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Discovered and first isolated in 1966 in C. De Duve's laboratory, peroxisomes - organelles which are present in nearly all eukaryotic cells - are still not fully understood. More than 40 peroxisomal enzymes catalyzing a variety of reactions have been characterized. Moreover, peroxisomes can be regarded as toxicological indicators: several compounds, including hypolipemic drugs, plasticizers or pesticides trigger their proliferation. In rodents this proliferation may lead to hepatocarcinogenesis. Interest in peroxisomes stems not only from their biology, but also because there is a deficiency of peroxisomal functions in several genetic diseases. Some genes involved in inborn errors of peroxisomal function have recently been identified.
Peroxisomen sind Organellen, die in fast allen Tier- und Pflanzenzellen vorkommen. Ihre mannigfaltigen zellphysiologischen Funktionen, ihre Eigenschaft, als toxikologische Indikatoren auf verschiedene Substanzen - Medikamente oder Pestizide - zu reagieren, und nicht zuletzt das Vorkommen von genetischen Erkrankungen mit gestörter Peroxisomenfunktion machen sie zu interessanten Objekten der biologischen, toxikologischen und medizischen Forschung. Peroxisomes beschreibt alle dazu notwendigen Techniken.
