title: Microtubule-organizing centres: a re-evaluation.
abstract: The number, length, distribution and polarity of microtubules are largely controlled by microtubule-organizing centres, which nucleate and anchor microtubule minus ends in a process that requires gamma-tubulin. Here we discuss recent evidence indicating that gamma-tubulin-dependent formation of new microtubules is not restricted to conventional microtubule-organizing centres. These findings suggest that the spatio-temporal control of microtubule nucleation is more complex than previously thought, leading us to a re-evaluation of the concept of the microtubule-organizing center.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lüders
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stearns
mesh_terms: D002460:Cell Line; D018385:Centrosome / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D022101:Microtubule-Organizing Center / Q000378:metabolism*; D008870:Microtubules / Q000378:metabolism*; D008938:Mitosis; D008954:Models, Biological; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D014404:Tubulin