Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is an HDL receptor that mediates selective HDL lipid uptake. Peroxisomes play an important role in lipid metabolism and peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1)-containing proteins are translocated to peroxisomes by the peroxisomal targeting import receptor, Pex5p. We have previously identified a PTS1 motif in the intracellular domain of rat SR-BI. Here, we examine the possible interaction between Pex5p and SR-BI. Expression of a Flag-tagged intracellular domain of SR-BI resulted in translocation to the peroxisome as demonstrated by double labeling with anti-Flag IgG and anti-catalase IgG analyzed by confocal microscopy. Immunoprecipitation experiments with anti-SR-BI antibody showed that Pex5p co-precipitated with SR-BI. However, when an antibody against Pex5p was used for immunoprecipitation, only the 57kDa, non-glycosylated form, of SR-BI co-precipitated. We conclude that the PTS1 domain of SR-131 is functional and can mediate peroxisomal interaction via Pex5p, in vitro. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.