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Skeletal muscle stem cells

Jennifer CJ Chen email and David J Goldhamer email

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Center for Regenerative Biology, University of Connecticut, 1392 Storrs Road Unit 4243, Storrs, CT 06269-4243, USA

author email corresponding author email

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2003, 1:101doi:10.1186/1477-7827-1-101

Published: 13 November 2003

Abstract

Satellite cells are myogenic stem cells responsible for the post-natal growth, repair and maintenance of skeletal muscle. This review focuses on the basic biology of the satellite cell with emphasis on its role in muscle repair and parallels between embryonic myogenesis and muscle regeneration. Recent advances have altered the long-standing view of the satellite cell as a committed myogenic stem cell derived directly from the fetal myoblast. The experimental basis for this evolving perspective will be highlighted as will the relationship between the satellite cell and other newly discovered muscle stem cell populations. Finally, advances and prospects for cell-based therapies for muscular dystrophies will be addressed.


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