The Unkempt RNA-binding protein reveals a local translation program in centriole overduplication.
Uncover the surprising role of the unkempt RNA-binding protein in centriole overduplication - a key driver of tumorigenesis. This local translation program reveals how cells tightly regulate centrosome assembly to maintain genomic stability.
This study investigates the transcriptional consequences of elevated PLK4, a master regulator of centriole duplication. The researchers found that the RNA-binding protein Unkempt (UNK) is upregulated and localizes around centrosomes, promoting the localization of the centriolar satellite protein CEP131. UNK's RNA-binding activity is essential for PLK4-induced centriole overduplication. Depletion of UNK disrupts the localization of PLK4 and centriole assembly proteins. Importantly, the study demonstrates that translation is enriched at centrosomes and centriolar satellites, with UNK and CEP131 playing a key role in this localized translation program. These findings provide insights into the tight regulation of centrosome assembly and its implications for genomic stability and tumorigenesis.