Centrosomes in development and disease

"Located in the center of the animal cell, the centrosome has long been considered a mystery. Nigg (cell biology, University of Geneva, Switzerland) summarizes current knowledge on the structure, function, and evolution of centrosomes and related microtubule-organizing centers. Reflecting recent discoveries and ongoing research, the book emphasizes the role of centrosomes in development and disease, with a particular focus on cancer. Chapters are grouped in sections on microtubule organization and dynamics, the integration of centrosome and chromosome cycles, the centrosome in development and tissue architecture, and centrosomes in disease. B & w and color images and illustrations are included."
"Discovered over a century ago, the centrosome is the major microtubule organizing center of the animal cell. It is a tiny organelle of surprising structural complexity. Over the last few years our understanding of the structure and composition of centrosomes has greatly advanced, and the demonstration of frequent centrosome anomalies in most common human tumors has sparked additional interest in the role of this organelle in a broader scientific community. The centrosome controls the number and distribution of microtubules--a major element of the cell cytoskeleton--and hence influences many impo."@en