A multicomponent assembly pathway contributes to the formation of acentrosomal microtubule arrays in interphase Drosophila cells.

ABSTRACT: In animal cells, centrosomes nucleate microtubules that form polarized arrays to organize the cytoplasm. Drosophila presents an interesting paradox however, as centrosome-deficient mutant animals develop into viable adults. To understand this discrepancy, we analyzed behaviors of centrosomes and microtubules in Drosophila cells, in culture and in vivo, using a combination of live-cell imaging, electron microscopy, and RNAi. The canonical model of the cycle of centrosome function in animal cells states that centrosomes act as microtubule-organizing centers throughout the cell cycle. Unexpectedly, we found that many Drosophila cell-types display an altered cycle, in which functional centrosomes are only present during cell division. On mitotic exit, centrosomes disassemble producing interpha

SUBMITTER: Rogers GC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2441692 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature