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Centrosome amplification in cancer cells generates excess centrosomes that must cluster to enable bipolar cell division. Here, we demonstrate that the mitotic kinesin HSET actively transports condensates formed by the centrosomal protein CDK5RAP2 toward microtubule minus ends, concentrating centrosomes at spindle poles and promoting their coalescence. In addition, HSET’s ATP-independent self-assembly prevents centrosome declustering, thereby maintaining centrosome integrity during mitosis. Together, these findings show that HSET regulates centrosome clustering dynamics and preserves centrosome organization in cancer cells, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

This study was published on March 6, 2026, in Advanced Science. The research was led by Dr. Kuo-Chiang Hsia (Academia Sinica) and Mr. Po-Pang Chen, a graduate student at National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, in collaboration with Dr. Sheng-Hong Chen, Dr. Chien-Ling Lin, Distinguished Professor Yu-Chun Lin, and Professor Su-Yi Tsai. The work was supported by Academia Sinica (Investigator Award) and the National Science and Technology Council.