Muscling In on PGC-1α for Improved Quality of Life in ALS

Impaired activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1 alpha has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders. In this issue, Da Cruz et al. (2012) show improved muscle function, but not survival, with increased PGC-1 alpha activity in muscle in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.