PGC-1α: key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular differentiation in metabolic and regenerative tissues
Lijuan Cao, Y. S. Li, Artem Smirnov, Ramouna Voshtani, T. Wang, Changshun Shao, Candi Eleonora, Gerry Melino, Yufang Shi, Jiankai Fang
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a crucial coactivator that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and function across diverse tissues, including the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, bone marrow, and liver. The diversity of PGC-1α isoforms in distinct tissues allows this co-transcription factor to exert wide-ranging biological effects, including regulating mitochondrial functions, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Here, we focus on the key roles of PGC-1α in cell differentiation. Initially identified in brown adipose tissue in response to cold exposure, PGC-1α regulates cell differentiation by modulating gene expression networks involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. PGC-1α influences cell fate in several cell types, including adipocytes, skeletal muscle cells, and bone marrow-derived cells. A deeper understanding of PGC-1α provides valuable insights into developmental biology, tissue formation, and potential therapeutic targets for regenerative medicine and disease treatment. This review explores recent progress in understanding the roles of PGC-1α in cell differentiation, offering an integrated perspective on its significance in tissue and organism development.