A scaffold at the center of our cellular skeleton

When the cells stop dividing, the centrioles migrate to the plasma membrane and allow the formation of primary and mobile cilia, which are used for the transfer of information and the genesis of movement. While performing these biological functions, centrioles are therefore subjected to many physical forces, which they must resist. Scientists (UNIGE) have discovered an internal structure at the center of these nano-cylinders, a cellular scaffolding that maintains the physical integrity of this organelle.