Conserved Molecular Interactions in Centriole-to-Centrosome Conversion

Centrioles are required to assemble centrosomes for cell division and cilia for motility and signaling. New centrioles assemble perpendicularly to pre-existing ones in G1-S and elongate throughout S and G2. Fully-elongated daughter centrioles are converted into centrosomes during mitosis to be able to duplicate and organize pericentriolar material in the next cell cycle. Here we show that centriole-to-centrosome conversion requires sequential loading of Cep135, Ana1:Cep295 and Asterless:Cep152 onto daughter centrioles during mitotic progression. This generates a molecular network spanning from inner- to outer-most parts of the centriole. Ana1 forms a molecular strut within the network and its essential role can be substituted by an engineered fragment providing an alternative linkage between Asterless and Cep135. This conserved architectural framework is essential for loading Asterless:Cep152, partner of the master regulator of centriole duplication, Plk4. Our study thus uncovers the molecular basis for centriole-to-centrosome conversion that renders daughter centrioles competent for motherhood.