Proximity Ligation Assay to Determine Protein-Protein Interactions in Muscle Stem Cells

Satellite cells are present only in skeletal muscle and are crucial for regeneration. In recent years, satellite cell heterogeneity has identified different subpopulations, such as bona fide muscle stem cells. These populations are rare and in small numbers, making studying them very difficult. Moreover, satellite cells are sensitive to the environment and niche. To avoid niche disruption and changes to the cell state, our lab developed a mix of different techniques to study protein-protein interactions ex vivo on cultured myofibers. This protocol is based on the Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) technique and uses IMARIS software to analyze protein interactions.