Deviant Pex3p levels affect normal peroxisome formation in Hansenula polymorpha: high steady-state levels of the protein fully abolish matrix protein import

PEX3 encodes at 52 kDa peroxisomal membrane protein (PMP), essential for peroxisome biogenesis in the yeast Hansenula polymorpha. The relation between Pex3p levels and peroxisome formation was studied in wild type (WT) and delta pex3 strains expressing additional copies of PEX3 under control of a substrate-inducible promoter, namely the strong alcohol oxidase (PAOX) or the weaker amine oxidase (PAMO) promoter. In glucose-grown delta pex3 cells, containing PAOX.PEX3, Pex3p was undetectable and peroxisomes were absent. After induction of these cells on methanol, peroxisomes were rapidly formed. At Pex3p levels up to 7-10 times the values observed in WT controls normal peroxisomes were present. However, at further enhanced Pex3p levels a general matrix protein import defect was observed. This phenomenon was paralleled by aberrant peroxisome assembly and the formation of numerous small vesicles. These vesicles contained Pex3p, together with other H. polymorpha PMPs, but lacked the major matrix proteins which has accumulated in the cytosol. The implications of our results on PEX3 gene regulation and functioning of the peroxisomal matrix protein import machinery in H. polymorpha are discussed.

Evidence for a high free radical state in low-grade astrocytomas

OBJECTIVE

It is postulated that reactive oxygen species may play an inductive role in neuro-oncogenesis. However, data pertaining to the redox state of astrocytomas are limited, which prompted us to undertake this study.

METHODS

Intraoperative snap-frozen samples were obtained from the surface and core of 8 low-grade and 11 high-grade astrocytomas. Small portions of each specimen were fixed in 10% neutral formalin or cacodylate-buffered glutaraldehyde. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and total glutathione levels were determined. Light microscopy was performed to define the relevant histopathology, and electron microscopy was used to quantitate peroxisomal content.

RESULTS

Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance values for low-grade astrocytomas were significantly elevated compared to those for malignant lesions, as was the case for total glutathione. This discrepancy was especially marked at the tumor surface. Peroxisomes predominated in the low-grade category.

CONCLUSION

We speculate regarding malignant transformation as a possible consequence of this decline in antioxidant capacity, as well as regarding the role of seizures and astrocytoma glutamate receptors in the initiation of free radical cascades. The therapeutic and teleological implications are considerable.

Characterization of endoproteases from plant peroxisomes

In this work, the characterization of endoprotease (EP) isoenzymes in peroxisomes is reported for the first time in cell organelles purified from pea leaves (Pisum sativum L.). A comparative analysis of the endo-proteolytic activity in peroxisomes purified from young (15-day-old) and senescent (50-day-old) leaves was carried out. Peroxisomes purified from senescent leaves showed a much higher endo-proteolytic activity than organelles from young plants. A 16 h incubation with exogenous substrates was the threshold time for the detection of a linear increase in the endo-proteolytic activity of peroxisomes from senescent leaves. Three EP isoenzymes (EP2, EP4 and EP5), having molecular masses of 88, 64 and 50 kDa respectively, were found in young plants by using SDS/polyacrylamide-gradient gels co-polymerized with gelatin. However, four additional isoenzymes (EP1, EP3, EP6 and EP7), with molecular masses of 220, 76, 46 and 34 kDa respectively, were detected in senescent plants. All the isoenzymes detected in peroxisomes from both young and senescent leaves were neutral proteases. By using different class-specific inhibitors, the electrophoretically separated EP isoenzymes were characterized as three serine-proteinases (EP1, EP3 and EP4), two cysteine-proteinases (EP2 and EP6) and a metallo-proteinase (EP7), and EP5 might be a metal-dependent serine-proteinase. Moreover, a peroxisomal polypeptide of 64 kDa was recognized by an antibody against a thiol-protease. The serine-proteinase isoenzymes (EP1, EP3 and EP4), which represent approx. 70% of the total EP activity of peroxisomes, showed a notable thermal stability, not being inhibited by incubation at 50 degrees C for 1 h.

