PGC-1α Is a Master Regulator of Mitochondrial Lifecycle and ROS Stress Response

Mitochondria play a major role in ROS production and defense during their life cycle. The transcriptional activator PGC-1α is a key player in the homeostasis of energy metabolism and is therefore closely linked to mitochondrial function. PGC-1α responds to environmental and intracellular conditions and is regulated by SIRT1/3, TFAM, and AMPK, which are also important regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. In this review, we highlight the functions and regulatory mechanisms of PGC-1α within this framework, with a focus on its involvement in the mitochondrial lifecycle and ROS metabolism. As an example, we show the role of PGC-1α in ROS scavenging under inflammatory conditions. Interestingly,…