Glucocorticoids induce mitochondrial gene transcription in HepG2 cells

► Glucocorticoid receptor binds to the D-loop of the mitochondrial DNA of HepG2 cells. ► DEX induces OXPHOS gene expression by the mitochondrial glucocorticoid receptor. ► DEX induces mitochondrial transcription factors gene expression. ► DEX-induced mitochondrial transcription maintained in the presence of α-amanitin. ► Mitochondrial GR activates OXPHOS enzyme synthesis and mitochondrial ATP production.