Single-cell resolution of skeletal muscle aging: Current paradigms and perspectives

Skeletal muscle aging is a complex biological process that involves coordinated changes in multiple cell types. Recent breakthroughs in single-cell sequencing technology have provided new perspectives regarding this process. Here, we systematically summarize current progress in single-cell technology with respect to skeletal muscle aging. We focused on specific molecular characteristics and interaction networks of muscle fiber, satellite and immune cells during aging. Aging skeletal muscles develop cellular heterogeneity such as a decline in stem cell function, formation of a chronic inflammatory microenvironment, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. We integrated multi-omics data to identify potential intervention targets and explored precise anti-aging strategies using single-cell data. Although this field has significantly progressed, persistent challenges include technical methods, data integration, and clinical translation. Future studies are needed to optimize single-cell analysis techniques, deepen understanding of cell interaction mechanisms, and promote the translation of related findings into clinical applications. These will provide vital references for understanding the molecular basis of muscle aging and developing new intervention methods.