centrinassociated

Centrin-associated is an adjective used in cell biology to describe proteins, complexes, or processes that involve centrin, a small EF-hand calcium-binding protein. Centrins are conserved in eukaryotes and are localized to centrosomes and spindle poles during cell division and to basal bodies and cilia in ciliates and other organisms. In mammals, centrin-2 (CETN2) and other isoforms participate in centrosome function and ciliogenesis. The term centrin-associated therefore denotes relationships with centrin, either through direct binding, shared localization, or functional coupling.

Centrin plays roles in centrosome duplication, spindle pole integrity, cohesion of microtubule organizing centers, and proper assembly of cilia/basal bodies. Centrin-associated processes commonly involve Ca2+-dependent interactions with centrin-binding proteins and other effectors, modulating structural supports and microtubule dynamics.

Centrin-associated proteins or factors have been identified across diverse organisms. These include centrin-binding partners that link centrin to the core centrosome or basal body machinery, cytoskeletal regulators, and signaling components. Characterization often relies on affinity capture, co-immunoprecipitation, and genetic interaction studies.

Terminology: centrin-associated is descriptive rather than a formal functional category, used to group observations where centrin is implicated. It is common in reviews and primary literature when naming complexes or interactions that hinge on centrin's presence or activity.