Identification and characterization of PDGFRα+ mesenchymal progenitors in human skeletal muscle.

ABSTRACT: Fatty and fibrous connective tissue formation is a hallmark of diseased skeletal muscle and deteriorates muscle function. We previously identified non-myogenic mesenchymal progenitors that contribute to adipogenesis and fibrogenesis in mouse skeletal muscle. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a human counterpart to these progenitors. By using PDGFRα as a specific marker, mesenchymal progenitors can be identified in the interstitium and isolated from human skeletal muscle. PDGFRα(+) cells represent a cell population distinct from CD56(+) myogenic cells, and adipogenic and fibrogenic potentials were highly enriched in the PDGFRα(+) population. Activation of PDGFRα stimulates proliferation of PDGFRα(+) cells through PI3K-Akt and MEK2-MAPK signaling pathways, a

SUBMITTER: Uezumi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4001314 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature