CSAG1 maintains the integrity of the mitotic centrosome in cells with defective p53

Centrosomes focus microtubules to promote mitotic spindle bipolarity, a critical requirement for balanced chromosome segregation. Comprehensive understanding of centrosome function and regulation requires a complete inventory of components. While many centrosome components have been identified, others yet remain undiscovered. We have used a bioinformatics approach, based on 'guilt by association' expression to identify novel mitotic components among the large group of predicted human proteins that have yet to be functionally characterized. Here, we identify chondrosarcoma-associated gene 1 protein (CSAG1) in maintaining centrosome integrity during mitosis. Depletion of CSAG1 disrupts centrosomes and leads to multipolar spindles, particularly in cells with compromised p53 function. Thus, CSAG1 may reflect a class of 'mitotic addiction' genes, whose expression is more essential in transformed cells.