Muscling in on stem cells.
Skeletal muscle is one of the few adult tissues that possesses the capacity for regeneration (restoration of lost functional tissue) as opposed to repair. This capacity is due to the presence of 'muscle stem cells' known as satellite cells. Detailed investigation of these cells over the past 50 years has revealed that both these and other cells within the skeletal muscle complex are capable of regenerating both muscle and other cell types as well. Here, we review this information, and suggest that skeletal muscle is an exciting reservoir of cells for regenerating skeletal muscle itself, as well as other cell types.
Division of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD, UK.
Andrea C M
AC
Sinanan
Paul G
PG
Buxton
Mark P
MP
Lewis
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D024510:Muscle Development; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D009420:Nervous System; D012038:Regeneration; D032496:Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / Q000502:physiology*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*