Localization of the fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase at the nuclear periphery

The localization of fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase (D‐Fru‐1,6‐P2‐1‐phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.11) in rat kidney and liver was determined immunohistochemically using a polyclonal antibody raised against the enzyme purified from pig kidney. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the bisphosphatase was preferentially localized in hepatocytes of the periportal region of the liver and was absent from the perivenous region. Fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase was also preferentially localized in the cortex of the kidney proximal tubules and was absent in the glomeruli, loops of Henle, collecting and distal tubules, and in the renal medulla. As indicated by immunocytochemistry using light microscopy and confirmed with the use of reflection confocal microscopy, the enzyme was preferentially localized in a perinuclear position in the liver and the renal cells. Subcellular fractionation studies followed by enzyme activity assays revealed that a majority of the cellular fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase activity was associated to subcellular particulate structures. Overall, the data support the concept of metabolic zonation in liver as well as in kidney, and establish the concept that the Fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase is a particulate enzyme that can not be considered a soluble enzyme in the classical sense. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.