PGC-1α at the intersection of bioenergetics regulation and neuron function: From Huntington's disease to Parkinson's disease and beyond

► PGC-1α is a transcription co-activator that promotes mitochondrial function. ► Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by abnormal bioenergetics. ► PGC-1α links mitochondrial dysfunction to transcription abnormalities in HD. ► Parkinson's disease may also result from PGC-1α dysfunction. ► PGC-1α is emerging a therapy target in neurodegenerative disease.