Role of muscle stem cells in sarcopenia

Abstract Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of skeletal muscle strength and mass with age, has a detrimental effect on the quality of life, including impaired mobility, increased risk of metabolic diseases, and even death. Although skeletal muscle fibers are postmitotic, skeletal muscle has a remarkable potential to regenerate after injury, which is mainly achieved by the resident muscle stem cells, called satellite cells. Although satellite cells are required for adult muscle regeneration and postnatal muscle growth, whether they are indispensable during skeletal muscle homeostasis and adaptations, including hypertrophy, atrophy and age-related sarcopenia, remains unclear. To fully understand the impact of satellite cells on sarcopenia, it is essential to understand their potential role in muscle fiber regeneration, homeostatic hypertrophy, and atrophy. In this chapter, we will provide an update on recent advances in research on the role of satellite cells during skeletal muscle adaptations and the development of age-related sarcopenia.