PGC-1α, glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by glucose metabolic disturbance. A number of transcription factors and coactivators are involved in this process. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) is an important transcription coactivator regulating cellular energy metabolism. Accumulating evidence has indicated that PGC-1 alpha is involved in the regulation of T2DM. Therefore, a better understanding of the roles of PGC-1 alpha may shed light on more efficient therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the most recent progress on PGC-1 alpha and discuss its regulatory network in major glucose metabolic tissues such as the liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas and kidney. The significant associations between PGC-1 alpha polymorphisms and T2DM are also discussed in this review.