The Role of PGC-1α in Aging Skin Barrier Function

The review discusses the crucial role of PGC-1α in maintaining skin barrier function as it ages, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Aging skin suffers from reduced mitochondrial function and increased oxidative stress, leading to impaired epidermal function and delayed wound healing. PGC-1α enhances mitochondrial function, antioxidant production, and keratinocyte proliferation, which are vital for epidermal barrier formation and repair. The review suggests that boosting PGC-1α levels could improve aged skin's barrier function and repair capacity, with potential treatments involving small molecules like ZLN005. Additionally, PGC-1α is linked to hair follicle health and conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, indicating its broader implications in skin and hair health.