Centriole maturation requires regulated Plk1 activity during two consecutive cell cycles

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Centriole biology
• Cilia formation

Background:

• Newly formed centrioles require a two-cell cycle maturation period to become functional microtubule-organizing centers.
• Cells typically contain three generations of centrioles, with only one capable of forming cilia.
• The regulation of this extended centriole maturation process remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) in regulating centriole maturation and appendage assembly.
• To understand how Plk1 activity influences the timing of centriole competence and cilia formation.

Main Methods:

• Studied the effects of Plk1 inhibition and unscheduled activity on centriole maturation in cycling and arrested cells.
• Assessed biochemical and structural changes in centrioles, including appendage protein accumulation and formation.

Main Results:

• Controlled Plk1 activity is essential for the gradual biochemical and structural maturation of centrioles and timely appendage assembly.
• Plk1 inhibition delayed appendage protein accumulation and formation.
• Unscheduled Plk1 activity accelerated centriole maturation, appendage, and cilia formation, eliminating age differences between centrioles.

Conclusions:

• Plk1 acts as a key regulator of the centriole maturation cycle.
• These findings offer new insights into maintaining proper cilia and centrosome numbers within cells.