Satellite cells in skeletal muscle atrophy and hypertrophy

Abstract

The age-related progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, termed sarcopenia, is associated with physical disabilities, the loss of independence, and an increased risk of developing chronic metabolic disease. Skeletal muscle satellite cells play a key role in the maintenance, regeneration and growth of muscle tissue.

Therefore, age-related changes in satellite cell content and/or function have been suggested to play an important role in the etiology of sarcopenia. In this thesis, we examined the potential regulatory role of satellite cell pool size and function in relation to both acute and more prolonged muscle atrophy and hypertrophy signals in humans.

Defence date: 18/12/14