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Molecular Control of Mammalian Myoblast Fusion

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Cell Fusion

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 475))

Summary

The fusion of postmitotic mononucleated myoblasts to form syncytial myofibers is a critical step in the formation of skeletal muscle. Myoblast fusion occurs both during development and throughout adulthood, as skeletal muscle growth and regeneration require the accumulation of additional nuclei within myofibers. Myoblasts must undergo a complex series of molecular and morphological changes prior to fusing with one another. Although many molecules regulating myoblast fusion have been identified, the precise mechanism by which these molecules act in concert to control fusion remains to be elucidated. A comprehensive understanding of how myo-blast fusion is controlled may contribute to the treatment of various disorders associated with loss of muscle mass. In this chapter, we examine progress made toward elucidating the cellular and molecular pathways involved in mammalian myoblast fusion. Special emphasis is placed on the molecules that regulate myofiber formation without discernibly affecting biochemical differentiation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

    Katie M. Jansen Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology & Grace K. Pavlath

Authors
  1. Katie M. Jansen Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology
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  2. Grace K. Pavlath
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

    Elizabeth H. Chen

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© 2008 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science + Business Media, LLC

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Jansen, K.M., Pavlath, G.K. (2008). Molecular Control of Mammalian Myoblast Fusion. In: Chen, E.H. (eds) Cell Fusion. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 475. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-250-2_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-250-2_7

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-911-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-250-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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