TGF-beta's delay skeletal muscle progenitor cell differentiation in an isoform-independent manner.

Satellite cells are a quiescent heterogeneous population of mononuclear stem and progenitor cells which, once activated, differentiate into myotubes and facilitate skeletal muscle repair or growth. The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily members are elevated post-injury and their importance in the regulation of myogenesis and wound healing has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Most studies suggest a negative role for TGF-beta on satellite cell differentiation.