Mesenchymal stem cells in skeletal muscle: A double-edged sword during metabolic dysfunction?

Skeletal muscle and function are key determinants of healthy aging in general and insulin sensitivity in particular. The recently identified mesenchymal stem cells, fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), reside in skeletal muscle where they assist healthy muscle remodeling; however, FAPs may also differentiate into adipocytes and impair muscle function. In the present project, we will combine human in vivo and in vitro studies to identify the role of FAPs in the regulation of insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle from type II diabetes (T2D) patients and controls in rest and following exercise.