ARTICLE
Scientists have discovered a new subtype of muscle stem cells. These cells have the ability to build and regenerate new muscles. Out-of-the-ordinary activities such as climbing lots of steps or even normal exercise can put significant strain on muscles. Such activities cause tiny tears in the muscle fibers, which the body then repairs on its own. Even when injuries occur, the muscles activate an endogenous regeneration program: A reserve supply of muscle stem cells, known as satellite cells, reside around the muscle fibers and are essential for the repair of damaged muscle cells. These satellite cells produce new muscle fibers in a process which results in muscle regeneration. People maintain this ability well into old age. Researchers previously assumed that a certain protein plays a key role in muscle regeneration. The study, however, characterized a previously unknown subtype of satellite cells that could play an important role in the future development of gene therapies from muscle stem cells. The new study describes a previously unknown subtype of satellite cells. First, the researchers identified these cells in the stem cell niche, which is where the satellite cells reside. Second, the certain protein is not present in these cells. Third, other characteristic proteins are present instead. And fourth, new muscle fibers can be derived from this cell population. Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20191221/Study-uncovers-a-previously-unknown-subtype-of-muscle-stem-cells.aspx