Myf6/MRF4 is a myogenic niche regulator required for the maintenance of the muscle stem cell pool

Abstract

The function and maintenance of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are tightly regulated by signals originating from their niche environment. Skeletal myofibers are a principle component of the MuSC niche and are in direct contact with the muscle stem cells. Here, we show that Myf6 establishes a ligand/receptor interaction between muscle stem cells and their associated muscle fibers. Our data show that Myf6 transcriptionally regulates a broad spectrum of myokines and muscle‐secreted proteins in skeletal myofibers, including EGF. EGFR signaling blocks p38 MAP kinase‐induced differentiation of muscle stem cells. Homozygous deletion of Myf6 causes a significant reduction in the ability of muscle to produce EGF, leading to a deregulation in EGFR signaling. Consequently, although Myf6‐knockout mice are born with a normal muscle stem cell compartment, they undergo a progressive reduction in their stem cell pool during postnatal life due to spontaneous exit from quiescence. Taken together, our data uncover a novel role for Myf6 in promoting the expression of key myokines, such as EGF, in the muscle fiber which prevents muscle stem cell exhaustion by blocking their premature differentiation.