The energetics of Pex5p-mediated peroxisomal protein import

J Biol Chem. 2003 Oct 10;278(41):39483-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M305089200. Epub 2003 Jul 28.

Abstract

Most newly synthesized peroxisomal matrix proteins are targeted to the organelle by Pex5p, the peroxisomal cycling receptor. According to current models of peroxisomal biogenesis, Pex5p interacts with cargo proteins in the cytosol and transports them to the peroxisomal membrane. After delivering the passenger protein into the peroxisomal matrix, Pex5p returns to the cytosol to catalyze additional rounds of transportation. Obviously, such cyclic pathway must require energy, and indeed, data confirming this need are already available. However, the exact step(s) of this cycle where energy input is necessary remains unclear. Here, we present data suggesting that insertion of Pex5p into the peroxisomal membrane does not require ATP hydrolysis. This observation raises the possibility that at the peroxisomal membrane ATP is needed predominantly (if not exclusively) downstream of the protein translocation step to reset the Pex5p-mediated transport system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Cytosol / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Hydrolysis
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Peroxisome-Targeting Signal 1 Receptor
  • Peroxisomes / metabolism*
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*

Substances

  • Peroxisome-Targeting Signal 1 Receptor
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Adenosine Triphosphate