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Centrioles are small microtubule-based cellular structures that are critical for cilia and centrosome assembly. During successful fertilization in animals, centrioles are asymmetrically inherited. Centrioles are eliminated from the egg and contributed by the sperm. Paternal centrioles organize the first zygote centrosome, the major microtubule-organizing center that ensures proper mitotic progression and successful embryo development. Centriole elimination from the oocyte during development is thought to ensure correct centriole number and proper mitosis upon fertilization, and to prevent parthenogenesis (i.e., embryonic development without fertilization).

Centrioles are thought to be exceptionally stable structures, so their disappearance in oogenesis is paradoxical and the elimination mechanism remains elusive. In addition, the consequences of retaining maternal centrioles for …