Figure 3.

Potential therapies to target SCs and their niche. Very tightly controlled interactions exist between SCs and their microenvironment niche, thus, in order to optimize treatment, targeting both SCs (intrinsic factors) along with their microenvironment niche (extrinsic factors) should be carried out simultaneously. On the left side, SC transplantation, modulation of major signaling pathways in SCs, mediation of gene delivery and repair, and steroid treatment can prevent SC loss and improve their function. On the right side, using anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agents, suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), basement membrane protein repair, and steroid treatment can restore SC niche. Steroid treatment is presented in both sides as it affects both SCs and satellite niche.