LRRC45 Is a Centrosome Linker Component Required for Centrosome Cohesion

•LRRC45 is localized between and at the proximal ends of the centrioles•LRRC45 functions as a centrosome linker component to maintain centrosome cohesion•LRRC45 interacts with C-Nap1 and rootletin•LRRC45 is phosphorylated by Nek2A and displaces from the centrosome during mitosis

SummaryDuring interphase, centrosomes are connected by a proteinaceous linker between the proximal ends of the centrioles, which is important for the centrosomes to function as a single microtubule-organizing center. However, the composition and regulation of centrosomal linker remain largely unknown. Here, we show that LRRC45 is a centrosome linker that localizes at the proximal ends of the centrioles and forms fiber-like structures between them. Depletion of LRRC45 results in centrosome splitting during interphase. Moreover, LRRC45 interacts with both C-Nap1 and rootletin and is phosphorylated by Nek2A at S661 during mitosis. After phosphorylation, both LRRC45 centrosomal localization and fiber-like structures are significantly reduced, which subsequently leads to centrosome separation. Thus, LRRC45 is a critical component of the proteinaceous linker between two centrioles and is required for centrosome cohesion.

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