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The PCM-basal body/primary cilium coalition
Joanna J Moser1, Marvin J Fritzler, Young Ou
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. jjmoser@ucalgary.ca
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|July 14, 2009
Summary
The centrosome
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The centrosome, a microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), comprises centrioles and pericentriolar material (PCM).
- Primary cilia, essential for cell function, arise from basal bodies within the centrosome.
- Defects in primary cilia are linked to various human diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the crucial relationship between the pericentriolar material (PCM) and the basal body/primary cilium.
- To elucidate how the PCM and centriole collaborate to ensure primary cilium function and cellular organization.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on centrosome components and primary cilium biology.
- Analysis of literature focusing on the structural and functional integration of PCM and basal bodies.
Main Results:
- The pericentriolar material (PCM) is shown to be integrated with the centriole, forming a functional unit.
- This coalition is vital for the proper expression and function of primary cilia.
- The PCM-centriole complex also plays a key role in organizing the surrounding cellular environment.
Conclusions:
- The PCM and centriole form an integrated coalition essential for primary cilium biology.
- This partnership is critical for both cilium function and the organization of the cellular milieu.
- Understanding this relationship offers insights into centrosome function and associated diseases.
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