This technology includes a stable cell line (293T2-PGC) which has an intact PGC-1 alpha/ERR-alpha pathway to screen for environmental chemicals. The estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR-alpha) and proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator - 1alpha (PGC-1 alpha) play critical roles in the control of several physiological functions, including the regulation of genes involved in energy homeostasis. However, little is known about the environmental chemicals that could disrupt or modulate this pathway leading to adverse health effects. Currently, hundreds of in vitro cell-based assays have been developed and tested, but none for the pathway that plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis. The goal is to develop a cell-based assay system with an intact PGC-1-alpha/ERR-alpha axis that can be used to screen the effects of environmental chemicals or drugs.