Antioxidant Levels Represent a Major Determinant in the Regenerative Capacity of Muscle Stem Cells

• DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-03-0274
• Publication Date: 2008-11-13T02:10:25Z
• Authors: Kenneth L. Urish; Joseph B. Vella; Masaho Okada; Bridget M. Deasy; Kimimasa Tobita; Bradley B. Keller; Baohong Cao; Jon D. Piganelli; Johnny Huard
• Keywords: Multipotent Stem Cell; Regenerative Medicine

Stem cells are classically defined by their multipotent, long-term proliferation, and self-renewal capabilities. Here, we show that increased antioxidant capacity represents an additional functional characteristic of muscle-derived stem (MDSCs). Seeking to understand the superior regenerative MDSCs compared with myoblasts in cardiac skeletal muscle transplantation, our group hypothesized survival oxidative inflammatory stress inherent transplantation may play important role. Evidence enzymatic nonenzymatic were observed terms higher levels superoxide dismutase glutathione, which appears confer a differentiation advantage. Further when glutathione lowered myoblasts, advantage over is lost transplanted into both muscles. These findings elucidate cause for MDSCs, provide evidence emerging role as critical property MDSC post-transplantation.