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Researchers have developed a novel technique to promote tissue repair in damaged muscles, according to a new study. With help of the technique, researchers would be able to create a sustainable pool of muscle stem cells needed to support rounds of muscle repair. 

The new novel technique holds promise for a new therapeutic approach to treating the millions of people suffering from muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophies and muscle wasting associated with cancer and aging.

"Our study found that by introducing an inhibitor of the STAT3 protein in repeated cycles, we could alternately replenish the pool of satellite cells and promote their differentiation into muscle fibers," said Alessandra Sacco, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Development, Aging, and Regeneration Program at Sanford-Burnham, in the press release. "Our results are important because the process works in mice and in human muscle cells."

"Our next step is to see how long we can extend the cycling pattern, and test some of the STAT3 inhibitors currently in clinical trials for other indications such as cancer, as this could accelerate testing in humans," added Sacco.

The study has been published in the journal Nature Medicine.