The Saccharomyces cerevisiae ABCD subfamily transporter Pxa1/Pxa2p co-imports CoASH into the peroxisome

ABC subfamily D transporters are important for the uptake of fatty acids into peroxisomes, where they undergo β-oxidation. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicates that the transporters accept fatty acyl-CoAs but that these are cleaved during the transport cycle and re-esterified in the peroxisomal lumen. However, it is not known whether CoASH is released inside or outside the peroxisome. Here we use Saccharomyces cerevisiae to demonstrate that free CoA is released in the peroxisomal lumen. Thus, ABCD transporters provide an import pathway for CoA. Implications for peroxisomal CoA homeostasis are discussed.