Muscle-derived stem cells

The existence of cells with stem cell-like abilities derived from various tissues can now be extended to include the skeletal muscle compartment. Although researchers have focused on the utilization of these cells with regard to their myogenic capacity, initially exploring more efficient cellular therapy treatments for muscular dystrophy, it is becoming increasingly apparent that such cells may one day be used in the treatment of non-myogenic disorders. Evidence regarding the existence and differentiation capacity of muscle-derived stem cells is discussed, along with current theories regarding their proposed position within the myogenic hierarchy.