A story of cooperation: Centrosome-cytoskeleton interactions and implications

Abstract

A structural link between cell's centrosome and cytoskeleton has been proposed years ago. Centrosomes are usually located in the proximity to the nuclei and maintain nucleus-centrosome axis. This positioning aids in determining the polarity of interphase cells and ensure spindle assembly in mitotic cells. Centrosome also maintains physical interaction with different forms of cytoskeleton to trade-off between internal architecture and cell polarity in tissue specific as well as development specific manner. Several crosslinkers are also available to support this interaction and consequently promote cytoskeleton nucleation as well as centrosome nucleation. We present an overview of coordinated action of cytoskeletal elements on centrosomes and vice versa to modulate complex cellular functions, as diverse as cell migration, cell adhesion and cell division.