centriolar

Centriolar is an adjective relating to centrioles, the cylindrical microtubule-based structures that form part of the centrosome in many animal cells. A typical centrosome contains a pair of centrioles oriented perpendicular to each other, surrounded by pericentriolar material that nucleates and anchors microtubules. Centrioles are also closely associated with the basal bodies that template cilia and flagella.

Centrioles' principal roles are to organize the mitotic spindle during cell division and to serve as basal bodies for ciliogenesis.

During the cell cycle, centrioles duplicate once per S phase; the mother and daughter centrioles remain connected and later separate to form two spindle poles as the cell enters mitosis.

Molecularly, numerous centriolar proteins regulate duplication and maturation, including PLK4, STIL, SAS-6 and others; the process ensures the accurate number and orientation of spindle poles.

Some species, such as higher plants, lack centrioles and instead use acentriolar microtubule organizing centers.

Abnormal centriole number or structure is associated with chromosomal instability, tumorigenesis, and congenital conditions such as microcephaly or ciliopathies.