Peroxisome biogenesis and degradation in yeast: A structure/function analysis

In yeast, peroxisomes are the site of specific catabolic pathways that char acteristically include hydrogen peroxide producing oxidases and catalase. D uring the last 10 years, much progress has been made in unravelling the mol ecular mechanisms involved in the biogenesis of this organelle. At present, 23 different genes (PEX genes) have been identified that are involved in d ifferent aspects of peroxisome biogenesis (e.g., proliferation, formation o f the peroxisomal membrane, import of matrix proteins). The principles of p eroxisome degradation are still much less understood. Recently, the first y east mutants affected in this process have become available and used to clo ne corresponding genes by functional complementation. In this paper, an ove rview is presented of the research on yeast peroxisomes, focusing on recent achievements in the molecular aspects of peroxisome development, function, and turnover. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss. Inc.