Search

Myoblast fusion is critical for the formation, growth and maintenance of skeletal muscle throughout life. Myoblasts must undergo a complex series of molecular and morphological changes prior to fusing with one another. A number of extracellular, cell surface and intracellular molecules have been discovered that act to finely coordinate the cellular and molecular events that are intimately associated with, and influence the ability of muscle cells to fuse. This review discusses the molecules that regulate myoblast elongation, migration, adhesion and cytoskeletal alterations. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which myoblast fusion is regulated is both of general biologic interest and may also lead to new strategies for manipulating myoblasts in disease, repair and aging and enhancing muscle growth. In addition, promotion of cell fusion may aid in cell therapy approaches involving transplantation of muscle stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]