Activating muscle stem cells: therapeutic potential in muscle diseases

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Curr Opin Neurol. 2007 Oct;20(5):577-82.

Activating muscle stem cells: therapeutic potential in muscle

diseases.

Boldrin L, JE.

The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Imperial

College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The satellite cell is the principal muscle stem

cell. Recent research, however, has highlighted new stem cell

sources that, once activated in the muscle tissue, can participate

in muscle regeneration. This article reviews the state of research

on stem cell populations that have potential for treatment of

muscular dystrophies.

RECENT FINDINGS: Despite recent findings about the stem cell

character of satellite cells and their in-vivo myogenic potential,

limitations related to muscle precursor cell transfer therapy have

encouraged the investigation of stem cell sources other than

satellite cells. Current research is focused on identifying the best

stem cell in the endothelial compartment, which is able to be

systemically delivered to reach all the muscles and to contribute to

widespread muscle regeneration within these muscles.

SUMMARY: Current results highlight many possible stem cell sources

for stem cell therapy of muscle diseases, and work is ongoing to

identify the most effective candidate that is able to robustly

regenerate muscle tissue and to functionally repopulate the muscle

stem cell compartment.