Clonal analysis is used to show that muscle satellite cells are in fact stem cells and are capable of self renewal. A single luciferase-expressing muscle stem cell is transplanted into the muscle of mice, and it is shown that it is capable of extensive proliferation, contributes to muscle fibres and can be transplanted. Imaging is also used to show that the muscle stem cells are highly proliferative following muscle damage in the course of repair.
- Alessandra Sacco
- Regis Doyonnas
- Helen M. Blau
