEP250 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP250 gene. This gene encodes a core centrosomal protein required for centriole-centriole cohesion during interphase of the cell cycle. The encoded protein dissociates from the centrosomes when parental centrioles separate at the beginning of mitosis. The protein associates with and is phosphorylated by NIMA-related kinase 2, which is also associated with the centrosome. Furthermore, CEP135 is also required for the centriolar localization of CEP250.
Katanin p60 ATPase-containing subunit A1 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the KATNA1 gene.
Centrosomal protein 170kDa, also known as CEP170, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP170 gene.
Centrin-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CETN1 gene. It belongs to the centrin family of proteins.
Centrosomal protein of 70 kDa is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP70 gene. The protein interacts with γ-tubulin through its coiled coil domains to localize at the centrosome. CEP70 is involved in organizing microtubules in interphase cells and is required for proper organization and orientation of the mitotic spindle.
Centrosomal protein of 135 kDa is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP135 gene. It is part of the centrosome throughout the cell cycle, being distributed in the pericentriolar material. CEP135 is required for the centriolar localization of CEP250.
Neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated 1, also known as Nedd1, is a human gene and encodes the protein NEDD1.
Centrosomal protein of 164 kDa, also known as CEP164, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP164 gene. Its function appears two be twofold: CEP164 is required for primary cilium formation. Furthermore, it is an important component in the response to DNA damage by UV light.
Centrosomal protein of 76 kDa, also known as CEP76, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP76 gene.
Centrosomal protein of 78 kDa, also known as Cep78, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP78 gene.
Centrosomal protein of 152 kDa, also known as Cep152, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP152 gene. It is the ortholog of the Drosophila melanogaster gene asterless (asl) and both are required for centriole duplication.
Sfi1 homolog, spindle assembly associated (yeast) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SFI1 gene. It localizes to the centriole, and its S. pombe ortholog has been shown to be involved in spindle pole body duplication. SFI1 forms a complex with centrin 2.
