Centrosome Markers

The centrosome, a specialised organelle, acts as the main centre for microtubule organisation, necessary for cell division, regulated cell cycle progression and maintenance of the cytoskeleton. Typically located near the nucleus, the centrosome is composed of two centrioles; these are cylindrical structures made up of nine sets of microtubule triplets oriented perpendicular to one another. Centrioles are surrounded by a protein matrix called the pericentriolar material (PCM). The PCM contains various proteins, including gamma(γ)-tubulin, which serves as a nucleation site for microtubules. Alongside γ-tubulin, pericentrin (PCNT), an expansive coiled-coil protein situated in the PCM, contributes to centrosome assembly and the orderly arrangement of microtubules critical for mitotic spindle formation during cell division. Another common centrosome marker, ninein, stabilises centrosomes by anchoring microtubules. Centrosome positioning during mitosis is further regulated by NuMA while the nuclear pore complex protein NUP85 facilitates nuclear attachment of the centrosome during interphase. During cell division, the centrosome duplicates, with each daughter moving to opposite poles of the cell. As the mitotic spindle forms, it captures and aligns chromosomes at the metaphase plate before pulling sister chromatids apart during anaphase. Several marker proteins including centrin, centriolin, CEP135, and the kinase MEK1 have critical roles controlling centrosome duplication, separation and cohesion during cell division. Further, the muti-functional protein β-catenin has been shown to localise with the centrosome as part of the mitotic spindle. Given the cell cycle specific context of centrosome duplication, stability and organisation, the expression and activity of critical kinases CDK1 and CDK2 are valuable indicators of centrosome dynamics. Similarly, PLK1 activity correlates with centrosome maturation, mitotic entry and spindle formation. Beyond mitosis, the centrosome contributes towards cellular structural integrity through maintenance of the cytoskeleton. Networks of microtubules provide support, enable motility, and direct organelle positioning within the cytoplasm. In certain cell types, centrosomes give rise to specialised basal bodies which underpin the formation of flagella and cilia. Overall, the use of centrosome markers enables researchers to deepen our understanding of centrosome dynamics relating to cell division, structure, motility and cell-cycle dependent signalling. We offer a broad range of antibodies against centrosome markers including beta Catenin antibodies, CDK1 antibodies, CDK2 antibodies and NuMA antibodies. Our antibodies are tested for use in multiple applications and come in a range of different host species, clonalities, conjugates, and formulations.