Splicing

PGC-1α proteins can change cellular functions by changing the expression (transcription) of different genes. There are several PGC-1α proteins, which affect different sets of genes. Here we found that the different PGC-1α proteins can also change how genes are read (transcribed) so the same genetic information can give rise to different cellular messengers (mRNAs) and effectors (proteins). This process is called alternative splicing

How do our muscle grow bigger when we perform resistance exercise (for example, lifting weights)? Why don’t they grow as big if we instead perform endurance exercise (like running)? In this study we found that depending on what kind of exercise you perform, muscle cells read (transcribe) the PGC-1α gene in a different way (alternative splicing again!). Endurance training produces a PGC-1α protein variant that makes muscle more energy efficient, whereas resistance training favours another variant linked to muscle growth and strength. Finding ways to selectively increase these PGC-1α variants could help patients with, for example, muscle weakness

In this article we aim for a comprehensive review of many gene variants of PGC-1a gene that have been discovered by our and other groups. We have learned that they give PGC-1 an ability to adapt its functionality to specific tissues and stimuli.