Regenerative capacity of human satellite cells: the mitotic clock in cell transplantation

In this communication, we will review the problems caused by cell-mediated gene therapy taking skeletal muscle as a physiological model. In particular we have utilised vectors transferring telomerase under the control of retr oviral promoters into human satellite cells. The set of results presented h ere has several implications regarding gene therapy trials. Nevertheless, m ore experiments will be required to fully validate this cellular model and to use telomerase to safely extend the lifespan of putative gene therapy ve ctors.