# Regulation of Centrosome Biogenesis, Maintenance and Function

> **NIH NIH R01** · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · 2021 · $386,792

## Abstract

Project Summary
Centrioles, which function as the essential template for ciliogenesis, are carefully maintained through
different levels of regulation in vertebrate cycling cells. For example, we found that centrioles are
converted to centrosomes (or the microtubule organization center) through stepwise modifications in a
process called centriole-to-centrosome conversion (CCC). CCC enables the modified centriole, or the
centrosome, to duplicate in S phase and to segregate equally in mitosis via the spindle, ensuring
centriole/centrosome homeostasis. In addition, the presence and quality of the centrosome is further
monitored by a separate surveillance program working with p53-mediated stress signaling to remove
cells that have no or defective centrosomes. Finally, during vertebrate ciliogenesis, the centrosome can
function more than just a template – centrosomes are positioned deeply inside the cells where they
organize microtubules and Golgi-mediated trafficking to regulate the spatial configuration of primary
cilia, producing a mysterious type of cilia called submerged cilia. Instead of being at the cell surface as
seen for typical cilia, submerged cilia are deliberately hidden by cells in a deep membrane invagination
for reasons completely unknown. In this proposal, we seek to understand the molecular control of CCC,
centrosome surveillance, and submerged cilia biogenesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10077844
- **Project number:** 5R01GM088253-11
- **Recipient organization:** SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- **Principal Investigator:** MENG-FU BRYAN TSOU
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $386,792
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2009-08-01 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10077844

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10077844, Regulation of Centrosome Biogenesis, Maintenance and Function (5R01GM088253-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10077844. Licensed CC0.

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