Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Asymmetric Centrosome Behavior
in Stem Cell Divisions
Therese M. Roth, Yukiko M. Yamashita and Jun Cheng
Abstract Stem cells are well known for their self-renewal ability and differen-
tiation potential. It is critical to regulate stem cell self-renewal and differentiation,
both during fast growth in development and tissue homeostasis in adulthood. One
way to maintain tissue homeostasis is through asymmetric stem cell division, in
which centrosomes play an important role in establishing mitotic spindles by
acting as a microtubule organization center (MTOC). In this chapter, the asym-
metric behavior of centrosomes during stem cell division will be discussed based
on their structural, behavioral, and developmental asymmetry.
6.1 Structural and Functional Asymmetries
of the Centrosome
Centrosomes were discovered more than 100 years ago as a cytoplasmic organelle
that is often located at the center of the cell. They are known to contribute to
various cellular processes, particularly cell migration and cell division, through
their involvement in the organization of microtubules (MTs). The centrosome is
T. M. Roth
Y. M. Yamashita
Life Sciences Institute, Center for Stem Cell Biology,
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
T. M. Roth
Y. M. Yamashita
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
J. Cheng (
)
Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
e-mail: juncheng@uic.edu
&
