Stem cells and muscle regeneration

Abstract

Somatic (adult) stem cell populations are resident in postnatal tissues such as skeletal muscle and function in the maintenance and regeneration of the respective tissues. Use of transgenic and emerging technologies will enhance understanding of the regulation of the somatic stem cell populations and regenerative mechanisms in normal, aging and myopathic states. Furthermore, these studies may promote the use of adult stem cells for cell replacement therapies or for use as vehicles for gene replacement therapy. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.