Comparative Biology of Centrosomal Structures in Eukaryotes
The centrosome is not only the largest and most sophisticated protein complex within a eukaryotic cell, in the light of evolution, it is also one of its most ancient organelles.
The centrosome is a non-membranous, nucleus-associated organelle that functions as the main microtubule organizing center (MTOC) in many eukaryotes and thus, also as an organizer of the mitotic spindle.
With a number of, in some cases, more than 100 different proteins and a size of more than 0.5 µm the centrosome is the largest and most elaborate protein complex in a eukaryotic cell.
the once mysterious organelle “centrosome” has disclosed many of its secrets, especially regarding its composition and microtubule organization. Still there are many open questions. How is the assembly of about a hundred different centrosomal components into a highly sophisticated topology regulated through various signaling pathways, how are centrioles/basal bodies involved in signaling at primary cilia, how are centrosomal proteins involved in the etiology of several devastating diseases and last not least, what is the evolutional relationship of centrosomes with nuclear pore complexes.
Common Design 