Biochemistry Seminar - Dr. Fabio Rossi

Dr.  Fabio Rossi

Canada Research Chair in Regenerative Medicine
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Fellow
Associate Professor, Department of Medical Genetics & Biomedical Research Centre, UBC

“Regulation of the balance between repair and regeneration: lessons from skeletal muscle”

We have recently described a population of fibro/adipogenic progenitors resident in skeletal muscle and multiple other tissues. These vessel associated cells arise from an embryonic origin distinct from that of satellite cells, respond to damage by entering the cell cycle and quickly expand to invade the interstitial spaces of the regenerating tissue. From this position, these cells exert a trophic effect on myogenic cells and enhance regeneration. In healthy regenerating muscle, these cells are quickly ablated and return to the initial numbers found in undamaged tissue. In muscle in which regeneration is impaired, these cells persist and eventually differentiate into both adipocytes and myofibroblasts. This complex interaction between myogenic and fibro/adipogenic cells is further modulated by inflammatory cells and cytokines,  suggesting a model in which crosstalk among multiple cell types is responsible for ensuring that the tissue is either efficiently restored to its original function or, if this is not possible, repaired via the formation of scar tissue.

Mandatory for Graduate Students