Peroxisomal protein import pores

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016 May;1863(5):821-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.10.013. Epub 2015 Oct 20.

Abstract

Peroxisomal protein import is essentially different to the translocation of proteins into other organelles. The molecular mechanisms by which completely folded or even oligomerized proteins cross the peroxisomal membrane remain to be disclosed. The identification of a water-filled pore that is mainly constituted by Pex5 and Pex14 led to the assumption that proteins are translocated through a large, probably transient, protein-conducting channel. Here, we will review the work that led to the identification of this translocation pore. In addition, we will discuss the main biophysical features of the pore and compare it with other protein–translocation channels.

Keywords: Channels; Peroxisomes; Protein import; Protein trafficking; Translocation pores.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eukaryotic Cells / chemistry
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Peroxisomal Targeting Signal 2 Receptor
  • Peroxisome-Targeting Signal 1 Receptor
  • Peroxisomes / chemistry
  • Peroxisomes / metabolism*
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plants / chemistry
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms / chemistry
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Sorting Signals
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / chemistry
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • PEX5 protein, human
  • Peroxisomal Targeting Signal 2 Receptor
  • Peroxisome-Targeting Signal 1 Receptor
  • Plant Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Sorting Signals
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear