Papel de Pitx2 en la regulación de la biología de las células madre satélite musculares

Abstract

The process of muscle regeneration is accomplished by the muscle stem cells, called satellite cells. In this investigation, Pitx2, which is a transcription factors, has an important role in morphogenesis, is necessary for a correct cell differentiation. In in vitro experiments of acquire of function of Pitx2 we have seen an increase in the differentiation of muscle cells, while in loss of function of Pitx2 leads to an altered and incomplete differentiation. In addition, we have revealed that dystrophic cells isolated from mdx mice show the defective myogenic differentiation associated with a decreased expression of Pitx2. Pitx2 increases the number of muscle fibers, reaching the partial restoration of dystrophin and, finally, it improves muscle function in mdx mice. These results place Pitx2 as a new participant in the biology of muscle satellite cells, identifying unknown functions of Pitx2 during regenerative myogenesis.