In Vivo Analysis of Muscle Stem Cells in Chronic and Acute Lower Limb Ischemia (MyostemIschemia)

Skeletal muscle regenerates after injury, due to the satellite cells (SCs), the muscle stem cells that activate, proliferate, differentiate and fuse to form new myofibers. While SCs are indispensable for regeneration, there is increasing evidence for the need for an adequate cellular environment. Among the closest cellular partners of SCs are vascular cells. During muscle regeneration, endothelial cells (ECs) stimulate SC differentiation while SCs exhibit pro-angiogenic properties indicating a coupling between angiogenesis and myogenesis.The specific signaling cues controlling these relationships are still poorly characterized, specially in specific pathologic context such as limb ischemia. The investigators research aims to evaluate the role of chronic and acute lower limb ischemia on the SC status and interaction with ECs in human patients.