Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α regulates downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7) expression important for neuromuscular junction formation

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ)—formed between a motor nerve terminal and skeletal muscle fiber—plays an important role in muscle contraction and other muscle functions. Aging and neurodegeneration worsen NMJ formation and impair muscle function. Downstream of tyrosine kinase-7 (Dok-7), expressed in skeletal muscle fibers, is essential for the formation of NMJ. Exercise increases the expression of the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) in skeletal muscles and restores NMJ formation. In this study, we used skeletal muscle-specific PGC1α knockout or overexpression mice to examine the role of PGC1α in regulating Dok-7 expression and NMJ formation. Our findings revealed that Dok-7 expression is regulated by PGC1α, and luciferase activity of the Dok-7 promoter is greatly increased by coexpressing PGC1α and estrogen receptor-related receptor α. Thus, we suggest PGC1α is involved in exercise-mediated restoration of NMJ formation.