Myogenic satellite cells: physiology to molecular biology

Adult skeletal muscle has a remarkable ability to regenerate following myot rauma. Because adult myofibers are terminally differentiated, the regenerat ion of skeletal muscle is largely dependent on a small population of reside nt cells termed satellite cells. Although this population of cells was iden tified 40 years ago, little is known regarding the molecular phenotype or r egulation of the satellite cell. The use of cell culture techniques and tra nsgenic animal models has improved our understanding of this unique cell po pulation; however, the capacity and potential of these cells remain ill-def ined. This review will highlight the origin and unique markers of the satel lite cell population, the regulation by growth factors, and the response to physiological and pathological stimuli. We conclude by highlighting the po tential therapeutic uses of satellite cells and identifying future research goals for the study of satellite cell biology.