Centrioles and cilia are very stable structures, being resistant to microtubule depolymerising drugs. However, they disassemble in a regulated manner in certain circumstances: upon differentiation in certain cells, upon cell cycle re-entry in others. We uncovered that the matrix that surround the centrioles (PCM) protects them from being eliminated in cultured cells and in eggs, during oogenesis (Marques, Bento et al, Science, 2016). In fact, centriole elimination during oogenesis is critical for correct centriole number to be established upon fertilization.

We are investigating how the PCM provides stability to the centrioles, whether this is differently regulated in different cell types and the possible consequences of its mysregulation for the organism. Moreover, we are also investigating how basal body and cilia maintenance is regulated in Drosophila sensory neurons.