Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Stable Knockdown of Genes Encoding Extracellular Matrix Proteins in the C2C12 Myoblast Cell Line Using Small-Hairpin (sh)RNA
12:19

Stable Knockdown of Genes Encoding Extracellular Matrix Proteins in the C2C12 Myoblast Cell Line Using Small-Hairpin (sh)RNA

Published on: February 12, 2020

Ste20-like kinase SLK displays myofiber type specificity and is involved in C2C12 myoblast differentiation

Christopher J Storbeck1, Kate Daniel, Yi-Hong Zhang

  • 1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Muscle & Nerve
|March 31, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The novel Ste20-like kinase (SLK) plays a crucial role in muscle cell differentiation. SLK activity and expression increase during myogenesis, suggesting its importance in skeletal muscle development and regeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Muscle Physiology

Background:

  • Cellular differentiation involves complex signaling pathways regulating gene expression.
  • A novel Ste20-like kinase, SLK, is linked to cell adhesion but its function remains unclear.
  • Understanding SLK's role is crucial for insights into cell fate and morphogenic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the activity, expression, and distribution of SLK in skeletal muscle.
  • To elucidate the function of SLK during the in vitro differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts.
  • To determine SLK's role in muscle cell differentiation and regeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of SLK activity, expression, and localization in skeletal muscle.
  • In vitro differentiation studies using C2C12 myoblasts.
  • Analysis of SLK expression in activated satellite cells during muscle regeneration.

Main Results:

  • SLK is ubiquitously expressed but predominantly found in developing muscle masses.
  • SLK activity and expression are upregulated during C2C12 myoblast differentiation.
  • SLK localizes presynaptically at neuromuscular junctions and in specific myofiber types.
  • SLK expression is induced in activated satellite cells during regeneration.
  • Inhibition of SLK impairs myoblast fusion, indicating a role in differentiation.

Conclusions:

  • SLK is predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle during development and its activity is upregulated during myogenesis.
  • SLK plays a significant role in muscle cell differentiation, particularly in myoblast fusion.
  • SLK is implicated in skeletal muscle regeneration and function, localizing to neuromuscular junctions and specific myofiber types.

More Related Videos

Identification of MyoD Interactome Using Tandem Affinity Purification Coupled to Mass Spectrometry14:47

Identification of MyoD Interactome Using Tandem Affinity Purification Coupled to Mass Spectrometry

Published on: May 17, 2016

Intact Short, Intermediate, and Long Skeletal Muscle Fibers Obtained by Enzymatic Dissociation of Six Hindlimb Muscles of Mice: Beyond Flexor Digitorum Brevis08:12

Intact Short, Intermediate, and Long Skeletal Muscle Fibers Obtained by Enzymatic Dissociation of Six Hindlimb Muscles of Mice: Beyond Flexor Digitorum Brevis

Published on: December 1, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers01:48

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Skeletal muscles continuously produce ATP to provide the energy that enables muscle contractions. Skeletal muscle fibers can be categorized into three types based on differences in their contraction speed and how they produce ATP, as well as physical differences related to these factors. Most human muscles contain all three muscle fiber types, albeit in varying proportions.
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts01:13

Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts

De novo myogenesis, or the formation of muscle fibers, begins during the early embryonic stages. The skeletal muscle is formed from somites– blocks of embryonic cell layers. The somites are further divided into dermatomes, myotomes, sclerotomes, and syndetomes. Among these, the myotomes give rise to muscle fibers.
Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) are formed from the myotomes. MPCs express genes that encode the transcription factors Pax3 and Pax7. Along with Pax 3/7, other transcription factors...
Types of Skeletal Muscle Fibers01:32

Types of Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Skeletal muscles comprise various fibers, each with distinct characteristics and roles in movement and stability. They are mainly categorized into three types — fast-twitch, slow-twitch, and intermediate.
Fast-twitch fibers
Fast-twitch fibers, or Type II fibers, are designed for quick, powerful bursts of speed and strength. They reach peak tension within approximately 0.01 seconds following stimulation. Characterized by a large diameter and densely packed myofibrils, these fibers contain...
Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins01:13

Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

The cytoskeleton is an essential cell component that plays several structural and functional roles. However, the filaments that make up the cytoskeleton cannot function independently and depend on the accessory or ancillary proteins to effectively carry out their function. Accessory proteins associate with cytoskeletal filaments and their monomers, aiding filament formation and function. They also help in the cross-communication among cytoskeletal filaments. Cytoskeletal accessory proteins are...
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells01:10

The Role of Actin and Myosin in Non-muscle Cells

Actin and myosin or actomyosin filaments also play a significant role in cells other than those involved in muscle contraction (which occurs within the sarcomere of muscle cells). The mechanism of non-muscle cell contractile bundles was first observed in Dictyostelium and Acanthamoeba. In non-muscle cells, two bundles are commonly found: stress fibers and actomyosin adherence belts. These contractile bundles are smaller and less organized than the ones found in muscle cells. They  are held...