Coupling Form and Function: How the Oligomerisation Symmetry of the SAS-6 Protein Contributes to the Architecture of Centriole Organelles

Centrioles make up the centrosome and basal bodies in animals and as such play important roles in cell division, signalling and motility. They possess characteristic 9-fold radial symmetry strongly influenced by the protein SAS-6. SAS-6 is essential for canonical centriole assembly as it forms the central core of the organelle, which is then surrounded by microtubules. SAS-6 self-assembles into an oligomer with elongated spokes that emanate towards the outer microtubule wall; in this manner, the symmetry of the SAS-6 oligomer influences centriole architecture and symmetry. Here, we summarise the form and symmetry of SAS-6 oligomers inferred from crystal structures and directly observed in vitro. We discuss how the strict 9-fold symmetry of centrioles may emerge, and how different forms of SAS-6 oligomers may be accommodated in the organelle architecture.