Core Transcription Factors Promote Induction of PAX3-Positive Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells

Publication date: Available online 25 July 2019Source: Stem Cell ReportsAuthor(s): Takahiko Sato, Koki Higashioka, Hidetoshi Sakurai, Takuya Yamamoto, Naoki Goshima, Morio Ueno, Chie SotozonoSummaryThe use of adult skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) for cell therapy has been attempted for decades, but still encounters considerable difficulties. MuSCs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are promising candidates for stem cell therapy to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Here we report that four transcription factors, HEYL, KLF4, MYOD, and PAX3, selected by comprehensive screening of different MuSC populations, enhance the derivation of PAX3-positive myogenic progenitors from fibroblasts and hiPSCs, using medium that promotes the formation of presomitic mesoderm. These induced PAX3-positive cells contribute efficiently to the repair of DMD-damaged myofibers and also reconstitute the MuSC population. These studies demonstrate how a combination of core transcription factors can fine-tune the derivation of MuSCs capable of contributing to the repair of adult skeletal muscle.
Source: Stem Cell Reports - Category: Stem Cells Source Type: research