Centrosome duplication in mammalian somatic cells requires E2F and Cdk2-cyclin A

Abstract

Centrosome duplication is a key requirement for bipolar spindle formation and correct segregation of chromosomes during cell division. In a manner highly reminiscent of DNA replication, the centrosome must be duplicated once, and only once, in each cell cycle. How centrosome duplication is regulated and coordinated with other cell-cycle functions remains poorly understood. Here, we have established a centrosome duplication assay using mammalian somatic cells. We show that centrosome duplication requires the activation of E2F transcription factors and Cdk2-cyclin A activity.