CEP72 Emerges as a Key Centriolar Satellite Protein in Health and Disease

Centriolar satellites are membrane-less granules that are now accepted as core structural and functional components of the centrosomes and the cilia. While initially associated with centrosome assembly and primary cilia formation, these complexes and their dynamic structures seem to be involved in various other cellular processes, including protein homeostasis, autophagy, and responses to cellular stress. Since the identification of the first centriolar satellite protein, PCM1, substantial progress has been made in understanding the molecular composition and biological functions of centriolar satellites. Here, we review the function of a centriolar satellite protein CEP72, which is emerging as a key component of many essential processes associated with centrosomes and cilia. We describe the complexes it associates with, their function, and the genetic mutations that implicate CEP72 in a range of human disorders.