%0 Journal Article
%T Peroxisome Dynamics: Molecular Players, Mechanisms, and (Dys)functions
%A Marc Fransen
%J ISRN Cell Biology
%D 2012
%R 10.5402/2012/714192
%X Peroxisomes are remarkably versatile cell organelles whose size, shape, number, and protein content can vary greatly depending on the organism, the developmental stage of the organism¡¯s life cycle, and the environment in which the organism lives. The main functions usually associated with peroxisomes include the metabolism of lipids and reactive oxygen species. However, in recent years, it has become clear that these organelles may also act as intracellular signaling platforms that mediate developmental decisions by modulating extraperoxisomal concentrations of several second messengers. To fulfill their functions, peroxisomes physically and functionally interact with other cell organelles, including mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Defects in peroxisome dynamics can lead to organelle dysfunction and have been associated with various human disorders. The purpose of this paper is to thoroughly summarize and discuss the current concepts underlying peroxisome formation, multiplication, and degradation. In addition, this paper will briefly highlight what is known about the interplay between peroxisomes and other cell organelles and explore the physiological and pathological implications of this interorganellar crosstalk. 1. Introduction Peroxisomes are single membrane-bounded cell organelles that can be found in all nucleated cells. These organelles, originally described as ¡°microbodies,¡± were first visualized in cytological studies of mouse proximal kidney tubules [1] and rat hepatocytes [2]. In 1966, de Duve and Baudhuin carried out the first detailed biochemical investigations on freshly isolated ¡°microbodies¡± from rat liver and kidney and introduced the term ¡°peroxisome¡± to refer to the organelle¡¯s central role in the production and degradation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) [3]. Over the years, our knowledge and understanding of how this organelle functions within the cell has gradually increased. For example, it has turned out that a major function of peroxisomes in all organisms is to regulate cellular lipid metabolism. In addition, it has become clear that the enzymatic content of these organelles (and hence their functions) can vary substantially across species. This is best illustrated by the fact that certain organisms contain specialized peroxisomes that are named differently. For example, germinating seeds of plants contain ¡°glyoxysomes¡±, a subclass of microbodies that contain enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle [4]; members of the protist order Kinetoplastida contain ¡°glycosomes¡±, a category of specialized peroxisomes that compartmentalize
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.cell.biology/2012/714192/