by A team of researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed an advanced platform that utilizes a dual-laser nonlinear optical microscope to study the dynamics of muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) during the process of muscle regeneration. This groundbreaking development has uncovered new insights into the behavior of MuSCs and opens doors for targeted therapeutic strategies for muscle-related disorders.
The regeneration of skeletal muscle is a complex process that relies on the collaboration between MuSCs and various cellular elements. In the event of muscle injury, myeloid cells migrate to the wound, triggering the activation of MuSCs. Previous studies have shown the morphological diversity of quiescent MuSCs within the muscle microenvironment. These cells establish specialized adhesions and arrangements to maintain their dormant state.
However, the lack of suitable live animal imaging technology has hindered the analysis of MuSCs’ interaction with myeloid cells.
In an interdisciplinary effort, Professor Qu Jianan’s team from the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering at HKUST collaborated with Professor Wu Zhenguo’s team from the Division of Life Science at HKUST to develop a dual-laser multimodal non-linear optical microscope platform. This platform enables high-resolution imaging of various cell types and structures within live skeletal muscle.
Using this innovative imaging technology, the researchers discovered groundbreaking insights into the intricate processes of muscle regeneration. Contrary to previous beliefs that non-myogenic cells are the main drivers of MuSC activation, the study revealed that MuSCs have an intrinsic ability to sense and respond to regenerative signals independently.
The study also investigated the role of myeloid cells, specifically macrophages, in regulating MuSC behavior. While macrophages were found to be non-essential for MuSC activation, they played a vital role in their proliferation and differentiation during muscle regeneration. The reduction of macrophages resulted in impaired cell division and increased fibrosis, highlighting their stage-dependent significance in facilitating efficient muscle regeneration.
Additionally, the research examined the real-time interactions between non-myogenic cells and MuSCs. Surprisingly, continuous physical contact between these cell types was not necessary for MuSC activation or cell division. Paracrine signaling from non-myogenic cells appeared to regulate MuSC proliferation, emphasizing the role of secreted factors in coordinating the regenerative processes of MuSCs.
Professor Qu commented on the study, stating that the utilization of advanced imaging techniques offered a comprehensive exploration of the complex cellular interactions involved in muscle regeneration. The findings contribute to the understanding of the dynamic processes underlying muscle regeneration and have significant implications for the development of targeted therapies for muscle-related disorders.
Professor Wu highlighted the collaborative effort between his team and Professor Qu’s team. Their deep understanding of muscle biology and regenerative processes guided the study’s direction and interpretation. The team contributed their expertise in designing and conducting experiments on live reporter mice, as well as analyzing the dynamics of MuSCs and their interactions with non-myogenic cells using molecular and cellular biology techniques.
The collaboration between the engineering and life science teams in this study represents a multidisciplinary approach to investigating skeletal muscle regeneration. By combining technical skills in advanced imaging technology with biological expertise, the researchers achieved a comprehensive understanding of the complex cellular interactions involved.
The research findings have been published in the journal Science Advances and pave the way for future advancements in targeted therapeutic strategies for muscle-related disorders.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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