In this project we have published important aspects of the mechanisms controlling centriole biogenesis and structure (Gouveia and Zitouni et al, 2019; Ito et al, 2019; Nabais et al, 2021; Gomes Pereira et al, 2021), as well as centrosome number control (Arbi et al, BioRxiv; Dias-Louro et al, 2021; Dias-Louro et al, BioRxiv) and maintenance of the centriole-cilium complex (Jana et al, 2018; Marques et al, BioRxiv; Werner et al, BioRxiv).
Our results highlight how the structure that surrounds the centrioles, the matrix, previously thought to only have a role in microtubule nucleation, also has a role in concentrating centriole components. This role is very important for centriole de novo formation and also for the maintenance of the centrosome-cilium complex.This is a major change in paradigm. Moreover, we have shown that PLK4, the major trigger of centriole biogenesis, forms condensates, which accumulate components essential for centriole biogenesis. These studies are a relevant contribution for the comprehension of cellular mechanisms controlling centriole number and a new step forward to identify and correct deregulated processes in human disease.
These studies were widely disseminated through original publications, as well as reviews and conference attendance, to the scientific community. Moreover these studies were also widely disseminated through our website, social media platforms, as well as traditional media. Finally, 5 PhD students were involved in the work reported here, three of which have already finished and have successfully progressed to the next step in their career.
