The Centrosome

The Centrosome collates in one source the work of scientists actively engaged in studying various aspects of the centrosome, using a wide assortment of experimental approaches, techniques, and model systems. It provides useful background information on the present state of knowledge about the centrosome to researchers and advanced students interested in the organization and behavior of cells. After presenting an overview of a particular area, the articles summarize work from the authors' own laboratories and include new, unpublished material. Emphasis is on the more dynamic aspects of the subject rather than on detailed descriptions. The contributions range from descriptions of the organization of the centrosome at the molecular level to speculations on how the centrosome may affect the behavior of entire cells. Experimental studies are complemented by theoretical considerations to provide added insight into the structure and function of this organelle and by speculations on directions which appear most profitable for future studies. Controversial ideas and conflicting hypotheses, which often provide the driving force for new advances, have also been included.

Table of Contents:
Contributors Preface 1 Structure and Functions of Isolated Centrosomes I. Overview II. The Isolated Centrosome III. Future Directions and Prospects References 2 Ultrastructure of Centrosome Domains and Identification of Their Protein Components I. Introduction II. Glycolytic Enzyme and Creatine Phosphokinase Epitopes at Microtubule Organizing Centers III. p34cdc2 Present at Centrosome, Kinetochore, and along Kinetochore-to-Pole Microtubules IV. Electron Spectroscopic Imaging of Centrosomes V. Summary References 3 Function and Formation of Centrioles and Basal Bodies I. Introduction II. Speculation about the Function of Centrioles and Basal Bodies III. Speculation about the Formation of Centrioles and Basal Bodies IV. Discussion V. Summary References 4 Microtubule and Intermediate Filament Patterns around the Centrosome in Interphase Cells I. Introduction II. Centrosome and Microtubules III. Centrosome and Intermediate Filaments References 5 Monoclonal Antibodies to Microtubule-Organizing Center Antigens I. Introduction II. Antibody Probes Specific for Centrosomes III. Monoclonal Antibodies to Microtubule-Organizing Center-Containing Structures IV. Concluding Remarks References 6 Role of Centrin in Spindle Pole Dynamics I. The Centrosome as the Division Center of the Cell II. Flagellar Basal Apparatus and Centrosome as Functional, Structural, and Molecular Homologs III. Striated Flagellar Roots and the Pericentriolar Lattice as Structural and Molecular Homologs IV. Centrin-Containing Fiber Systems as Calcium-Modulated Contractile Organelles V. Cell Cycle-Dependent Changes in the Cytoplasmic Organization of Centrin VI. Centrin as a Component of the Cytomatrix VII. Speculations on the Function of Centrin during Mitosis VIII. Conclusions References 7 Spindle Pole Body of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A Model for Genetic Analysis of the Centrosome Cycle I. Introduction II. Anatomy of Spindle Pole Body III. Coordination of Spindle Pole Body Cycle with Cellular Behavior IV. Genetic Analysis of the Spindle Pole Body Cycle V. Spindle Pole Body Components VI. Perspectives References 8 The Centrosome in Cell Division and Development of Drosophila I. Introduction II. Maternal Contribution to Drosophila Egg III. Mitosis in Drosophila Embryo IV. Centrosome Duplication in Syncytial Embryos V. Organizational Role of Centrosome in Embryonic Development VI. Centrosome Duplication in Mitotic Mutants VII. Coordinating Biochemical and Genetic Approaches to Understanding Centrosomal Function References 9 Control of Centrosome Inheritance in Echinoderm Development I. Introduction II. Centrosome Inheritance in Development III. Centrosome Inheritance in Sea Urchin Eggs IV. Centrosome Inheritance in Starfish V. Origin of Centrosomes in Parthenogenetically Activated Eggs VI. Concluding Remarks References 10 The Lymphocyte Centrosome I. Introduction II. The Unactivated Lymphocyte III. The Centrosome and Lymphocyte Activation IV. The Centrosome and Effector Functions References 11 The Centrosome in Stationary and Migrating Endothelial Cells I. Introduction II. Distribution of Centrosomes in Endothelial Cells III. Microtubules and Polarity of Migrating Cells IV. Position of Centrosomes in Migrating Cells V. Changes in Centrosome Position in Aortic Endothelial Cells Induced to Migrate VI. Significance of the Preferential Orientation of Centrosomes in Endothelial Cells of Aorta and Vena Cava VII. Effect of Cytochalasin B and Colcemid on Centrosome Reorientation VIII. Mechanisms for Reorientation of Centrosomes IX. Polarity and Directional Migration of Cells References 12 The Centrosome: Contributions to Cell Form I. Introduction II. The Centrosome as an Organizational Template Influencing Cell Form III. Microtubule Organization in Peripheral Cytoplasm IV. Positioning the Centrosome V. Prospective References 13 Cell Polarity and Centrosomes I. Introduction II. Features of the Centrosome III. Development and Maintenance of Cell Polarity: Three Case Studies IV. Epilogue References Index