Adult skeletal muscle stem cell migration is mediated by a blebbing/amoeboid mechanism

Rejuvenation Res. 2011 Jun;14(3):249-60. doi: 10.1089/rej.2010.1151. Epub 2011 Mar 31.

Abstract

Adult skeletal muscle possesses a resident stem cell population called satellite cells, which are responsible for tissue repair following damage. Satellite cell migration is crucial in promoting rapid tissue regeneration, but it is a poorly understood process. Furthermore, the mechanisms facilitating satellite cell movement have yet to be elucidated. This study investigates the process of satellite cell migration, revealing that they undergo two distinct phases of movement, first under the basal lamina and then rapidly increasing their velocity when on the myofiber surface. Most significantly, we show that satellite cells move using a highly dynamic blebbing or amoeboid-based mechanism and not via lamellipodia-mediated propulsion. We show that nitric oxide and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways are necessary for regulating the formation of blebs and the migration of satellite cells. In summary, we propose that the formation of blebs and their necessity for satellite cell migration has significant implications in the future development of therapeutic regimes aimed at promoting skeletal muscle regeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Basement Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement*
  • Cell Polarity
  • Cell Surface Extensions / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / metabolism
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / cytology*
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / enzymology
  • Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle / ultrastructure
  • Signal Transduction
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism
  • rho-Associated Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Laminin
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • Rock1 protein, mouse
  • rho-Associated Kinases