title: Transient complex interactions of mammalian peroxisomes without exchange of matrix or membrane marker proteins.
abstract: Peroxisomes and mitochondria show a much closer interrelationship than previously anticipated. They co-operate in the metabolism of fatty acids and reactive oxygen species, but also share components of their fission machinery. If peroxisomes - like mitochondria - also fuse in mammalian cells is a matter of debate and was not yet systematically investigated. To examine potential peroxisomal fusion and interactions in mammalian cells, we established an in vivo fusion assay based on hybridoma formation by cell fusion. Fluorescence microscopy in time course experiments revealed a merge of different peroxisomal markers in fused cells. However, live cell imaging revealed that peroxisomes were engaged in transient and long-term contacts, without exchanging matrix or membrane markers. Computational analysis showed that transient peroxisomal interactions are complex and can potentially contribute to the homogenization of the peroxisomal compartment. However, peroxisomal interactions do not increase after fatty acid or H(2) O(2)  treatment. Additionally, we provide the first evidence that mitochondrial fusion proteins do not localize to peroxisomes. We conclude that mammalian peroxisomes do not fuse with each other in a mechanism similar to mitochondrial fusion. However, they show an extensive degree of interaction, the implication of which is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Cell Biology and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Nina A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Bonekamp
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sampaio
authors.forename: Fernão Vistulo
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: de Abreu
authors.forename: Georg H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Lüers
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schrader
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D016466:CHO Cells; D019556:COS Cells; D002459:Cell Fusion / Q000379:methods; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D006825:Hybridomas; D008561:Membrane Fusion; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology; D020675:Peroxisomes / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D008565:Membrane Proteins