Impairment of peroxisome degradation in Pichia methanolica mutants defective in acetyl-CoA synthetase or isocitrate lyase

Single recessive mutations of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia methanolica acs1, acs2, acs3 and icl1 affecting acetyl-CoA synthetase and isocitrate lyase, and growth on ethanol as sole carbon and energy source, caused a defect in autophagic peroxisome degradation during exposure of methanol-grown cells to ethanol. As a control, a mutation in mdd1, which resulted in a defect of the 'malic' enzyme and also prevented ethanol utilization, did not prevent peroxisome degradation. Peroxisome degradation in glucose medium was unimpaired in all strains tested. Addition of ethanol to methanol-grown cells of acs1, acs2, acs3 and icl1 mutants led to an increase in average vacuole size. Thickening of peroxisomal membranes and tight contacts between groups of peroxisomes and vacuoles were rarely observed. These processes proceeded much more slowly than in wild-type or mdd1 mutant cells incubated under similar conditions. No peroxisomal remnants were observed inside vacuoles in the cells of acs1, acs2, acs3 and icl1 mutants after prolonged cultivation in ethanol medium. We hypothesize that the acs and icl mutants are defective in synthesis of the true effector--presumably glyoxylate--of peroxisome degradation in ethanol medium. Lack of the effector suspends peroxisome degradation at an early stage, namely signal transduction or peroxisome/vacuole recognition. Finally, these defects in peroxisome degradation resulted in mutant cells retaining high levels of alcohol oxidase which further led to increased levels of acetaldehyde accumulation upon incubation of mutant cells with ethanol.

Pex14p is a member of the protein linkage map of Pex5p

To identify members of the translocation machinery for peroxisomal proteins, we made use of the two-hybrid system to establish a protein linkage map centered around Pex5p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the receptor for the C-terminal peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1). Among the five interaction partners identified, Pex14p was found to be induced under conditions allowing peroxisome proliferation. Deletion of the corresponding gene resulted in the inability of yeast cells to grow on oleate as well as the absence of peroxisomal structures. The PEX14 gene product of approximately 38 kDa was biochemically and ultrastructurally demonstrated to be a peroxisomal membrane protein, despite the lack of a membrane-spanning domain. This protein was shown to interact with itself, with Pex13p and with both PTS receptors, Pex5p and Pex7p, indicating a central function for the import of peroxisomal matrix proteins, either as a docking protein or as a releasing factor at the organellar membrane.

Application of in situ hybridization, cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques for the investigation of peroxisomes. A review including novel data. Robert Feulgen Prize Lecture 1997

In situ hybridization, cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques have contributed significantly to the understanding of the biology of peroxisomes, since they permit in situ demonstration of the sites of synthesis and distribution of peroxisomal proteins without the necessity of homogenization and subcellular fractionation of tissues or cultured cells. This article reviews the results of research on mammalian peroxisomal metabolism, biogenesis and proliferation in which morphological techniques have played a significant role in the elucidation of the biological problem. Some new data on peroxisomal heterogeneity and morphogenesis are included. The morphological methods applied have made it possible to characterize the differences in distribution of mRNAs encoding peroxisomal proteins in different tissues, as well as to monitor the marked heterogeneity in the protein composition and in the activity of specific enzymes in the peroxisomal population of single cells, or in tissues with complex organization (e.g. liver and kidney). In addition, the dynamic alterations and high plasticity of the peroxisomal compartment--partly dependent on contact of the peroxisomes to the microtubular network-are presented.

Newly identified Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants defective in peroxisome biogenesis represent two novel complementation groups in mammals

