Metabolic symphony coordinates the muscle regeneration niche

The muscle regeneration niche comprises various cell types, including muscle stem cells (MuSCs; also termed satellite cells), immune cells, and stromal cells, all of which have crucial roles in the regeneration process. Intracellular metabolic reprogramming during injury responses is closely linked to the functional activities of these cells, thus necessitating a comprehensive understanding for developing targeted metabolic interventions that promote regeneration. Recent studies have suggested the existence of a more intricate network, involving cell-cell metabolic crosstalk and even cross-organ regulation, which underpins muscle regeneration. In addition, aging and diseases that disrupt overall metabolic homeostasis contribute to muscle dysfunction, due, in part, to metabolic disorders in the regeneration niche. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic profile within the muscle regeneration niche and highlight potential interventions to reprogram metabolism to improve regenerative capacity.