Ryder, P. V. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2021

Drosophila centrocortin is dispensable for centriole duplication but contributes to centrosome separation

Centrosomes are microtubule-organizing centers that duplicate exactly once to organize the bipolar mitotic spindle required for error-free mitosis. Prior work indicated that Drosophila centrocortin (cen) is required for normal centrosome separation, although a role in centriole duplication was not closely examined. Through time-lapse recordings of rapid syncytial divisions, we monitored centriole duplication and the kinetics of centrosome separation in control versus cen null embryos. Our data suggest that although cen is dispensable for centriole duplication, it contributes to centrosome separation.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

The coordinated localization of mRNA to centrosomes facilitates error-free mitosis

Centrosomes are microtubule-organizing centers required for error-free mitosis and embryonic development. The microtubule-nucleating activity of centrosomes is conferred by the pericentriolar material (PCM), a composite of numerous proteins subject to cell cycle-dependent oscillations in levels and organization. In diverse cell types, mRNAs localize to centrosomes and may contribute to changes in PCM abundance. Here, we investigate the regulation of mRNA localization to centrosomes in the rapidly cycling Drosophila melanogaster embryo. We find that RNA localization to centrosomes is regulated during the cell cycle and developmentally. We identify a novel role for the fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which localizes to pericentrosomal RNA granules, in the post-transcriptional regulation of centrosomal RNA. Further, the mis-targeting of a model centrosomal mRNA, centrocortin (cen), is sufficient to alter cognate protein localization to centrosomes and impair spindle morphogenesis and genome stability.

developmental biology↗