Mice lacking PGC-1β in adipose tissues reveal a dissociation between mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance.

Proper development and function of white adipose tissue (WAT), which are regulated by multiple transcription factors and coregulators, are crucial for glucose homeostasis. WAT is also the main target of thiazolidinediones, which are thought to exert their insulin-sensitizing effects by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in adipocytes. Besides being expressed in WAT, the role of the coactivator PGC-1β in this tissue has not been addressed.