Involved in the recruitment of key centrosomal proteins to the centrosome. Provides centrosomal microtubule-nucleation activity on the gamma-tubulin ring complexes (gamma-TuRCs) and has critical roles in forming a focused bipolar spindle, which is needed for proper tension generation between sister chromatids. Required for localization of KIZ, AKAP9 and gamma-tubulin ring complexes (gamma-TuRCs) (By similarity). Involved in centriole duplication. Required for CDK5RAP22, CEP152, WDR62 and CEP63 centrosomal localization and promotes the centrosomal localization of CDK2 (By similarity). Interacts with KIZ, PCM1 and CDK5RAP2. Localizes to the centrosome and centrosome-surrounding particles throughout the cell cycle. These particles disappear after microtubules are depolymerized using nocodazole, suggesting that CEP72-associating particles localize in a microtubule-dependent manner (By similarity). Belongs to the CEP72 family. The sequence differs from that shown because it seems to be derived from a pre-mRNA.