Insights into muscle stem cell dynamics during postnatal development

During development, resident stem cell populations contribute to the growth and maturation of tissue and organs. In skeletal muscle, muscle stem cells, or satellite cells (SCs), are responsible for the maturation of postnatal myofibers. However, the role SCs play in later stages of postnatal growth, and thus, when they enter a mature quiescent state is controversial. Here, we discuss the current literature regarding the role SCs play in all stages of postnatal growth, from birth to puberty onset to young adulthood. We additionally highlight the implications of SC loss or dysfunction during developmental stages, both in the context of experimental paradigms and disease settings.

Automated summary

During development, resident stem cell populations contribute to the growth and maturation of tissue and organs. In skeletal muscle, muscle stem cells play a key role in the maturation of postnatal myofibers. The timing of when these stem cells enter a mature quiescent state and the implications of their loss or dysfunction during development stages are still under debate.