The diverse role of the PPARγ coactivator 1 family of transcriptional coactivators in cancer

► PGC1 family of coactivators regulate diverse metabolic functions. ► Cell metabolism is linked to cancer in part via PGC-1s. ► PGC1α promotes survival/progression by inducing cellular antioxidants/bioenergetics. ► Induction of anabolic metabolism by PGC-1α promotes cancer growth. ► Contradictory studies suggest PGC-1α inhibits tumor growth.