Centrosome and basal body function, duplication and role in disease

Abstract

Centrosomes are found in almost all animal cells and consist of two barrel-shaped centrioles, composed of microtubule triplets, surrounded by a cloud of pericentriolar material. Centrosomes are important for different cellular functions, including microtubule organization and mitosis. Additionally, centrioles can act as basal bodies at the cell cortex, promoting cilia assembly and function. Studies in the last decade revealed some surprising new aspects of centrosomal function in cells. The role of centrosomal and centriolar abnormalities in diseases like ciliopathies and cancer also become more clear. Here we review recent advantages of centrosome and centriole functions and duplication. Additionally, we will summarize their role in several human diseases, including cancer and ciliopathies.