Expression of PGC1α in glioblastoma multiforme patients

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) is a key modulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. It is a coactivator of multiple transcription factors and regulates metabolic processes. However, little is known about the expression and function of PGC1α in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent and invasive type of brain tumor. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the biological function, localization and expression of PGC1α in GBM. It was observed that PGC1α expression is increased in the tumor cells, and a higher level of expression was observed in the mitochondria. Bioinformatics analyses identified that metabolic and mitochondrial genes were highly expressed in GBM cells, with a high PGC1α mRNA expression. Notably, mitochondrial function-associated genes were highly expressed in cells alongside high PGC1α expression. Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that PGC1α is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in GBM and may have a role in tumor pathogenesis and progression.