Stem Cell Aging in Muscle Regeneration and Disease: Clinical Applications from the Helene Clinic

Muscles account for 30-40% of healthy body weight and are essential for voluntary movement. Mature muscles are composed of multinucleated cells called myofibers. Myofiber formation relies on the proliferation, differentiation, and fusion of muscle progenitor cells derived from muscle stem cells (MuSCs). These stem cells are located on the surface of muscle fibers but beneath the basement membrane and play a crucial role in postnatal muscle maintenance, growth, repair, and regeneration

In quiescent adult muscle, MuSCs are normally quiescent and mitotically arrested, but are rapidly activated after muscle injury. However, physiologically and over time, MuSCs undergo senescence, resulting in a decline in their regenerative capacity. In pathological situations, repeated muscle injury can accelerate MuSC senescence and prematurely impair their regenerative capacity

The role of MuSCs in muscle regeneration

MuSCs are essential for muscle regeneration. Upon muscle injury, these stem cells are activated from a quiescent state, proliferate, and differentiate to form new muscle fibers and repair the damaged tissue. This regenerative capacity is crucial for maintaining muscle function throughout life

Stem cell aging: physiological and pathological situations

Senescence is a natural process that affects all cells, including MuSCs. As MuSCs age, their proliferation and differentiation capabilities decline, leading to a reduced regenerative capacity. In pathological situations, cumulative damage, such as repetitive muscle injury, can accelerate MuSC senescence and further impair muscle regeneration

Clinical application and future prospects of Helene Clinic

"In summary, our growing understanding of MuSCs and their impact on muscle regeneration offers new opportunities for clinical applications. Helene Clinic is committed to leveraging these scientific discoveries to develop innovative stem cell therapies that improve muscle health and enhance patients' quality of life."

References
Stem Cell Aging in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Disease
Hiroyuki Yamakawa 1 2, Dai Kusumoto 1 2, Hisayuki Hashimoto 1 2, Shinsuke Yuasa 1
Affiliations expand

>Contact us