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Updated: May 31, 2026
09:39
Quantitative Immunofluorescence Assay to Measure the Variation in Protein Levels at Centrosomes
Published on: December 20, 2014
Centrosomes and cilia in human disease
Mónica Bettencourt-Dias1, Friedhelm Hildebrandt, David Pellman
1Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal. mdias@igc.gulbenkian.pt
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|June 18, 2011
Summary
Centrioles, essential microtubule structures, are increasingly linked to human diseases like cancer and ciliopathies. Recent research reveals tissue-specific roles and potential therapeutic targets for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Centrioles are microtubule-based structures crucial for centrosomes, cilia, and flagella.
- Centrosomes organize microtubules in animal cells, impacting cell division and polarity.
- Cilia and flagella are vital for eukaryotic cell motility and sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the link between centriole-related structures and human diseases.
- To highlight tissue-specific requirements and molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases.
- To explore emerging therapeutic strategies based on this knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of genetic associations in various human diseases.
- Focus on cancer, brain development disorders, and ciliopathies.
Main Results:
- A growing number of human diseases are associated with centriole dysfunction.
- Limited overlap in affected genes suggests tissue-specific roles for centrioles.
- Understanding disease mechanisms opens new therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- Centriole biology is fundamental to understanding diverse human pathologies.
- Tissue-specific requirements for centrioles are key to disease etiology.
- Targeting centriole-related pathways offers promising therapeutic potential.
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