Role of satellite cells in growth and regeneration of skeletal muscles

Postnatal growth and regeneration capacity of skeletal muscles is dependent mainly on adult muscle stem cells called satellite cells. Satellite cells are quiescent mononucleated cells that are normally located outside the sarcolemma within the basal lamina of the muscle fiber. Their activation, which results from injury, is manifested by mobilization, proliferation, differentiation and, ultimately, fusion into new muscle fibers. The satellite cell pool is responsible for the remarkable regenerative capacity of skeletal muscles. Moreover, these cells are capable of self-renewal and can give rise to myogenic progeny.