De novo synthesis of peroxisomes upon mitochondrial targeting of Pex3p

Peroxisomes can form either by growth and division of pre-existing peroxisomes or by de novo synthesis from the endoplasmic reticulum. Pex3p is the key component for both pathways and its targeting to the ER is thought to initiate the de novo formation of peroxisomes. Here, we addressed the question whether Pex3p also can induce peroxisome formation from mitochondrial membranes. Pex3p was targeted to mitochondria by fusion with the mitochondrial targeting signal of Tom20p. The Tom20p-Pex3p-fusion protein was expressed in Pex3p-deficient cells, which are characterized by the lack of peroxisomal membranes. De novo formation of import-competent peroxisomes was observed upon expression of the mitochondrial Pex3p in the mutant cells. This de novo synthesis is independent of the GTPases Vps1p and Dnm1p, two proteins required for peroxisome fission. We conclude that natural or artificial targeting of Pex3p to any endomembrane may initiate peroxisome formation and that also Pex3p-containing mitochondria can serve as source for the de novo synthesis of peroxisomes.