PEX13sta

PEX13sta is a term encountered in some theoretical discussions of peroxisome biology to denote a proposed stable-state conformation or state-related analysis of the PEX13 protein. The abbreviation sta is commonly interpreted as short for stable-state or state-analytic, and the term is used to frame discussions around how conformational changes in PEX13 might influence its interactions at the peroxisomal membrane. It is important to note that PEX13sta does not refer to a distinct, experimentally validated protein or molecular entity; rather, it represents a conceptual construct used in computational modeling and pedagogical materials.

Biological context and use: PEX13 is a peroxin involved in peroxisome biogenesis and protein import, participating in docking events with other components of the import machinery. As a theoretical idea, PEX13sta would describe a hypothesized conformational state of PEX13 predicted by simulations to alter binding affinity or regulatory interactions within the docking complex. This concept is primarily employed to explore possible mechanisms in silico and to test how such a state might affect peroxisomal import under varying conditions.

Status and reception: There is no experimental evidence establishing a distinct in vivo existence of a PEX13sta state. The term appears mostly in modeling studies and some teaching materials and is not widely used as a validated biological designation. Researchers emphasize clarity when using the term to avoid conflating the theoretical construct with the established PEX13 protein.

See also: PEX13, peroxisome biogenesis, PEX14.