PGC1-α

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α) is a protein encoded by the PPARGC1A gene.^[1] It's a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis as it plays a significant role in regulating other genes and proteins without being influenced by any other gene. Mitochondrial quality control is vital in all cells and biological processes and its dysfunction is implicated in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. As PGC1-α orchestrates the activation of additional genes required to produce new mitochondria, it also boosts the activity of multiple genes linked to shielding against oxidative stress. As such. PGC1-α is a valuable focal point for safeguarding cells in Parkinson's disease.

 

1. Sanchis-Gomar F, García-Giménez JL, Gómez-Cabrera MC, Pallardó FV. Mitochondrial biogenesis in health and disease. Molecular and therapeutic approaches. Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(35):5619-33. doi: 10.2174/1381612820666140306095106. 

 

2. Piccinin E, Sardanelli AM, Seibel P, Moschetta A, Cocco T, Villani G. PGC-1s in the Spotlight with Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Mar 28;22(7):3487. doi: 10.3390/ijms22073487.