CEP131

CEP131, also known as centrosomal protein of 131 kDa, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CEP131 gene. This protein is a component of the centrosome, an organelle crucial for the organization of microtubules in cells. The centrosome plays a pivotal role in the spatial arrangement of microtubules and is essential for processes such as cell division, intracellular transport, and the maintenance of cell shape.

Function

CEP131 is involved in the assembly and function of the centrosome. It participates in the regulation of centriole duplication, a critical event in the cell cycle that ensures the proper distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells during cell division. By influencing the centrosome's integrity, CEP131 indirectly affects the formation of the mitotic spindle, the structure that separates chromosomes during cell division. Additionally, CEP131 has been implicated in the response to cellular stress and may play a role in ciliogenesis, the process by which cells build cilia. Cilia are small, hair-like structures on the cell surface involved in movement and signaling.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the CEP131 gene or its protein product have been associated with various human diseases. Mutations or dysregulation of CEP131 can lead to centrosome amplification, a feature observed in many cancers. This amplification can result in chromosomal instability, a hallmark of cancer progression. Furthermore, CEP131 has been studied in the context of ciliopathies, a group of disorders arising from defects in cilia formation or function. Given its role in cell division and ciliogenesis, CEP131 is a potential target for therapeutic intervention in these diseases.

Research

Research on CEP131 is ongoing, with studies aiming to elucidate its precise molecular functions and interactions within the cell. Understanding the mechanisms by which CEP131 contributes to centrosome and cilia function may reveal novel insights into cell biology and disease pathogenesis. Additionally, investigating the regulation of CEP131 expression and its post-translational modifications could uncover new regulatory networks important for cell cycle control and cellular response to stress.

See Also

• Centrosome
• Cell division
• Ciliogenesis
• Chromosomal instability
• Ciliopathy