Mg²⁺ influx mediated by TRPM7 triggers the initiation of muscle stem cell activation.

Abstract

Muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) respond immediately to environmental cues upon skeletal muscle injuries. Despite decades of research into muscle regeneration, the specific molecular factors that trigger the transition of MuSCs from a quiescent to an active state remain largely unidentified. Here, we identify transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), an Mg²⁺-permeable ion channel, as a critical regulator of MuSC activation. <i>Trpm7</i> deletion in MuSCs reduced Mg²⁺ influx, impairing myofiber regeneration and leading to decreased MuSC numbers and cell cycle arrest during regeneration. These changes were linked to disrupted mTOR signaling, which drives the transition of MuSCs from G₀ to G_Alert phase. In addition, <i>Trpm7</i>-deficient MuSCs exhibited impaired early responses, including quiescent projection retraction and AP-1 induction. Mg²⁺ supplementation rescued these defects, restoring normal MuSC activation. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism where Mg²⁺ permeation through TRPM7 is essential for MuSC activation and efficient skeletal muscle regeneration, highlighting TRPM7 as a critical regulator of muscle repair.