Peroxisome Markers

Peroxisomes are dynamic, single-membrane bound, multifunctional organelles with a diameter of 0.2-1 µM and possess a fine granular matrix. Hundreds of peroxisomes can exist in a single mammalian cell concurrently. Originally, peroxisomes were identified as organelles that perform oxidation reactions resulting in the formation of hydrogen peroxide as a by-product. Hydrogen peroxide, however, is damaging to the cell and is subsequently broken down by the archetypal peroxisomal enzyme, catalase, thereby maintaining oxidative balance. It is now well established that mammalian peroxisomes perform a plethora of functions including the oxidation of fatty acids (α and β oxidation), the synthesis of ether phospholipids (eg myelin sheath lipids and plasmalogens), bile acids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), glyoxylate metabolism, amino acid catabolism, polyamine oxidation and the metabolism of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). In addition to their metabolic functions, peroxisomes can modulate innate immunity, inflammation and cell fate decisions. In order to function optimally peroxisomes require continued interaction with other organelles such as lysosomes, lipid droplets, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Inter-organelle connections between peroxisomes and other organelles are reliant on tethering proteins that bring the organelles together at membrane contact sites (MCSs), thereby facilitating the transfer of specific factors. Peroxisomes are formed by two distinct pathways within the cell: de novo biogenesis and through growth and division of existing peroxisomes. De novo biogenesis requires the fusion of two pre-peroxisomal vesicles, one that buds from the ER and one that buds from mitochondria. The quantity of peroxisomes within a cell is regulated by changes in the micro-environment, therefore maintaining optimal peroxisomal performance. The importance of peroxisomes as an organelle is highlighted by a group of serious diseases caused by deficits in peroxisome function. These disorders include the Zellweger spectrum disorders, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and Refsum disease. In terms of characterisation, catalase, which is found in the peroxisomal matrix, serves as the classical peroxisomal antigenic marker. Other useful peroxisomal markers include, ABCD3/70 kDa peroxisomal membrane protein (PMP70), which is an ATP binding cassette transporter belonging to subfamily D, and the peroxisomal biogenesis protein, peroxin 14 (PEX14). Both ABCD3 and PEX14 are expressed in the peroxisomal membrane. We offer a large range of peroxisome markers including Catalase antibodies, PMP70 antibodies, and PEX14 antibodies, covering various antibody types, host species, conjugates, and validated applications.