Non-canonical muscle stem cells and other lessons from regenerative vertebrates.

Jamwal, Vijayishwer Singh; Masselink, Wouter; Crawford, Karen; Murawala, Prayag · NPJ Regen Med · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

In this perspective, we explore the developmental mechanisms of muscle stem cells in multiple non-mammalian vertebrate species, and we compare these phenomena to those in mammals. Particularly, we discuss two recently described populations of noncanonical muscle progenitors in regenerative vertebrates: one in zebrafish and one in axolotl. We discuss the capabilities of these two populations during muscle development and regeneration, including the implications for muscle repair in mammals.