Glycosomes: parasites and the divergence of peroxisomal purpose

Peroxisomes are membrane-bounded organelles that compartmentalize a variety of metabolic functions. Perhaps the most divergent peroxisomes known are the glycosomes of trypanosomes and their relatives. The glycolytic pathway of these organisms resides within the glycosome. The development of robust molecular genetic and proteomic approaches coupled with the completion of the genome sequence of the pathogens Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania major provides an opportunity to determine the complement of proteins within the glycosome and the function of compartmentation. Studies now suggest that regulation of glycolysis is a strong driving force for maintenance of the glycosome.