Centrosomal Protein 170kDa (CEP170)

CEP170 is a component of the centrosome, a non-membraneous organelle that functions as the major microtubule-organizing center in animal cells. During interphase, the encoded protein localizes to the sub-distal appendages of mature centrioles, which are microtubule-based structures thought to help organize centrosomes. During mitosis, the protein associates with spindle microtubules near the centrosomes.

The protein interacts with the intraflagellar transport protein 81 (IFT81) and is phosphorylated by cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), and functions in maintaining microtubule organization, cell morphology and cilium stability.