Description
PGC-1α
(Ideally ordered alongside M4, as well as supplementary to M1, M2, or M3)
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.
A recommended combination of tests is mtDNA:nDNA and PCG-1α, as these cast light on each other very well, both being involved with mitobiogenesis.