PGC-1α (Mitochondrial Biogenesis)

What it is

PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha) is a transcriptional coactivator induced by exercise and cold exposure. It coordinates expression of nuclear- and mitochondrial-encoded genes needed to build new mitochondria and shift metabolism toward fatty-acid oxidation.

Why it matters

PGC-1α expression and activity decline with age in muscle, brain, and adipose tissue. Restoring it — in animal models — reverses mitochondrial dysfunction, improves insulin sensitivity, and extends healthspan.

Activators

• Exercise (the dominant physiological activator, especially endurance + intervals).
• Cold exposure (via β-adrenergic signalling).
• AMPK (energy stress).
• SIRT1 (deacetylates and activates PGC-1α).
• Some caloric restriction effects flow through PGC-1α.

Downstream programs

• Mitochondrial biogenesis (NRF1, NRF2, TFAM).
• Oxidative metabolism, fatty-acid oxidation.
• Brown/beige adipose thermogenesis (UCP1).
• Angiogenesis (VEGF).

Related entries

Exercise, Mitochondrial dysfunction, AMPK, VO2max.