The centrosome in neuronal development.
Establishment of polarity is an essential process during proliferation, migration and differentiation in neurons, and the signaling pathways leading to polarization of the cytoskeleton are topics of intense research. One key marker for cell polarity is the centrosome, also known as the microtubule-organizing center. Recent discoveries have shown that the position of the centrosome is precisely regulated during neurogenesis, migration and differentiation, leading to the segregation of cell fate factors, efficient nucleokinesis and directed neurite outgrowth, respectively. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of this interesting organelle and propose a model whereby centrosome position, determined by extracellular factors, directs multiple aspects of neuronal development.
Higginbotham
Holden R
HR
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, LBR 3A16, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Gleeson
Joseph G
JG
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D018385:Centrosome / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000502:physiology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology