PPARGC1A and Parkinson disease: An in vitro study has shown that α-syn overexpression reduces AMPK activity, leading to a decrease in cellular resistance to α-syn.53 A deficiency in AMPK activity can lead to reduced mitochondria and abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis due to disruption of the AMPK/PGC-1 axis, putting dopaminergic neurons at risk of degeneration and causing symptoms similar to PD.54,55 However, pharmacological AMPK activation provides neuroprotection.55