Regulatory Landscapes of Muscle Satellite Cells: From Mechanism to Application.

Abstract

Muscle satellite cells (SCs), also known as muscle stem cells, are crucial for the regeneration, maintenance, and growth of skeletal muscles. SCs possess a distinctive capability to self-renew and differentiate, rendering them highly promising candidates for regenerative therapies and emerging cellular agriculture applications, including cultured meat production. This review explores the mechanisms that govern SC activation, proliferation, and commitment, and emphasizes their functional heterogeneity across anatomical regions. Region-specific gene expression, including that of homeobox (Hox) genes, contributes to the positional identity and myogenic potential. Understanding these regulatory landscapes is essential for optimizing SC expansion and improving their applications in muscle repair, stem cell-based therapies, and cellular manufacturing systems.