Insight into muscle stem cell regeneration and mechanobiology

Stem cells possess the unique ability to differentiate into specialized cell types. These specialized cell types can be used for regenerative medicine purposes such as cell therapy. Myosatellite cells, also known as skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs), play important roles in the growth, repair, and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissues. However, despite its therapeutic potential, the successful differentiation, proliferation, and expansion processes of MuSCs remain a significant challenge due to a variety of factors. For example, the growth and differentiation of MuSCs can be greatly influenced by actively replicating the MuSCs microenvironment (known as the niche) using mechanical forces. However, the molecular role of mechanobiology in MuSC growth, proliferation, and differentiation for regenerative medicine is still poorly understood. In this present review, we comprehensively summarize, compare, and critically analyze how different mechanical cues shape stem cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and their potential role in disease development (Fig. 1). The insights developed from the mechanobiology of stem cells will also contribute to how these applications can be used for regenerative purposes using MuSCs.

Automated summary

Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into specialized cell types, and skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) play important roles in the growth, repair, and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissues. However, the differentiation, proliferation, and expansion processes of MuSCs face significant challenges, and the molecular role of mechanobiology in MuSC growth, proliferation, and differentiation is poorly understood. This review comprehensively summarizes the impact of different mechanical cues on stem cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and their potential role in disease development.