Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
14:47
Identification of MyoD Interactome Using Tandem Affinity Purification Coupled to Mass Spectrometry
Published on: May 17, 2016
10.3K
DNA Methylation in Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Specification, Proliferation, and Differentiation
Rhianna C Laker1, James G Ryall2
1Department of Medicine, Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Stem Cells International
|February 17, 2016
Summary
Skeletal muscle stem cells use DNA methylation, an epigenetic process, to control muscle development and adaptation. Metabolism also plays a role in regulating these crucial DNA methylation dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Skeletal muscle biology
- Epigenetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Muscle stem cell regulation of the genetic program during development is a critical question.
- Epigenetic remodeling is vital for cellular development and adaptation throughout life.
- DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, influences gene expression by altering cytosine bases in CpG dinucleotides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of DNA methylation in skeletal muscle stem cell regulation of the myogenic program.
- To discuss the novel involvement of metabolism in epigenetic regulation of muscle development.
- To address DNA methylation dynamics in adult skeletal muscle following physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on DNA methylation and skeletal muscle stem cells.
- Analysis of studies investigating the interplay between metabolism and epigenetic modifications.
- Examination of research on adult skeletal muscle adaptation and DNA methylation in response to exercise.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic regulation, particularly DNA methylation, is essential for maintaining skeletal muscle stem cell identity and development.
- Metabolism is identified as a novel factor influencing the epigenetic control of muscle stem cell function.
- Physical activity induces dynamic changes in DNA methylation patterns in adult skeletal muscle.
Conclusions:
- DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism governing skeletal muscle stem cell-mediated myogenesis and adaptation.
- Metabolic pathways represent a significant, previously underappreciated, influence on muscle stem cell epigenetic regulation.
- Understanding these DNA methylation dynamics is crucial for comprehending skeletal muscle plasticity and regeneration in response to stimuli like exercise.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy
2.5K
Satellite stem cells or myosatellite cells are quiescent stem cells that Alexander Mauro first identified in 1961. These cells are located between the sarcolemma, the plasma membrane of muscle fibers, and the basal lamina, the connective tissue sheath covering it. These mononucleated cells are activated in response to muscle injury, can transform into myoblasts, and may form or repair muscle fibers. Myosatellite cells can provide additional myonuclei for muscle regeneration or return to a...
2.5K
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
8.0K
Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
8.0K
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
4.2K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
4.2K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
34.2K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
34.2K
01:13Formation of Muscle Fibers from Myoblasts
6.8K
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...
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...
6.8K
01:24Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
2.2K
Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for...
2.2K