Description
PGC-1α
PGC-1α (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1Alpha) is of central importance for the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis: the development of new mitochondria. This makes it a key enzyme for our energy metabolism.
PGC-1α is also a transcriptional coactivator, meaning it interacts with many transcription factors that are involved with numerous biological processes: it is a regulator of thermogenesis, gluconeogenesis, the beta-oxidation of fatty acids, of hormone metabolism and our antioxidative system.
The level of this in the mitochondria compared to other indicators is therefore very significant and instructive.
One recommended combination of tests is mtDNA:nDNA and PCG-1α, as these cast light on each other very well, both being involved with mitobiogenesis.