# Mitochondrial biogenesis

Mitochondrial biogenesis is the process by which cells increase mitochondrial mass and capacity by coordinating the expression of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. The transcriptional coactivator PGC-1-alpha is a key nodal regulator, regulated by AMPK and SIRT1 among other signals. Endurance exercise, caloric restriction, and cold exposure are well-established physiological stimuli, and robust biogenesis is associated with muscular endurance, metabolic flexibility, and healthy aging.

## Sources

- Mootha VK, Lindgren CM, Eriksson KF, et al.. (2003). PGC-1α-responsive genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation are coordinately downregulated in human diabetes. Nature Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1038/ng1180
- Scarpulla RC. (2008). Transcriptional Paradigms in Mammalian Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function. Physiological Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00025.2007

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/glossary/mitochondrial-biogenesis · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-05-02_
