Single cell dynamics of embryonic muscle progenitor cells in zebrafish

Muscle stem cells hold a great therapeutic potential in regenerating damaged muscles. However, the in vivo behavior of muscle stem cells during muscle growth and regeneration is still poorly understood. Using zebrafish as a model, we describe the in vivo dynamics and function of embryonic muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) in the dermomyotome. These cells are located in a superficial layer external to muscle fibers and express many extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, including collagen type 1 alpha 2 (col1a2). Utilizing a new col1a2 transgenic line, we show that col1a2(+) MPCs display a ramified morphology with dynamic cellular processes. Cell lineage tracing demonstrates that collar MPCs contribute to new myofibers in normal muscle growth and also during muscle regeneration. A combination of live imaging and single cell clonal analysis reveals a highly choreographed process of muscle regeneration. Activated cotter MPCs change from the quiescent ramified morphology to a polarized and elongated morphology, generating daughter cells that fuse with existing myofibers. Partial depletion of col1a2(+) MPCs severely compromises muscle regeneration. Our work provides a dynamic view of embryonic muscle progenitor cells during zebrafish muscle growth and regeneration.