This article discusses how the turnover of cells in skeletal muscles, crucial for maintenance and repair, is controlled by specialized cells called satellite cells.

These cells typically stay inactive but occasionally become active to fuse with nearby muscle fibers, renewing the pool of satellite cells. The article explores the mechanisms that maintain the delicate balance between self-renewal and differentiation in satellite cells for long-term muscle health.

Recent research suggests that there is previously unrecognized diversity among satellite cells, contributing to variations in their fate and function. The review delves into the evidence supporting this idea, as well as the potential factors influencing satellite cell diversity, their developmental origins, and the key determinants of their distinct characteristics.