Construction of centrosomes and spindle poles by molecular motor-driven assembly of protein particles

Centrosomes and other microtubule organizing centers are the largest non-me mbranous organelles in most cells. This morphologically diverse class of or ganelles shares a common ability to nucleate and organize microtubules in i nterphase and participates in the formation of mitotic spindles during cell division. This review summarizes recent evidence suggesting that assembly of centrosomes and mitotic spindle poles require transport of large protein particles along microtubules by the molecular motor cytoplasmic dynein.