We isolated peroxisome biogenesis mutants from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, using the 9-(1'-pyrene)nonanol/ultraviolet (P9OH/ UV) method and wild-type CHO-K1 cells that had been stably transfected with cDNA encoding Pex2p (formerly peroxisome assembly factor-1, PAF-1). Three mutant cell clones, ZP110, ZP111, and ZP114, showed cytosolic localization of catalase, thereby indicating a defect in peroxisome biogenesis, whereas ZP112 and ZP113 contained fewer but larger catalase-positive particles. Mutant ZP115 displayed an aberrant, tubular structure immunoreactive to anti-catalase antibody. Mutants lacking morphologically recognizable peroxisomes also showed the typical peroxisome assembly-defective phenotype such as severe loss of catalase latency and resistance to 12-(1'-pyrene)dodecanoic acid (P12)/UV treatment. ZP110 and ZP111, and ZP114 were found to belong to two novel complementation groups, respectively, by complementation group analysis with cDNA transfection and cell fusion. Cell fusion with fibroblasts from patients with peroxisome biogenesis disorders such as Zellweger syndrome revealed that ZP110 and ZP114 could not be classified to any of human complementation groups. Thus, ZP110/ZP111 and ZP114 are the first, two peroxisome-deficient cell mutants of newly identified complementation groups distinct from the ten mammalian groups previously characterized.

Effects of long-term administration of the antiepileptic drug--sodium valproate upon the ultrastructure of hepatocytes in rats

Chronic intragastric application (1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) of the antiepileptic drug--sodium valproate (VPA; Vupral "Polfa") to rats in the effective dose of 200 mg/kg b.w./day exerts hepatotoxic effect after 9 and 12 months of the experiment. The first ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes were observed after 3 months of the drug administration. These became more intense in the subsequent stages of the experiment, to be most pronounced after 12 months. The most striking changes were in the mitochondria (significant swelling, an increase in their number, degeneration of matrix and cristae, disruption of the outer mitochondrial membrane) and in peroxisomes (proliferation, enlargement and the presence of distinct nucleoids). Further alterations in hepatocytes manifested themselves in: microvesicular fatty change with cholesterolosis (cholesterol clefts), damage to the cellular membrane of the sinusoidal pole with dilation of the perisinusoidal space of Disse, presence of cystern-like cytoplasmic vacuoles in the sinusoidal region, filled with plasma-like material and focal cytoplasmic necrosis. The changes in hepatocytes coexisted with the swelling and activation of sinusoidal cells, endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. The author suggests that mitochondria and peroxisomes considerably contribute to the morphogenesis of hepatocyte damage by VPA in the chronic experimental model.

Luteinizing hormone on Leydig cell structure and function

The effects of luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone (hCG) on Leydig cell structure and function are reviewed in this paper under two main headings; responses to LH and hCG stimulation and responses to LH deprivation. With acute LH stimulation, up to 2 hours following the LH injection, there was no change in the volume of a Leydig cell. However, Leydig cell peroxisomal volume and intraperoxisomal SCP2 content showed a rapid and transient change. These changes can be considered to be specific because: i) no other Leydig cell organelle including smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) showed such a change, and ii) only the intraperoxisomal SCP2 but not catalase (a marker enzyme for peroxisomes) showed such a change within 30 minutes of LH stimulation. As these changes occurred prior to the peak testosterone levels following this treatment, it is suggested that SCP2 and peroxisomes may have an association with testosterone biosynthesis prior to cholesterol transport into mitochondria. With LH or hCG stimulation for longer periods, i.e. one day or more, the same morphological changes are produced in Leydig cells irrespective of the age of the species, dosage of LH or hCG, and with single or multiple doses. These changes include, Leydig cells hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia, increase in the cellular organelle content (mostly SER and mitochondria) and depletion of lipid droplets. In addition, a recent study showed that Leydig cell peroxisomal volume, SCP2 content, the amount of intraperoxisomal SCP2 and testosterone secretory capacity were also significantly increased in response to chronic LH treatment. The effects of LH deprivation by whatever means (e.g. hypophysectomy, with testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol silastic implants, LH antisera) on Leydig cell structure and function is generally described as opposite to those observed following LH or hCG stimulation. These include Leydig cell hypotrophy and hypoplasia, reductions in the cytoplasmic organelle content in general and specific reductions in SER and peroxisomal volumes, reductions in total catalase and SCP2 in Leydig cells together with reductions in the intraperoxisomal SCP2 content in Leydig cells and their testosterone secretory capacity.

