Are human and mouse satellite cells really the same?

J Histochem Cytochem. 2010 Nov;58(11):941-55. doi: 10.1369/jhc.2010.956201. Epub 2010 Jul 19.

Abstract

Satellite cells are quiescent cells located under the basal lamina of skeletal muscle fibers that contribute to muscle growth, maintenance, repair, and regeneration. Mouse satellite cells have been shown to be muscle stem cells that are able to regenerate muscle fibers and self-renew. As human skeletal muscle is also able to regenerate following injury, we assume that the human satellite cell is, like its murine equivalent, a muscle stem cell. In this review, we compare human and mouse satellite cells and highlight their similarities and differences. We discuss gaps in our knowledge of human satellite cells, compared with that of mouse satellite cells, and suggest ways in which we may advance studies on human satellite cells, particularly by finding new markers and attempting to re-create the human satellite cell niche in vitro.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cellular Senescence
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Regeneration
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle* / cytology
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle* / metabolism
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle* / pathology