The peroxisome, present in virtually all eukaryotic cells, fulfils essential metabolic functions in lipid metabolism, both catabolic (oxidation of pipecolic, phytanic and very-long chain fatty acids) and anabolic (synthesis of plasmalogens and bile acids) as well as in free radical detoxification. Thus, the defective function or biogenesis of peroxisomes is related to fatal disorders.

 
Although peroxisomes are essential for life, the various functions and dynamics of this organelle in health and disease are only poorly understood. Nearly all peroxisomal disorders have severe neurological abnormalities. The variety of brain dysfunctions reach from brain malformation and neuronal migration defects in Zellweger syndrome to neurodegenration, demyelination and neuroinflammation in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. We are currently evaluating the potential role of peroxisomes as modulator or modifier in common neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease).

 
To bridge the gap between the scarce knowledge about the role of peroxisomes in the central nervous system (CNS) and their importance for normal brain function, we have donated our research efforts to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration with particular focus on peroxisomal functions.