Asymmetric localization of the CDC25B phosphatase to the mother centrosome during interphase

The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating phosphatase CDC25B, localises to the centrosomes where its activity is both positively and negatively regulated by several kinases including Aurora A and CHK1. Our recent data also demonstrate a role for CDC25B in the centrosome duplication cycle and microtubule nucleation in interphase that appears to involve the recruitment of gamma-tubulin to the centrosomes. In the present study, we report that CDC25B, along with CHK1, CDK1 and WEE1, localise asymmetrically around the mother centrosome from S to G(2)-phases, and gradually become evenly distributed to the two centrosomes by late G(2) phase, concomitant with centrosome maturation. We further demonstrate that siRNA inhibition of CDC25B results in an accumulation of cells in G(2) phase with two separated centrosomes, each containing only a single centriole, suggesting a requirement for CDC25B in centriole duplication. We propose that the localisation of key cell cycle regulators to the mother centrosome ensures synchrony between the centrosome duplication and cell division cycles.