Proximal Centriole-Like

The proximal centriole-like or PCL is an atypical type of centriole found in the sperm cells of insects. The PCL name is due to some similarity to the Proximal centriole found in Vertebrates sperm and the hypothesis that the two structures are homologous. The PCL is an atypical type of centriole because it does not have microtubules, a defining feature of centrioles. However, the PCL is a type of centriole for several reasons. (1) the PCL formation is dependent upon the same genetic pathway that mediates the initiation of centriole formation. (2) The PCL is composed of centriolar proteins. (3) After fertilization, the sperm PCL function like a centriole. The PCL recruits pericentriolar material (PCM) forming a centrosome that acts as a microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). The PCL also serves as a platform to form a typical centriole in the zygote, as expected from a centriole. Also, the PCL is essential to form one of the two spindle poles of the dividing zygote.

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