Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and PGC-1α under cellular stress

Cell function relies on the constant supply of ATP and it is crucial that mitochondrial ATP production adapts to environmental and cellular challenges to maintain cellular function. Key molecules in sensing cellular stress situations seem to be the PGC-family of transcriptional co-activators, which are key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis. Recent work has identified several stress-regulated pathways that affect mitochondrial biogenesis through modulation of the activity of PGC-1α. This review focuses on caloric restriction, hypoxia as well as the role of reactive oxygen species in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and how this process is linked to other cellular stress responses.

► Mitochondria need to adapt in response to changes in ATP demand.
► The PGC-family of transcriptional co-activators is involved in this regulation.
► Stress-regulated pathways affect the activity of individual PGC-factors.