Figure 1.

Centrosomes as signalling centres. It is well established that centrosomes (and SPBs) respond to multiple external signals (a). Increasing attention is being devoted to the alternative scenario, where centrosomes (and SPBs) function as signalling centres and solid-state platforms to influence cell physiology (b). The evolutionary advantages of using centrosomes (and SPBs) to locally concentrate signalling proteins could be manifold, as described in the main text. (c) Emphasizes the integration of multiple signalling pathways, the enhanced kinetics of biochemical reactions and the build-up of concentration gradients. (Online version in colour.)