Modulation of mitochondrial mass and function for the treatment of diseases and for target and drug discovery

摘要

Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of diseases associated with altered mitochondrial function, and in particular, for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Administration of an agent that increases mitochondrial mass, including promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis by induction of a PGC gene e.g., PGC-1), a UCP gene and/or a nuclear regulatory factor gene e.g., NRF-1), is also disclosed. Screening assays for agents that regulate such genes involved in mitochondiral biogenesis, and for genes and gene products that are regulated by such genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, are also provided.