PPARdelta, but not PPARalpha, activates PGC-1alpha gene transcription in muscle

PGC-1alpha induces mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle and its activity has been related to insulin sensitization. Here, we report that fibrates induce PGC-1alpha gene expression in muscle both in vivo and in vitro. However, only activation via PPARdelta but not PPARalpha underlies this effect. PPARdelta induces PGC-1alpha gene transcription through a PPAR-response element in the PGC-1alpha promoter. Moreover, PGC-1alpha coactivates the PPARdelta-responsiveness of its own gene. A further positive autoregulatory loop of control relies on the induction of PPARdelta expression by PGC-1alpha. These data point to a distinct value of PPARdelta rather than PPARalpha agonists in the improvement of oxidative metabolism in muscle.