The peroxisome is an organelle that has long been known for its essential roles in lipid metabolism, maintenance of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species homeostasis, and anaplerotic replenishment of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates destined for mitochondria. Growing evidence supports the view that peroxisomes constitute a dynamic endomembrane system. The system begins to form with the targeting of certain peroxisomal membrane proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum template and their exit from the template via pre-peroxisomal carriers. These carriers mature into metabolically active peroxisomes containing the entire complement of peroxisomal membrane and matrix proteins. Recent studies have uncovered new roles for the peroxisomal endomembrane system in orchestrating important developmental decisions and in regulating cellular aging. The focus of this Frontiers Special Topic Issue is on a conceptual advance in our understanding of how evolutionarily distant organisms coordinate the formation, maturation, proliferation, maintenance, inheritance and quality control of the peroxisomal endomembrane system and how peroxisomal endomembranes communicate with other cellular compartments to orchestrate complex biological processes from inside the cell. The Issue will critically evaluate the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal dynamics of the peroxisomal endomembrane system, linking it to various developmental programs, and enabling it to develop a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern.

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