PGC1α

Nowadays, due to the existence of a large amount of easily accessible scientific information, it is common to get lost or feel mentally saturated when faced with such complex subjects as molecular biology or biochemistry. Here we explain complex topics in simple words.

(PGC)-1alpha is a macromolecule that plays a central role in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism. It stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and participates in the regulation of both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

It's very likely that (PGC)-1alpha is strongly related to disorders like cardiomyopathy, obesity, and diabetes. PGC1a’s regulatory function in lipid metabolism makes it an enticing option for pharmacological intervention for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.

For its part, the mitochondrion functions as a power plant: it has the capacity to use oxygen to burn the food it receives in a controlled manner, and thus obtain the energy we need to feel well, carry out all our daily activities, and supply the needs of all our organs.

In short: our body's energy is produced in the mitochondria, an organelle located inside each cell that acts as a real engine capable of manufacturing it for the body and mind to function properly and smoothly.

Precisely, one of the primary identifiers of aging is when the mitochondria stop working properly. Similarly, if mitochondria fail, inflammatory processes are triggered and well-known metabolic diseases appear, from obesity to atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer.

The most important difference between a normal cell and a tumor cell is the way it breathes, i.e. the way it generates energy. This was discovered by Otto Warburg in 1920 when he showed that damage to the mitochondria was associated with the development of cancer.

Today we know that the mitochondrion not only orders metabolism and produces energy under normal conditions, but that it is also part of its functions to tell the cell when to reproduce and when to die.

In addition to aging, what affects the health of mitochondria? lack of physical exercise and sedentary lifestyles, smoking and air pollution, excess fats and sugars in the diet and of course, stress.

This leads to metabolic, immune, and bioenergetic changes that promote neoplastic processes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, immune system dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disease, including mental health disorders, fatigue, autism, depression, and chronic stress, all of which have a significant mitochondrial energy dependence.

As we explained above, (PGC)-1alpha plays a highly important role in mitochondrial biogenesis. This is why science has developed ways of activating this macromolecule through gene therapy.

Now you know their importance and why you should take this therapy into consideration.