Changes in targeting efficiencies of proteins to plant microbodies caused by amino acid substitutions in the carboxy-terminal tripeptide

It has been demonstrated that the carboxyl terminus of microbody enzymes functions as a targeting signal to microbodies in higher plants. We have examined an ability of 24 carboxy-terminal amino acid sequences to facilitate the transport of a cytosolic passenger protein, beta-glucuronidase, into microbodies in green cotyledonary cells of transgenic Arabidopsis. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis revealed that carboxy-terminal tripeptide sequences of the form [C/A/S/P]-[K/R]-[I/L/M] function as a microbody-targeting signal, although tripeptides with proline at the first amino acid position and isoleucine at the carboxyl terminus show weak targeting efficiencies. All known microbody enzymes that are synthesized in a form similar in size to the mature molecule, except catalase, contain one of these tripeptide sequences at their carboxyl terminus.

Isolation of rat hepatic peroxisomes by means of immune free flow electrophoresis

Rat hepatic peroxisomes (PO) were separated from other cell organelles by free flow electrophoresis (FFE) in combination with immunocomplexing PO prior to FFE with an antibody directed against the cytoplasmic aspect of the peroxisomal membrane protein PMP 70. This novel approach is based on a method termed antigen-specific electrophoretic cell separation (ASECS) which was originally introduced for the isolation of human T and B lymphocyte subpopulations by Hansen and Hannig (J. Immunol. Methods 1982, 51, 197-208). We adapted this technique to PO isolation from a crude peroxisomal fraction, streamlining it by the following modifications: (i) The sandwich-technique recommended to further lower a negative surface charge was renounced. (ii) Instead, the pH of the electrophoresis buffer was raised from 7.2 to 8.0, thus minimizing the electrophoretic mobility of the particles immunocomplexed due to the fact that the isoelectric point (pI) of IgG molecules is close to pH 8.0. PO isolated by this modification, referred to as immune free flow electrophoresis (IFFE), are as pure, intact, and structurally well-preserved as are highly purified PO obtained by density gradient centrifugation. The technique is currently applied for the isolation of peroxisomal subpopulations that are difficult to obtain by means of density gradient centrifugation.

A fibroblast cell line defective in alkyl-dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase: a novel defect in plasmalogen biosynthesis

Using fluorescence-activated cytotoxicity selection, followed by colony autoradiographic screening of the surviving population, we have isolated a unique plasmalogen-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line. The mutant, NZel-1, showed a dramatic (90%) reduction in the rate of biosynthesis and levels of plasmalogens, as determined using short- and long-term labeling with 32Pi. Enzymatic assays and lipid supplementation studies showed that NZel-1 was defective in a single step in the biosynthetic pathway for plasmalogens. This step, catalyzed by the peroxisomal enzyme, alkyl-dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) synthase, is responsible for the introduction of the ether bond found in plasmalogens. The activity of alkyl-DHAP synthase was reduced in whole-cell homogenates from NZel-1 to 18% of wild-type values. Unlike previously described plasmalogen-deficient mutants, NZel-1 contained peroxisomes, as confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy and catalase release by digitonin. Peroxisomal functions, including the breakdown of very long-chain (>20 carbons) fatty acids, phytanic acid oxidation, and the acylation of DHAP, were normal. Cell fusion studies revealed that the mutation is recessive and belongs to a new complementation group. To our knowledge this is the first report describing the isolation and characterization of a mutant CHO cell line defective in plasmalogen biosynthesis which contains intact, functional peroxisomes. These cells will allow us to examine the role of ether lipids in cellular functions without complications associated with peroxisome deficiency.

Morphometry of abnormal peroxisomes induced by withdrawal of bezafibrate, a hypolipidemic drug in male rat hepatocytes

Peroxisomes containing fibrillar structures were induced after 1 week withdrawal of bezafibrate, a peroxisome proliferator. In this report, the relation between the duration of bezafibrate treatment and the induction of abnormal peroxisomes in rat hepatocytes was studied morphometrically. The abnormal peroxisomes did not appear during 3 to 90 days of treatment with bezafibrate, but they appeared after 1 week withdrawal of it. The number and frequency of abnormal peroxisomes were prominent in 3, 7, and 14 days of treatment followed by 1 week of withdrawal of bezafibrate. It was evident that the frequency of abnormal peroxisomes decreased with 30-90 days administration of bezafibrate. This means that long-term (30-90 days) treatment with bezafibrate suppresses the induction of abnormal peroxisomes.

