Birbrair A, Zhang T, Wang ZM, Messi ML, Mintz A, Delbono O. Pericytes: multitasking cells in the regeneration of injured, diseased, and aged skeletal muscle.
Front Aging Neurosci 2014;
6:245. [PMID:
25278877 PMCID:
PMC4166895 DOI:
10.3389/fnagi.2014.00245]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are perivascular cells that envelop and make intimate connections with adjacent capillary endothelial cells. Recent studies show that they may have a profound impact in skeletal muscle regeneration, innervation, vessel formation, fibrosis, fat accumulation, and ectopic bone formation throughout life. In this review, we summarize and evaluate recent advances in our understanding of pericytes' influence on adult skeletal muscle pathophysiology. We also discuss how further elucidating their biology may offer new approaches to the treatment of conditions characterized by muscle wasting.
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