PPARgamma co-activator-1 (PGC-1) is a transcriptional cofactor of nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), PPARbeta, PPARalpha and other nuclear receptors that is induced by exposure to cold temperatures and is involved in regulating thermogenic gene expression, protein uncoupling, and mitochondrial biogenesis. PGC-1 has a low inherent transcriptional activity when it is not bound to a transcription factor. It may be also involved in controlling blood pressure, regulating cellular cholesterol homoeostasis, and the development of obesity.
