Prof. QU Jianan's team and collaborators from the Division of Life Science develop an Innovative Microscope Platform to Unveil the Intricacies of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Science
In a collaborative effort, Prof. QU Jianan's team developed a dual-laser multimodal non-linear optical microscope platform for high-resolution imaging of various cell types and structures within live skeletal muscle, while Prof. WU Zhenguo's team from the Division of Life Science at HKUST contributed their expertise in muscle biology and regenerative processes. Leveraging this innovative imaging technology, their joint research uncovered new insights into the complex processes governing muscle regeneration. Intriguingly, the study challenged the prevailing notion that non-myogenic cells are the primary drivers of MuSC activation. Instead, the team found that MuSCs possess an inherent capacity to sense and respond to regenerative cues independent of external signals from non-myogenic cells.
The study also investigated the role of myeloid cells, particularly macrophages, in regulating MuSC behavior. Macrophages were found to be non-essential for MuSC activation but played a crucial role in their proliferation and differentiation during muscle regeneration. The reduction of macrophages led to impaired cell division and increased fibrosis during the regenerative process, indicating their stage-dependent role in facilitating efficient muscle regeneration.
Additionally, the study explored the real-time interactions between non-myogenic cells and MuSCs. Continuous physical contact between these cell types was not found to be necessary for MuSC activation or cell division. Instead, paracrine signaling from non-myogenic cells appeared to regulate MuSC proliferation, emphasizing the role of secreted factors in coordinating the regenerative processes of MuSCs.
Prof. Qu comments, “Leveraging advanced imaging techniques, this study offers a comprehensive academic exploration of the intricate cellular interactions involved in muscle regeneration, uncovering novel aspects of MuSC behavior. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics underlying muscle regeneration processes and hold significant implications for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for muscle-related disorders.”
Prof. Qu also highlights the effort of the team led by Prof. WU. Their deep understanding of muscle biology and regenerative processes guided the study's direction and interpretation. They contributed their expertise in designing and conducting experiments on live reporter mice, as well as analyzing the dynamics of MuSCs and their interactions with non-myogenic cells using molecular and cellular biology techniques.
“Prof. Qu’s team contributed their knowledge of optical imaging techniques, laser technology, and computational analysis to create a cutting-edge imaging platform specifically tailored for this study.
The collaboration between the engineering and life science teams in this study represents a multidisciplinary approach to investigating skeletal muscle regeneration. By combining technical skills in advanced imaging technology with biological expertise, we achieved a comprehensive understanding of the intricate cellular interactions involved. This interdisciplinary collaboration fostered creative problem-solving and facilitated the development of novel methodologies and approaches,” said Prof. Wu.
The findings of this collaborative research were recently published in prestigious journal Science Advances.
Many congratulations to Prof. QU Jianan for this impressive achievement!
Related Links:
明報新聞網– 科大開發顯微鏡平台 揭骨骼肌再生助研標靶治療
https://news.mingpao.com/pns/教育/article/20231020/s00011/1697740014983/科大開發顯微鏡平台-揭骨骼肌再生助研標靶治療
香港經濟日報網– 科大創顯微鏡平台 助治療肌肉疾病（subscription required or refer to attached PDF）
https://paper.hket.com/article/3636080/科大創顯微鏡平台 助治療肌肉疾病?
科大創新顯微鏡技術 有助了解骨骼肌再生過程
星島日報網 – https://std.stheadline.com/education/article/1958615/教育-大專-科大創新顯微鏡技術-有助了解骨骼肌再生過程
頭條日報網 – https://www.stheadline.com/tertiary-edu/3283565/科大創新顯微鏡技術-有助了解骨骼肌再生過程
HKUST researchers develop an innovative microscope platform to unveil the intricacies of skeletal muscle regeneration
Phys Org – https://phys.org/news/2023-10-microscope-platform-unveil-intricacies-skeletal.html
Bioengineer.org – https://bioengineer.org/hkust-researchers-develop-an-innovative-microscope-platform-to-unveil-the-intricacies-of-skeletal-muscle-regeneration/
