Centrosome structure and microtubule nucleation in animal cells

Genetic studies in the budding yeast have led to the molecular characterization of gamma-tubulin associated proteins and to the identification of orthologues in animal cells. While the gamma-tubulin complex is more complex in animal cells than in budding yeast, its function is probably maintained throughout evolution. In this review we discuss some of the possible regulations of the nucleation activity in the light of the centrosome structure. A potential cross-talk between microtubule nucleation and centrosome duplication is suggested by some, still scarce, data.