Table 1.

Recent and noteworthy studies focused on cell–ECM–material interactions in skeletal muscle.

Tissue	Model	Material	Main Findings
Skeletal Muscle	ECM combined with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a murine VML model.	Decellularized ECM and extracellular vesicles (EVs).	Muscle regeneration was enhanced after 30 days in mice treated with ECM and EVs. Higher MHC and gains in muscle function compared to control groups [34].
	ECM scaffolds with parallel microchannels (ECM-C) by subcutaneous implantation of sacrificial templates followed by template removal and decellularization.	ECM scaffolds with parallel microchannels (ECM-C).	Compared to controls, rats that received the scaffolds had extensive neo-tissue formation in the grafting area, as well as cell infiltration, blood vessel formation, and new ECM deposition, which were not observed in the controls. Neo-muscle tissue had acetylcholine receptors and nerve fiber contacts, resembling early neuromuscular junction formation [33].
	Unilateral resection of the distal third of the vastus lateralis and medial half of the distal third of the vastus medialis in dogs; defects replaced with scaffolds composed of small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM).	Scaffolds composed of small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM).	SIS-ECM promoted integration of soft and bony tissues, suggesting it may be a useful tool in engineering the ECM after injury to promote an integrative response in the cells [35].
	Xenogeneic porcine urinary bladder ECM scaffolds used as a surgical treatment for volumetric muscle loss in both a preclinical rodent model and human male patients.	Xenogeneic porcine urinary bladder ECM Scaffolds.	Porcine bladder ECM supported the formation of stimulus-responsive skeletal muscle cells and tissues in mice, and functional improvement was observed in three implanted human patients. ECM-treated mice showed muscle activation [23].
	Preclinical model of collagen VI- related dystrophies (COL6-RDs) using cell-derived matrices (CDMs) developed using the forearm skin fibroblasts of both patients with (COL6-RD), as well as from healthy donors without neuromuscular disease.	Cell-derived matrices (CDMs) developed using the forearm skin fibroblasts of both patients with (COL6-RD), and from healthy donors without neuromuscular disease.	Disease markers were significantly increased in CDMs from COL6-RD patients compared to controls (CDMs derived from healthy patients). Higher collagen VI and fibronectin alignment, length, width, and straightness were observed in control CDMs compared to patient-derived CDMs [36].
	Decellularized canine placentas and murine skeletal muscle ECM placed in male Wistar rats with pockets at the posterior limbs.	Decellularized canine placentas and murine skeletal muscles.	Higher percentage of proliferative PCNA+ cells three days after implantation in placenta-derived matrices, compared to muscle derived matrices. Higher percentage of CD163+high macrophages in muscle-derived ECM; higher percentage of CD163+low macrophages found in placenta-derived ECM 3- and 15-days post-implantation [39].