Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells and the Microenvironment Regulation in Sarcopenia:A Review

Sarcopenia is an age-related degenerative skeletal muscle disorder characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function during aging.Sarcopenia can impair the elderly's ability to perform daily activities and is associated with high risks of falls,fractures,and hospitalization.It seriously affects the quality of life of the elderly and becomes one of the major health problems in the aging society.Skeletal muscle stem cells,also known as muscle satellite cells,play a key role in supporting muscle regeneration and homeostasis maintenance.Studies have suggested that muscle satellite cell functions are tightly regulated by microenvironment signals in the skeletal muscle.Of note,skeletal muscle fibers,serving as an immediate niche of muscle satellite cells,regulate their activation,proliferation,and self-renewal.This article reviews the research progress in the regulatory roles of skeletal muscle stem cells and their microenvironment in sarcopenia during aging,providing theoretical support for potential treatment of sarcopenia via modifying skeletal muscle microenvironment and regulating muscle satellite cell functions.