Proteomic analysis reveals that the Rab GTPase RabE1c is involved in the degradation of the peroxisomal protein receptor PEX7 (peroxin 7).

The biogenesis of peroxisomes is mediated by peroxins (PEXs). PEX7 is a cytosolic receptor that imports peroxisomal targeting signal type 2 (PTS2)-containing proteins. Although PEX7 is important for protein transport, the mechanisms that mediate its function are unknown. In this study, we performed proteomic analysis to identify PEX7-binding proteins using transgenic Arabidopsis expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged PEX7. Our analysis identified RabE1c, a small GTPase, as a PEX7 binding partner. In vivo analysis revealed that GTP-bound RabE1c binds to PEX7 and that a subset of RabE1c localizes to peroxisomes and interacts with PEX7 on the peroxisome membrane. Unlike endogenous PEX7, which is predominantly localized to the cytosol, GFP-PEX7 accumulates abnormally on the peroxisomal membrane and induces degradation of endogenous PEX7, concomitant with a reduction in import of PTS2-containing proteins and decreased peroxisomal β-oxidation activity. Thus, GFP-PEX7 on the peroxisomal membrane exerts a dominant negative effect. Mutation of RabE1c restored endogenous PEX7 protein expression and import of PTS2-containing proteins as well as peroxisomal β-oxidation activity. Treatment with proteasome inhibitors also restored endogenous PEX7 protein levels in GFP-PEX7-expressing seedlings. Based on these findings, we conclude that RabE1c binds PEX7 and facilitates PEX7 degradation in the presence of immobile GFP-PEX7 accumulated at the membrane.