Inhibition of peroxisomal degradation by 3-methyladenine (3MA) in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes

BACKGROUND

A significant reduction in peroxisomes has been demonstrated in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. This report demonstrates that 3-methyladenine (3MA), a potent inhibitor of autophagy, inhibits this effect.

METHODS

Hepatocytes from male Wistar rats were isolated by a two-step in situ perfusion technique using collagenase and were cultured in Williams E medium. After a 2-hr attachment period (day 0 of culture), the cells were treated with 200 microM bezafibrate (BF), a peroxisome proliferator, and 5 mM 3MA for 3 days. The cells in the culture dish were fixed in situ, stained for catalase, and embedded in Poly/Bed 812. The number and size of peroxisomes in electron micrographs were analyzed morphometrically.

RESULTS

After 3 days of culture, the number of peroxisomes had decreased to 30% of the day 0 level. However, the day 0 level was maintained by treatment with 3MA. In BF-treated cells, many autophagosomes were observed, and peroxisomes had proliferated significantly, although they did not exceed the day 0 level. In cells treated with a combination of 3MA and BF, the number and size of peroxisomes had increased remarkably.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that 3MA is effective in maintaining both the number and size of peroxisomes in the course of primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Suppression of peroxisome proliferation by treatment with BF may be regulated by autophagic/lysosomal degradation.

Peroxisome proliferation and beta-oxidation in Fao and MH1C1 rat hepatoma cells, HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells and cultured human hepatocytes: effect of ciprofibrate

Human HepG2, rat Fao and MH1C1 hepatoma cell lines have been examined for their response to ciprofibrate, a potent peroxisome proliferator. Changes in the morphological characteristics of peroxisomes, the inductibility of their proliferation and of their beta-oxidation enzymes, palmitoyl-CoA oxidase and bifunctional enzyme, were studied in control and treated cells. In Fao cells, peroxisomes are less numerous and smaller than in rat liver, but they increase in size and number under the effect of ciprofibrate, similarly to those of treated rat liver. The high peroxisome proliferation is accompanied by a strong induction of beta-oxidation enzymes as in vivo. In MH1C1 cells, peroxisomes are seen in irregular clusters in the cytoplasm, small with rounded to tubular forms, suggesting rapid peroxisomal growth. A striking observation is the particularly elongated, worm-like form of many of the peroxisomes. Under the effect of ciprofibrate, the proliferation is low, as is the induction of beta-oxidation enzymes. HepG2 cells contain few, small peroxisomes with a heterogeneity of forms, from spherical to elongated. The only peroxisomal response to ciprofibrate in these cells seemed to be a morphological reorganization. There is little or no induction of beta-oxidation enzymes by ciprofibrate in HepG2 cells, as in cultured human hepatocytes. Therefore, on the one hand, Fao and MH1C1 cells are complementary tools in the investigation of the regulation of the hepatic response to peroxisome proliferators in the rat, on the other hand, HepG2 and Fao cells are useful in the study of the species specificity of the response.

Peroxisomes in adrenal steroidogenesis

Peroxisomes, cytoplasmic organelles limited by a single membrane and with a matrix of moderate electron density, are present in a great number of cells, namely in adrenal cortex and other steroid-secreting organs. Presently peroxisomes are considered to be involved in important metabolic processes. They intervene in: (1) the production and degradation of H2O2; (2) biosynthesis of ether-phospholipids, cholesterol, dolichol, and bile acids; (3) oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, purines, polyamines, and prostaglandins; (4) catabolism of pipecolic, phythanic and glyoxylic acids; and (5) gluconeogenesis. Recent studies demonstrated that the experimental alterations in the normal steroidogenesis, produce significant morphological and biochemical changes in peroxisomes. Besides this, the presence of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (the key enzyme in the de novo cholesterol synthesis from acetate) and of sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP2), which is involved in the cholesterol metabolism and steroid metabolic pathways, are located in peroxisomes of steroid-secreting cells. In addition, patients with peroxisome diseases present deficiency in steroidogenesis, as well as reduced levels of SCP2. These data pointed out the important role of peroxisomes in steroid biosynthesis.

