Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating Asymmetric Cell Division Dynamics: A Protocol for Live-Imaging of Drosophila Larval Brain Explants
Published on: June 23, 2023
Centrosome-centric view of asymmetric stem cell division
Cuie Chen1, Yukiko M Yamashita1,2
1Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
The centrosome is a unique organelle: the semi-conservative nature of its duplication generates an inherent asymmetry between 'mother' and 'daughter' centrosomes, which differ in their age. This asymmetry has captivated many cell biologists, but its meaning has remained enigmatic. In the last two decades, many stem cell types have been shown to display stereotypical inheritance of either the mother or daughter centrosome. These observations have led to speculation that the mother and daughter centrosomes bear distinct information, contributing to differential cell fates during asymmetric cell divisions. This review summarizes recent progress and discusses how centrosome asymmetry may promote asymmetric fates during stem cell divisions.
Related Concept Videos
Centrioles and Centrosomes
Near the end of the prophase, also called late prophase or...
Centrosome Duplication
To ensure that each daughter cell receives a centrosome after cell division, centrosome duplication...
Determining the Plane of Cell Division
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division...
Distribution of Cytoplasmic Content
Distribution of cytoplasmic determinants
The cytoplasm contains various organelles, as well as salts, proteins, and water. The distribution of...
Mitosis and Cytokinesis
The processes of the cell cycle occur over approximately 24 hours (in typical human cells) and in two major distinguishable stages. The...
Mitosis and Cytokinesis
The processes of the cell cycle occur over approximately 24 hours (in typical human cells) and in two major distinguishable stages. The...

