Centriolar satellites prevent uncontrolled degradation of centrosome proteins: a speculative review

Centriolar satellites are small electron-dense structures in the cytoplasm, mostly surrounding the pericentriolar material. Initially viewed as shuttles for the transport of centrosomal proteins, they have been implicated in the assembly of the pericentriolar material and in ciliogenesis. Although numerous proteins have been identified as components of centriolar satellites, their molecular function remains unclear. In this review article, we discuss recent findings that characterize centriolar satellites as regulators of protein degradation pathways: by sequestering E3 ligase MIB1, deacetylase HDAC6, and proteins of the autophagy pathway, centriolar satellites may regulate the turnover of centrosomal and ciliary components, protecting them from removal via proteasomal degradation, autophagy, and aggresomes.