Functional identification of a Leishmania gene related to the peroxin 2 gene reveals common ancestry of glycosomes and peroxisomes

Glycosomes are membrane-bounded microbody organelles that compartmentalize glycolysis as well as other important metabolic processes in trypanosomatids. The compartmentalization of these enzymatic reactions is hypothesized to play a crucial role in parasite physiology. Although the metabolic role of glycosomes differs substantially from that of the peroxisomes that are found in other eukaryotes, similarities in signals targeting proteins to these organelles suggest that glycosomes and peroxisomes may have evolved from a common ancestor. To examine this hypothesis, as well as gain insights into the function of the glycosome, we used a positive genetic selection procedure to isolate the first Leishmania mutant (gim1-1 [glycosome import] mutant) with a defect in the import of glycosomal proteins. The mutant retains glycosomes but mislocalizes a subset glycosomal proteins to the cytoplasm. Unexpectedly, the gim1-1 mutant lacks lipid bodies, suggesting a heretofore unknown role of the glycosome. We used genetic approaches to identify a gene, GIM1, that is able to restore import and lipid bodies. A nonsense mutation was found in one allele of this gene in the mutant line. The predicted Gim1 protein is related the peroxin 2 family of integral membrane proteins, which are required for peroxisome biogenesis. The similarities in sequence and function provide strong support for the common origin model of glycosomes and peroxisomes. The novel phenotype of gim1-1 and distinctive role of Leishmania glycosomes suggest that future studies of this system will provide a new perspective on microbody biogenesis and function.

Cinnamyl anthranilate causes coinduction of hepatic microsomal and peroxisomal enzymes in mouse but not rat

Cinnamyl anthranilate is a synthetic food flavoring and fragrance agent, formerly used at low levels. Although it is not genotoxic, very high doses have been shown to cause liver tumors in mice but not rats. In this report we characterize hepatic changes brought about by cinnamyl anthranilate in rats and mice. Groups of male CD1 mice and Fischer 344 rats received 0, 100, or 1000 mg/kg cinnamyl anthranilate by intraperitoneal injection daily for 3 days. After euthanization on the 4th day, plasma lipids and relative liver weight, tissue DNA, the peroxisome marker CN(-)-insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation, cytochrome P450, microsomal lauric acid hydroxylation, aminopyrine N-demethylase and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, microsomal and cytosolic epoxide hydrolase, and the peroxisome/mitochondria ratio in liver sections were monitored. In mice a pattern of change pointing to peroxisomal proliferation was seen at both doses of cinnamyl anthranilate, but in rats fewer and smaller changes were seen with little or no evidence of peroxisomal proliferation at the doses used. Groups of male CD1 mice were given 0-200 mg/kg cinnamyl anthranilate daily for 3 days. At doses of 20 mg/kg and above, there were dose-dependent increases in relative liver weight, total cytochrome P450, and CN(-)-insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation. The hepatic effects of cinnamyl anthranilate are apparently due to the intact ester, since neither its expected metabolites alone nor an equimolar mixture of the hydrolysis products, cinnamyl alcohol and anthranilic acid, had any significant effect on the weight or marker enzyme content of mouse liver. The data are discussed in relation to the species specificity of the hepatocarcinogenicity of cinnamyl anthranilate and to metabolic studies in rats and mice. It is suggested that in mice, peroxisomal proliferation occurs only at doses high enough to prevent complete metabolic hydrolysis.

