The centrosome: a prospective entrant in cancer therapy

Abstract

Introduction: The centrosome plays an essential role in the cell cycle. The centrosome and its associated proteins assist in nucleating and organizing microtubules. A structural or a functional aberration in the centrosome is known to cause abnormal cell proliferation leading to tumors. Therefore, the centrosome is considered as a promising anti-cancer target.

Areas covered: This review begins with a brief introduction to the centrosome and its role in the cell cycle. We elaborate on the centrosome-associated proteins that regulate microtubule dynamics. In addition, we discuss the centrosomal protein kinase targets such as cyclin-dependent, polo-like and aurora kinases. Inhibitors targeting these kinases are undergoing clinical trials for cancer chemotherapy. Further, we shed light on new approaches to target the centrosomal proteins for cancer therapy.

Expert opinion: Insights into the functioning of the centrosomal proteins will be extremely beneficial in validating the centrosome as a target in cancer therapy. New strategies either as a single entity or in combination with current chemotherapeutic agents should be researched or exploited to reveal the promises that the centrosome holds for future cancer therapy.

Keywords:

• cancer
• cell cycle
• centrioles
• centrosome
• drug targets
• microtubule dynamics

Declaration of interest

The authors were supported by funding from DAE-SRC fellowship, government of India. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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