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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Preparation and Culture of Myogenic Precursor Cells/Primary Myoblasts from Skeletal Muscle of Adult and Aged Humans
Published on: February 16, 2017
Muscle satellite cells and aging
Amanda L Johnson1, Ryan T Bevington1, Samuel Rumelski1
1Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Aging impairs skeletal muscle stem cells (satellite cells), reducing muscle repair and function in older adults. Understanding these changes is key to maintaining muscle health and preventing frailty.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Muscle Physiology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Aging leads to decreased skeletal muscle mass and function, impacting physical capacity.
- Satellite cells, crucial for muscle repair and regeneration, decline with age.
- Age-related satellite cell dysfunction contributes to muscle decline and frailty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted factors contributing to age-related satellite cell dysfunction.
- To highlight the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on satellite cell niche and function.
- To emphasize the need for better understanding of human satellite cell aging for preserving muscle health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing in vitro, murine, and human studies.
- Analysis of intrinsic factors (signaling pathways, senescence, autophagy, mitochondria, epigenetics).
- Analysis of extrinsic factors (circulating factors, vasculature, extracellular matrix).
Main Results:
- Age-related reduction in satellite cell content, particularly in type II fibers.
- Impaired myogenic potential and regenerative capacity of aged satellite cells.
- Convergence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors leading to satellite cell dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Satellite cell dysfunction is a critical driver of age-related muscle decline and frailty.
- Multiple intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms contribute to impaired satellite cell function with age.
- Further research into human satellite cell aging is essential for developing interventions to maintain muscle health throughout life.
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