Centrosome articles from across Nature Portfolio

Overload of proteasomal clearance triggers formation of a large protein inclusion called the aggresome, which shares similarities with protein aggregates seen in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s. A new study uncovers how centrosome and centriolar satellite components facilitate stepwise assembly of aggresomes.

Assembly of the mitotic spindle requires timely separation of the centrosomes. Their movement apart is driven by the plus-end-directed kinesin Eg5. A new study demonstrates that the kinesin KIFC3 provides an opposing microtubule-based cohesive force that modulates centrosome separation and ensures accurate chromosome segregation.

Two papers demonstrate that centrosome amplification can cause cancer in mammals and that a PIDDosome–p53-dependent control mechanism acts to prevent cell proliferation in the presence of extra centrosomes.

Three independent studies provide molecular insights into the mechanism governing cell cycle arrest in response to centrosome loss.

Centrosomes can nucleate not only microtubules but also actin filaments, in a process dependent on the actin-related protein 2/3 complex and WASH.

Cep135, Ana1 (Cep295) and Asterless (Cep152) are sequentially recruited to daughter centrioles to enable their maturation into duplication-competent mother centrioles.