Journal
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
Volume 134, Issue 16, Pages -Publisher
COMPANY BIOLOGISTS LTD
DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258544
Keywords
Centrosome; Cilia; Cytoskeleton; Mechanobiology; Organelle assembly; Rootlets
Categories
Funding
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Isaac Newton Trust [21.23(j)]
- University of Cambridge
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The article discusses the various roles and assembly pathways of rootlets in cellular function and structure, pointing out that the structure and function of rootlets still require further investigation.
To gain a holistic understanding of cellular function, we must understand not just the role of individual organelles, but also how multiple macromolecular assemblies function collectively. Centrioles produce fundamental cellular processes through their ability to organise cytoskeletal fibres. In addition to nucleating microtubules, centrioles form lesser-known polymers, termed rootlets. Rootlets were identified over a 100 years ago and have been documented morphologically since by electron microscopy in different eukaryotic organisms. Rootlet-knockout animals have been created in various systems, providing insight into their physiological functions. However, the precise structure and function of rootlets is still enigmatic. Here, I consider common themes of rootlet function and assembly across diverse cellular systems. I suggest that the capability of rootlets to form physical links from centrioles to other cellular structures is a general principle unifying their functions in diverse cells and serves as an example of how cellular function arises from collective organellar activity.
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