PGI2 Regulates Myogenesis

Atlanta, USA -

Muscle satellite cells are located beneath the myofiber basal laminae (under the basement membrane surrounding each myofiber) and close to capillaries. They play a critical role in repair and turn over of muscle, acting as a supply of progenitor cells.

In a recent paper (Bondesen et al. Inhibition of myoblast migration by prostacyclin is associated with enhanced cell fusion. FASEB J. 2007 May 8) the prostaglanding PGI2 was identified as a negative regulator of satellite cell migration and a promoter of satellite cell fusion.

Since PGI2 has antiinflammatory properties, it may be interesting to study this molecule for upregulation of myogenesis post damage in situations such as myocardial damage after infarction.