Dev Cell 2004 Apr 01;64:511-23. doi: 10.1016/s1534-5807(04)00066-8.

Centrosome maturation and duplication in C. elegans require the coiled-coil protein SPD-2.

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Centrosomes are major determinants of mitotic spindle structure, but the mechanisms regulating their behavior remain poorly understood. The spd-2 gene of C. elegans is required for centrosome assembly or "maturation." Here we show that spd-2 encodes a coiled-coil protein that localizes within pericentriolar material (PCM) and in the immediate vicinity of centrioles. During maturation, SPD-2 gradually accumulates at the centrosome in a manner that is partially dependent on Aurora-A kinase and cytoplasmic dynein. Interestingly, SPD-2 interacts genetically with dynein heavy chain and SPD-5, another coiled-coil protein required for centrosome maturation. SPD-2 and SPD-5 are codependent for localization to the PCM, but SPD-2 localizes to centrioles independently of SPD-5. Surprisingly, we also find that SPD-2 is required for centrosome duplication and genetically interacts with ZYG-1, a kinase required for duplication. Thus, we have identified SPD-2 as a factor critical for the two basic functions of the centrosome-microtubule organization and duplication.

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Species referenced: Xenopus
Genes referenced: dnai1