Abstract
Centrins are universally involved in eukaryotic cell division, but their precise mode of function remains unclear. They are small calcium-binding proteins and a conserved component of microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) that organize the mitotic spindles. Malaria-causing parasites have a particularly divergent acentriolar MTOC, which incorporates several essential centrins. Here, we reveal calcium-inducible liquid-liquid phase separation as a principle of assembly for Plasmodium and human centrins. We define the disordered N-terminus and calcium-binding as essential features for reversible biomolecular condensation and show liquid-like dynamics in vivo using live-cell STED microscopy. Inducible protein overexpression revealed concentration-dependent formation of centrin assemblies with condensate-like properties. Our study thereby provides a model for centrosome assembly in malaria-causing parasites and suggests a novel mode of centrin accumulation at eukaryotic MTOCs.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.