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Pex3 peroxisome biogenesis proteins function in peroxisome inheritance as class V myosin receptors

Jinlan Chang1, Fred D Mast, Andrei Fagarasanu

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|October 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pex3 proteins unexpectedly facilitate peroxisome inheritance by acting as receptors for myosin motors. This finding reveals a new mechanism for organelle inheritance in eukaryotic cells.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Peroxisome inheritance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae relies on the class V myosin motor Myo2p.
  • The specific receptor for Myo2p in peroxisome inheritance, Inp2p, lacks clear homologs outside the Saccharomycetaceae family.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Pex3 proteins in peroxisome inheritance.
  • To identify novel receptors for class V myosin involved in peroxisome motility.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated Pex3p and Pex3Bp, integral peroxisomal membrane proteins.
  • Examined the interaction between Pex3 proteins and the globular tail of class V myosin.
  • Analyzed peroxisome distribution in cells with altered Pex3Bp and Pex3p expression levels.

Main Results:

  • Pex3p and Pex3Bp function as peroxisomal receptors for class V myosin.
  • Loss of Pex3Bp leads to preferential retention of peroxisomes in the mother cell.
  • Overexpression of Pex3Bp or Pex3p results in mass transfer of peroxisomes to the bud.

Conclusions:

  • Pex3 protein family plays a crucial role in peroxisome motility and inheritance.
  • Establishes a link between peroxisome biogenesis and inheritance.
  • Proposes a general mechanism for peroxisome inheritance in eukaryotic cells.

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