Centrosome dynamics as a source of chromosomal instability.

•The relationship between centrosome separation and chromosome mis-segregation has historically been overlooked.•Gene mutations that delay or accelerate centrosome separation cause spindle malformation, merotely, aneuploidy, and cancer.•Cyclin B2 and p53 play a central role in centrosome separation.•Centrosome separation defects may be a frequent source of chromosomal instability in human cancers.