ABSTRACT
Centrosomes are classically defined as a pair of centrioles, structures of nine triplet microtubules without a central microtubule pair, surrounded by the pericentrosomal matrix (PCM). The PCM is the amorphous material that nucleates the microtubules and defines their intrinsic polarity (i.e. minus ends (slower turnover) anchored at each centrosome; plus ends (faster turnover) radiating outward).1,2
The past 25 years have seen an explosion in understanding basic centrosomal biology with regards to molecular constituents and the minimal structure required to promote microtubule nucleation from this structure. Rapid advances in understanding centrosomal inheritance, assembly, duplication, and segregation in a variety of cell types provide crucial clues for understanding how the centrosome mediates intracellular motility, cytoplasmic organization, and the many other cellular processes linked to centrosomal activities.3-5 These advances are beginning to translate to modern molecular medicine, where clinical challenges including infertility treatments and contraception require a greater understanding of this crucial cellular organelle.
