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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Fluorescence-Based Measurements of Phosphatidylserine/Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Exchange Between Membranes
Published on: March 14, 2021
Multiple distinct targeting signals in integral peroxisomal membrane proteins
J M Jones1, J C Morrell, S J Gould
1The Department of Biological Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs) may have multiple targeting signals, challenging previous assumptions. The protein PEX19 interacts with these signals, potentially aiding PMP import into peroxisomes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Trafficking
Background:
- Peroxisomal proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm and imported into peroxisomes.
- Targeting signals guide matrix proteins, but signals for membrane proteins (PMPs) are less understood.
- A common assumption is that PMPs possess a single targeting signal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the targeting mechanisms of integral peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs).
- To challenge the assumption of single targeting signals in PMPs.
- To explore the role of PEX19 in PMP import.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of targeting information in PMP34 and PEX13.
- Identification of minimal targeting regions within these PMPs.
- Investigation of PEX19 interactions with PMP34 targeting regions.
Main Results:
- The integral PMP34 contains at least two independent sets of targeting information for peroxisomal membrane insertion.
- The integral PMP PEX13 also possesses two distinct peroxisomal targeting signals.
- PEX19 interacts with the identified minimal targeting regions of PMP34.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge the prevailing model of single targeting signals for PMPs.
- PMP import may involve novel mechanisms to maintain solubility before membrane insertion.
- PEX19 likely plays a crucial role in the import and biogenesis of peroxisomal membrane proteins.
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