Peroxisome biogenesis: recent advances

In recent years, it has become evident that peroxisomes form part of the endomembrane system. Peroxisomes can form from the ER via a maturation process and they can multiply by growth and division, whereby the ER provides membrane for growth and ongoing fission (Figure 1). Until very recently, it was widely accepted that most peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs) insert directly into peroxisomes, whereas a small subset of PMPs traffic via the ER. In this minireview, we focus mainly on PMP biogenesis, and highlight recent advances in peroxisomal matrix protein import, fission and segregation in yeast.

► Recent progress in peroxisome biogenesis is reviewed, the role of the ER in particular.
► Peroxisomal membrane proteins can travel to peroxisomes via different routes.
► The targeting receptor for luminal proteins can form part of a channel of variable diameter.