Optimized Engagement of Macrophages and Satellite Cells in the Repair and Regeneration of Exercised Muscle

Recurring contraction-relaxation cycles exert a massive mechanical load on muscle fibers. Training adaptation therefore entails the promotion of a series of biological programs aimed at inducing a better stress response but also at optimizing repair processes. Muscle regeneration is controlled by an intricate, tightly coordinated engagement of muscle fibers, satellite cells, macrophages and other cell types. In this review, we discuss some of the recent insights into the regulation of muscle repair and regeneration in exercised muscle, elucidate the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in this context, and speculate about potential implications for the treatment of muscle diseases.