Transient Complex Interactions of Mammalian Peroxisomes Without Exchange of Matrix or Membrane Marker Proteins

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 H2O2 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.