Investigation of Molecular Interactions Between Peroxisome Biogenesis Factors PEX3 and PEX 19
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Catherine Reinke
Subject Area
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Description
Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are caused by disrupted peroxisome formation, which impairs cellular metabolism, leading to poor muscle tone, seizures, hearing and vision loss, and skeletal abnormalities. Peroxisomes are small membrane-bound organelles that perform essential synthesis, breakdown, and detoxification reactions. Peroxisomes can be created through fission, the division of existing mature peroxisomes, or de novo biogenesis. In de novo biogenesis, the endoplasmic reticulum secretes vesicles containing peroxisomal proteins (peroxins) that recruit additional peroxins to form a mature peroxisome. PEX3 and PEX19 are peroxisomal biogenesis factors that interact to coordinate trafficking and import of peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs). The molecular nature of the interaction between PEX3 and PEX19 has not been completely characterized. Previous research elucidated one site of interaction, however, recent AlphaFold models suggest the presence of a putative second interaction site. Our aim is to determine whether a second interaction site exists using site-directed mutagenesis of PEX3 and PEX19 and a biophysical binding assay method, biolayer interferometry (BLI). Alteration of residues at the characterized PEX3 and PEX19 binding site led to disrupted or decreased binding. Changes to the putative second interaction site will be evaluated for effect on PEX3-PEX19 interaction, to expand our molecular understanding of peroxisome biogenesis.
Recommended Citation
Hernandez, Vania, "Investigation of Molecular Interactions Between Peroxisome Biogenesis Factors PEX3 and PEX 19" (2026). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 36.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2026/all/36
Investigation of Molecular Interactions Between Peroxisome Biogenesis Factors PEX3 and PEX 19
Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are caused by disrupted peroxisome formation, which impairs cellular metabolism, leading to poor muscle tone, seizures, hearing and vision loss, and skeletal abnormalities. Peroxisomes are small membrane-bound organelles that perform essential synthesis, breakdown, and detoxification reactions. Peroxisomes can be created through fission, the division of existing mature peroxisomes, or de novo biogenesis. In de novo biogenesis, the endoplasmic reticulum secretes vesicles containing peroxisomal proteins (peroxins) that recruit additional peroxins to form a mature peroxisome. PEX3 and PEX19 are peroxisomal biogenesis factors that interact to coordinate trafficking and import of peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs). The molecular nature of the interaction between PEX3 and PEX19 has not been completely characterized. Previous research elucidated one site of interaction, however, recent AlphaFold models suggest the presence of a putative second interaction site. Our aim is to determine whether a second interaction site exists using site-directed mutagenesis of PEX3 and PEX19 and a biophysical binding assay method, biolayer interferometry (BLI). Alteration of residues at the characterized PEX3 and PEX19 binding site led to disrupted or decreased binding. Changes to the putative second interaction site will be evaluated for effect on PEX3-PEX19 interaction, to expand our molecular understanding of peroxisome biogenesis.