Lineage tracing reveals a novel PDGFRβ satellite cell subset that contributes to myo-regeneration of chronically injured rotator cuff muscle.

Massive rotator cuff (RC) tendon tears are associated with progressive fibro-adipogenesis and muscle atrophy that altogether cause shoulder muscle wasting. Platelet derived growth factor β (PDGFRβ) lineage cells, that co-express PDGFRα have previously been shown to directly contribute to scar formation and fat accumulation in a mouse model of irreversible tendon and nerve transection (TTDN). Conversely, PDGFRβ lineage cells have also been  shown to be myogenic in cultures and in other models of skeletal muscle injury. We therefore hypothesized that PDGFRβ demarcates two distinct RC residing subpopulations, fibro-adipogenic and myogenic, and aimed to elucidate the identity of the PDGFRβ myogenic precursors and evaluate their contribution, if any, to RC myo-regeneration. Lineage tracing revealed increasing contribution of PDGFRβ myo-progenitors to the formation of GFP myofibers, which were the most abundant myofiber type in regenerated muscle at 2 weeks post-TTDN. Muscle regeneration preceded muscle atrophy and both advanced from the lateral site of tendon transection to the farthest medial region. GFP/PDGFRβSca-1linCXCR4Integrin-β1 marked a novel subset of satellite cells with confirmed myogenic properties. Further studies are warranted to identify the existence of PDGFRβ satellite cells in human and other mouse muscles and to define their myo-regenerative potential following acute and chronic muscle injury.