Deletion of the Transcription Factor PGC-1α in Mice Negatively Regulates Bone Mass

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC1α) is a transcription coactivator that interacts with a broad range of transcription factors involved in several biological responses. Here, we show that PGC1α plays a role in skeletal homeostasis since aged PGC1α-deficient mice (PGC1α−/−) display impaired bone structure. Micro-CT of the tibial mid-shaft showed a marked decrease of cortical thickness in PGC1α−/− (− 11.9%, p