title: The significant role of centrosomes in stem cell division and differentiation.
abstract: The role of centrosomes in stem cell division has recently been highlighted and further ascribes important functions to centrosomes in stem cell maintenance, cellular differentiation, and development. Advanced cell and molecular studies coupled with immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and live cell imaging of specific centrosome proteins have contributed greatly to our knowledge of centrosome composition, structure, and dynamics and have uncovered new insights into mechanisms of centrosome functions in asymmetric cell division. The establishment of asymmetry and differential positioning of mother and daughter centrosomes during stem cell mitosis is important for allowing one cell to maintain stem cell characteristics while the sibling cell undergoes differentiation. Another key role for centrosomes has been revealed in primary cilia of embryonic stem cells that play significant roles in cellular signaling and are therefore critically important for stem cell decisions. Studies of signaling through primary cilia may contribute important information that may aid in the production of specific cells that are suitable for tissue repair and regeneration in the field of regenerative medicine.
authors: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. SchattenH@missouri.edu
authors: Heide
authors: H
authors: Schatten
authors: Qing-Yuan
authors: QY
authors: Sun
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D018385:Centrosome / Q000502:physiology*; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D007313:Insecta; D008322:Mammals; D008954:Models, Biological