Recent update on the PPAR alpha-null mouse

Short-term treatment of rats and mice with peroxisome proliferators (PP) results in an increase in liver peroxisome number, marked hepatomegaly and induction of several genes encoding peroxisomal and other microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism. Chronic treatment of rodents with PP results in hepatocellular carcinoma. Species differences in PP responses have been found. For example, PP such as clofibrate and gemfibrozil, are highly effective lipid and cholesterol lowering drugs in humans but do not cause peroxisome proliferation and there is no evidence for increased liver cancers in patients receiving these drugs. A receptor, designated PP-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) is capable of trans-activating reporter genes containing a PP response (PPRE), but requires the presence of both PP, 9-cis retinoic acid and another receptor called RXR alpha. However, PP may not directly bind to PPAR alpha but probably indirectly disturb cellular metabolism to liberate an endogenous ligand. Subsequent to the first identification of a PPAR alpha, other members of this receptor family were found and designated PPAR alpha, PPAR beta (also called NUC1 and PPAR delta) and PPAR gamma. The alpha form is most abundant in liver and kidney, sites of peroxisome proliferation while the other two receptors are not significantly expressed in these tissues. On the basis of tissue-specific localization and spectrum of target gene activation, the physiological function of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma appear to be related to fatty acid metabolism and regulation of adipogenesis, respectively. To gain insight into the function of PPAR alpha and its role in the peroxisome proliferator response and hepatocellular carcinogenesis, gene targeting was used to develop a PPAR alpha-deficient mouse. These animals are resistant to the pleiotropic effects of PP and no induction of any known target gene has been found. Recent studies on the phenotypes of these mice have led to an understanding of the mechanism of action of PP. They have also provided a useful model to establish the physiological role of PPAR alpha in fatty acid homeostasis and inflammation.

Muscle-specific overexpression of human lipoprotein lipase in mice causes increased intracellular free fatty acids and induction of peroxisomal enzymes

A transgenic mouse model for peroxisomal and mitochondrial induction caused by increased uptake of fatty acids in muscle was established. Transgenic mouse lines were generated using a human lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mini gene (3-20 copies) driven by the promoter of the muscle creatine kinase gene. Expression of human LPL was only observed in skeletal and cardiac muscle. In proportion to the level of LPL overexpression increased LPL activity in skeletal (up to 24-fold) and cardiac (up to three-fold) muscle, decreased plasma triglyceride levels, elevated free fatty acid (FFA) uptake by muscle tissue, weight loss (due to a reduction in muscle mass as well as adipose tissue mass) and premature death were observed. A remarkable increase in the number of mitochondria and peroxisomes was detected using oxide-electron microscopy. Proliferation of mitochondria and peroxisomes was confirmed by a dose-dependent increase of marker enzyme activity (succinate-dehydrogenase and catalase). In addition, peroxisomal acyl-CoAse enzyme protein was markedly elevated whereas mRNA was increased only up to two-fold. No changes in peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor alpha mRNA was found. This degree of proliferation and enzyme activity of mitochondria and peroxisomes suggests that FFA play an important role in the induction of these organelles. In addition, myopathy characterized by excessive glycogen storage, muscle fiber degeneration, and fiber atrophy with centralization of nuclei, mimicking several forms of human myopathies was noted. Our results imply that improper regulation of muscle LPL leading to increased fatty acid levels in muscle can cause severe pathological changes. This effect may be important in the pathogenesis of human myopathies. We conclude that these transgenic mouse lines could serve as a useful animal model for the investigation of myopathies and the effects of fatty acids on the induction of mitochondria and peroxisomes.

Biochemistry of peroxisomes in health and disease

The ubiquitous distribution of peroxisomes and the identification of a number of inherited diseases associated with peroxisomal dysfunction indicate that peroxisomes play an essential part in cellular metabolism. Some of the most important metabolic functions of peroxisomes include the synthesis of plasmalogens, bile acids, cholesterol and dolichol, and the oxidation of fatty acids (very long chain fatty acids > C22, branched chain fatty acids (e.g. phytanic acid), dicarboxylic acids, unsaturated fatty acids, prostaglandins, pipecolic acid and glutaric acid). Peroxisomes are also responsible for the metabolism of purines, polyamines, amino acids, glyoxylate and reactive oxygen species (e.g. O-2 and H2O2). Peroxisomal diseases result from the dysfunction of one or more peroxisomal metabolic functions, the majority of which manifest as neurological abnormalities. The quantitation of peroxisomal metabolic functions (e.g. levels of specific metabolites and/or enzyme activity) has become the basis of clinical diagnosis of diseases associated with the organelle. The study of peroxisomal diseases has also contributed towards the further elucidation of a number of metabolic functions of peroxisomes.

