Peroxisomal proteins carrying a type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) are recognized by the well-conserved cycling import receptor Pex5p. The yeast YMR018W gene encodes a Pex5p paralog and newly identified peroxin that is involved in peroxisomal import of a subset of matrix proteins. The new peroxin was designated Pex9p, and it interacts with the docking protein Pex14p and a subclass of PTS1-containing peroxisomal matrix enzymes. Unlike Pex5p, Pex9p is not expressed in glucose-or ethanol-grown cells, but it is strongly induced by oleate. Under these conditions, Pex9p acts as a cytosolic and membrane-bound peroxisome import receptor for both malate synthase isoenzymes, Mls1p and Mls2p. The inducible Pex9p-dependent import pathway provides a mechanism for the oleate-inducible peroxisomal targeting of malate synthases. The existence of two distinct PTS1 receptors, in addition to two PTS2-dependent import routes, contributes to the adaptive metabolic capacity of peroxisomes in response to environmental changes and underlines the role of peroxisomes as multi-purpose organelles. The identification of different import routes into peroxisomes contributes to the molecular understanding of how regulated protein targeting can alter the function of organelles according to cellular needs.

Background: PTS2 proteins Gpd1p and Pnc1p are imported into peroxisomes in a PTS2 receptor-dependent manner. Results: PTS2co-receptor Pex21p is required for peroxisomal piggyback import of Gpd1p and Pnc1p. Conclusion: PTS2 co-receptors Pex18p and Pex21p enable targeting of distinct cargo proteins under variable stress conditions. Significance: The life span-regulating Pnc1p is transported into peroxisomes via a novel import route.

This protocol describes the isolation of peroxisomes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by density gradient centrifugation using a sucrose, OptiPrep, or OptiPrep/sucrose gradient. Oleic acid-induced cells are first converted to spheroplasts using lyticase for cell wall digestion. Spheroplasts are homogenized, and nuclei and cell debris are removed by low-speed centrifugation to produce a postnuclear supernatant (PNS). Separation of the PNS by density gradient centrifugation is suitable for many analytical applications; however, to increase the yield of peroxisomes, further fractionation of the PNS is possible. Differential centrifugation of the PNS allows removal of the cytosol and other contaminating organelles, resulting in an organellar pellet (OP) enriched in peroxisomes and mitochondria that can be loaded onto the density gradient. Following density gradient centrifugation of the PNS or OP, fractions are collected from the bottom of the centrifuge tube. The distribution of organelles, including peroxisome peak fractions, is characterized by measurement of marker enzyme activity.

Peroxisomes are multifunctional, dynamic organelles present in nearly all eukaryotic cells. Determining their structural and functional characteristics often requires obtaining isolated and purified peroxisomes via subcellular fractionation. Subcellular fractionation techniques are generally based on a three-step procedure: preparation of a cell-free homogenate (postnuclear supernatant), generation of an organellar pellet by differential centrifugation, and density gradient centrifugation. Here we introduce methods for small-scale isolation of peroxisomes from yeast cells using different gradient media as well as large-scale purification using a two-step gradient centrifugation.

This protocol is designed for large-scale isolation of highly purified peroxisomes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae using two consecutive density gradient centrifugations. Instructions are provided for harvesting up to 60 g of oleic acid-induced yeast cells for the preparation of spheroplasts and generation of organellar pellets (OPs) enriched in peroxisomes and mitochondria. The OPs are loaded onto eight continuous 36%-68% (w/v) sucrose gradients. After centrifugation, the peak peroxisomal fractions are determined by measurement of catalase activity. These fractions are subsequently pooled and subjected to a second density gradient centrifugation using 20%-40% (w/v) Nycodenz.