PEX11? induces peroxisomal gene expression and alters peroxisome number during early Xenopus laevis development.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Peroxisomes are organelles whose roles in fatty acid metabolism and reactive oxygen species elimination have contributed much attention in understanding their origin and biogenesis. Many studies have shown that de novo peroxisome biogenesis is an important regulatory process, while yeast studies suggest that total peroxisome numbers are in part regulated by proteins such as Pex11, which can facilitate the division of existing peroxisomes. Although de novo biogenesis and divisions are likely important mechanisms, the regulation of peroxisome numbers during embryonic development is poorly understood. Peroxisome number and function are particularly crucial in oviparous animals such as frogs where large embryonic yolk and fatty acid stores must be quickly metabolized, and resulting reactive oxygen species eliminated. Here we elucidate the role of Pex11? in regulating peroxisomal gene expression and number in Xenopus laevis embryogenesis. RESULTS:Microinjecting haemagglutinin (HA) tagged Pex11? in early embryos resulted in increased RNA levels for peroxisome related genes PMP70 and catalase at developmental stages 10 and 20, versus uninjected embryos. Catalase and PMP70 proteins were found in punctate structures at stage 20 in control embryos, whereas the injection of ectopic HA-Pex11? induced their earlier localization in punctate structures at stage 10. Furthermore, the peroxisomal marker GFP-SKL, which was found localized as peroxisome-like structures at stage 20, was similarly found at stage 10 when co-microinjected with HA-Pex11?. CONCLUSIONS:Overexpressed Pex11? altered peroxisomal gene levels and induced the early formation of peroxisomes-like structures during development, both of which demonstrate that Pex11? may be a key regulator of peroxisome number in early Xenopus embryos.
SUBMITTER: Fox MA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3095563 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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