Preparation of a dansylated fibrate, a new fluorescent tool to study peroxisome proliferation. Effect on hepatic-derived cell lines

The synthesis of a dansylated fibrate (DNS-X) has been performed in order to identify the cellular affinity sites of peroxisome proliferators and to establish the subcellular localization of such molecules. DNS-X has been obtained by coupling the dansy1 chloride with the amine resulting from the bezafibrate alkaline hydrolysis. The purified DNS-X has been further characterized by spectrum analysis (UV-Vis, fluorescence, [1H]/[13C]-NMR and mass). At 250 microM and incubated for 48 h with the rat hepatic derived cells (Fao cells), DNS-X stimulates 12-fold the palmitoyl-CoA oxidase, a peroxisome proliferation marker enzyme. This increase is comparable to the one obtained with well known peroxisome proliferators such as bezafibrate or ciprofibrate. The stimulation by DNS-X is specific for the overall molecule since neither the dansyl chloride, the amine, nor the precursors of DNS-X are active. The increase of palmitoyl-CoA oxidase activity is correlated with the increase of the enzyme amount as shown by immunoblotting. In agreement with the species-specificity of the fibrate neither DNS-X, bezafibrate nor ciprofibrate significantly increase palmitoyl-CoA oxidase activity and the enzyme amount in human hepatic-derived cells, HepG2. This work shows that the dansylated fibrate is a new fluorescent tool to study the subcellular localization and identification of high affinity binding sites, then further on, to elucidate the peroxisome proliferation mechanism and the action of hypolipidaemic agents of the fibrate family.

Isolation of a new peroxisome-deficient CHO cell mutant defective in peroxisome targeting signal-1 receptor

For the study of mechanism of peroxisome biogenesis, we attempted to isolate CHO cell mutants deficient in peroxisome biogenesis. We used as the parent strain a stable CHO transformant of rat PEX2 (formerly named peroxisome assembly factor-1) cDNA, to avoid unusually frequent isolation of Pex2 mutants. Among the three peroxisome-deficient mutants obtained, ZP102 was a new CHO mutant of complementation group 2, and was restored for peroxisome assembly by the transfection of human PEX5 (formerly called PXR1 or PTS1R) cDNA. This approach would facilitate the isolation of new complementation gorups of peroxisome-deficient CHO mutants and the identification of essential genes for peroxisome biogenesis.

Immunocytochemical localization of the 70 kDa peroxisomal membrane protein in connections between peroxisomes in rat liver: support for a reticular organization of peroxisomes maintained by the cytoskeleton

Recently it has been shown that peroxisomes interact with microtubules which affect the structure and intracellular distribution of the organelle (Schrader, M., J. K. Burkhardt, E. Baumgart, G. Lüers, H. Spring, A. Völkl, H. D. Fahimi: Interaction of microtubules with peroxisomes. Tubular and spherical peroxisomes in HepG2 cells and their alterations induced by microtubule-active drugs. Eur. J. Cell Biol. 69, 24-35 (1996)). In the present work, we have applied immunological techniques to study the organization of peroxisomes within the rat liver cell. Antibodies to a pentadecapeptide corresponding to amino acid residues 403-417 of the 70 kDa integral peroxisomal membrane protein (Kamijo, K., S. Taketani, S. Yokota, T. Osumi, T. Hashimoto: The 70-kDa peroxisomal membrane protein is a member of the Mdr (P-glycoprotein)-related ATP-binding protein super family. J. Biol. Chem. 265, 4534-4540 (1990)) were raised in rabbits and affinity purified. This antibody was found to be highly specific for peroxisomes as determined by ELISA and Western blot analysis. Immunoelectron microscopy of tissue sections from rat liver revealed that peroxisomal membranes were labeled with this antibody and, in addition, labeling was found on tubular extensions often connecting peroxisomes. Antibodies to alpha-tubulin were used to locate the microtubular system. Microtubules were often found in close connection to peroxisomes, suggesting interaction between peroxisomes and the cytoskeleton. Double-labeling experiments for the 70 kDa integral peroxisomal membrane protein and alpha-tubulin demonstrated that the tubular structures connecting peroxisomes did not colocalize with microtubules. These results suggest that peroxisomes are organized in reticular structures within rat liver cells and that the structure and localization of these reticuli may be determined by their association to the microtubular network.