Peroxisomes are a class of ubiquitous and dynamic single membrane-bounded cell organelles, devoid of DNA, with an essentially oxidative type of metabolism. In recent years it has become increasingly clear that peroxisomes are involved in a range of important cellular functions in almost all eukaryotic cells. In higher eukaryotes, including humans, peroxisomes catalyze ether phospholipids biosynthesis, fatty acid alpha-oxidation, glyoxylate detoxification, etc, and in humans peroxisomes are associated with several important genetic diseases. In plants, peroxisomes carry out the fatty acid beta-oxidation, photorespiration, metabolism of ROS, RNS and RSS, photomorphogenesis, biosynthesis of phytohormones, senescence, and defence against pathogens and herbivores. In recent years it has been postulated a possible contribution of peroxisomes to cellular signaling. In this volume an updated view of the capacity and function of peroxisomes from human, animal, fungal and plant origin as cell generators of different signal molecules involved in distinct processes of high physiological importance is presented.

Describes the central role played in cellular signaling by peroxisomes from different origins Provides an up-to-date information on the function and metabolism of peroxisomes from human, animal, fungal and plant origin Provides updated information on the metabolic interconnection and cross-talk of peroxisomes with other cell compartments Describes the key cellular function played by peroxisomes as cell generators of important signaling molecules Covers the role played by peroxisomes in human health, aging and disease

Inhalt

Peroxisome interactions and cross-talk with other subcellular compartments in animal cells.- Peroxisomes in human health and disease: metabolic pathways, metabolite transport, interplay with other organelles and signal transduction.- Aging, age-related diseases and peroxisomes.- Peroxisomes and the antiviral responses of mammalian cells.- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- signaling in hepatocarcinogenesis.- Involvement of human peroxisomes in biosynthesis and signaling of steroid and peptide hormones.- Peroxisome Ca 2+ homeostasis in animal and plant cells.- The versatility of peroxisome function in filamentous fungi.- Essential roles of peroxisomally produced and metabolized biomolecules in regulating yeast longevity.- Metabolite transporters of the plant peroxisomal membrane - known and unknown.- Peroxisomes and photomorphogenesis.- Biosynthesis of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) by plant peroxisomes and its integration into signaling molecule synthesis pathways.- Role of peroxisomes as a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling molecules.- Peroxisomes as a source of auxin signaling molecules.- Peroxisomes as cell generators of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) signal molecules.- Role of plant peroxisomes in the production of jasmonic acid-based signals.- Role of plant peroxisomes in protection against herbivores.- Function of Peroxisomes in Plant-Pathogen Interactions.