Highlighted several new developments in the peroxisome field, including advances in our …

• Summary
• Introduction
• Peroxisome formation
• Partitioning of peroxisomes during cell division
• Fission-like processes
• New insights into import of proteins into peroxisomes
• Household proteins involved in peroxisome formation and maintenance
• A whole new range of questions to answer
• References
• Figures

Commentary

The return of the peroxisome

Adabella van der Zand^1,*, Ineke Braakman¹, Hans J. Geuze² and Henk F. Tabak¹

¹ Department of Cellular Protein Chemistry and Academic Biomedical Centre, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, NL-3548 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
² Laboratory of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands

^* Author for correspondence (e-mail: [email protected] )

Accepted 18 January 2006

 
Of the classical compartments of eukaryotic cells, peroxisomes were the last to be discovered. They are small, single-membrane-bound vesicles involved in cellular metabolism, most notably the ß-oxidation of fatty acids. Characterization of their properties and behavior has progressed rather slowly. However, during the past few years, peroxisomes have entered the limelight as a result of several breakthroughs. These include the observations that they are not autonomously multiplying organelles but are derived from the endoplasmic reticulum, and that partitioning of peroxisomes to progeny cells is an active and well-controlled process. In addition, we are discovering more and more proteins that are not only dedicated to peroxisomes but also serve other organelles.

Key words: Peroxisomes, Peroxisome biogenesis, Endoplasmic reticulum, Organelle, Maintenance, Protein import

Source: Journal of Cell Science 119, 989-994 (2006).