249: PCM1 links centrosome asymmetry to endosome dynamics

Zhao X et al., Nature Communications - In developing neural progenitors PCM1 localizes to the mother centrosome and to Notch ligand-containing endosomes, promoting Par-3/dynein assembly and Rab5-to-Rab11 trafficking to bias posterior-directed endosome segregation and preserve progenitor fate. Key terms: PCM1, centrosome asymmetry, endosome dynamics, radial glia progenitors, Notch signaling. Study Highlights:Pcm1 is asymmetrically enriched at the posterior mother centrosome (Cep83+) in zebrafish radial glia progenitors and is also found on central-zone Notch ligand (Dld)-containing endosomes. In vivo time-lapse imaging and expansion microscopy show Pcm1 puncta move with Dld endosomes and promote posterior-directed polarized dynamics. Loss of pcm1 disrupts Rab5b-to-Rab11a trafficking, reduces Par-3 and dynein co-assembly on recycling endosomes, lowers Notch signaling, and shifts divisions toward neuron–neuron outcomes at the expense of progenitors. Similar PCM1–PARD3–CEP83–RAB11 associations and asymmetric PCM1 distribution are observed in human iPSC-derived neural rosettes and cortical organoids. Conclusion:PCM1 couples centrosome asymmetry to polarized recycling endosome trafficking to enforce asymmetric Notch signaling and maintain radial glia progenitor fate Music:Enjoy the music based on this article at the end of the episode. Article title:PCM1 coordinates centrosome asymmetry with polarized endosome dynamics to regulate daughter cell fate First author:Zhao X Journal:Nature Communications DOI:10.1038/s41467-025-65756-2 Reference:Zhao X., Mouilleau V., Wang Y., Solak A.C., Garcia J.Q., Chen X., Shi X., Wilkinson C.J., Royer L.A., Dong Z. & Guo S. PCM1 coordinates centrosome asymmetry with polarized endosome dynamics to regulate daughter cell fate. Nature Communications. 2025;16:10728. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65756-2 License:This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Support:Base by Base – Stripe donations: https://donate.stripe.com/7sY4gz71B2sN3RWac5gEg00 Official website https://basebybase.com On PaperCast Base by Base you’ll discover the latest in genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics. Episode link: https://basebybase.com/episodes/pcm1-centrosome-endosome-asymmetry QC:This episode was checked against the original article PDF and publication metadata for the episode release published on 2026-01-04. QC Scope:- article metadata and core scientific claims from the narration- excludes analogies, intro/outro, and music- transcript coverage: Audited core scientific claims and mechanisms described in the transcript: PCM1 association with centrosome age, Dld endosome polarization, Par-3/dynein loading on recycling endosomes, Rab5b→Rab11a maturation, cross-species conservation in hiPSC-derived neural progenitors, and clonal division outcomes.- transcript topics: Asymmetric localization of PCM1 at the posterior mother centrosome (Cep83+); Delta-like endosome (Dld) polarization and Notch signaling asymmetry; Co-localization and interaction of Par-3 and dynein on recycling endosomes; Rab5b to Rab11a endosome maturation on Dld endosomes; Conservation of PCM1 asymmetry and endosome dynamics in hiPSC-derived neural progenitors; Clonal analysis of RGP divisions: P/P, P/N, N/N outcomes QC Summary:- factual score: 10/10- metadata score: 10/10- supported core claims: 6- claims flagged for review: 0- metadata checks passed: 4- metadata issues found: 0 Metadata Audited:- article_doi- article_title- article_journal- license Factual Items Audited:- PCM1 enriched at the pos...