Skeletal muscle cells, one of the largest cell types in the body, are multinucleated cells formed by the fusion of myoblasts. Skeletal muscle regeneration is a complex process. When skeletal muscle is injured, quiescent resident myoblasts called satellite cells are activated to proliferate, migrate, and differentiate.

Signaling Pathways and Regulation

Various cellular signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, calcineurin, Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), play important roles in skeletal muscle growth. Insulin-stimulated glucose transport in cultured human skeletal muscle cells is mediated by GLUT4, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan is involved in skeletal muscle differentiation.

Cell Fusion and Development

The fusion of mononucleated cells to form multinucleated myotubes is a central event in skeletal muscle development. Controlling the onset and progression of this process involves a complex set of interactions between myoblasts and their environment.

Experimental Applications

Skeletal muscle cell culture provides a useful model for studying cell differentiation, muscle regeneration, and the effects of biochemical and mechanical signals on fiber formation and maturation.