Skeletal muscle stem cells modulate niche function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse through YY1-CCL5 axis

Yang Li, Chuhan Li, Qiang Sun, Xingyuan Liu, Fengyuan Chen, Yeelo Cheung, Yu Zhao, Ting Xie, Bénédicte Chazaud, Hao Sun () and Huating Wang ()
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Yang Li: Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chuhan Li: Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Qiang Sun: Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Xingyuan Liu: Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Fengyuan Chen: Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Yeelo Cheung: Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Yu Zhao: Sun Yat-sen University
Ting Xie: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Bénédicte Chazaud: UMR CNRS 5261, Inserm U1315, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Hao Sun: Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen)
Huating Wang: Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Abstract Adult skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are indispensable for muscle regeneration and tightly regulated by macrophages (MPs) and fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in their niche. Deregulated MuSC/MP/FAP interactions and the ensuing inflammation and fibrosis are hallmarks of dystrophic muscle. Here we demonstrate intrinsic deletion of transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in MuSCs exacerbates dystrophic pathologies by altering composition and heterogeneity of MPs and FAPs. Further analysis reveals YY1 loss induces expression of immune genes in MuSCs, including C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (Ccl5). Augmented CCL5 secretion promotes MP recruitment via CCL5/C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) crosstalk, which subsequently hinders FAP clearance through elevated Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). Maraviroc-mediated pharmacological blockade of the CCL5/CCR5 axis effectively mitigates muscle dystrophy and improves muscle performance. Lastly, we demonstrate YY1 represses Ccl5 transcription by binding to its enhancer thus facilitating promoter-enhancer looping. Altogether, our study demonstrates the critical role of MuSCs in actively shaping their niche and provides novel insight into the therapeutic intervention of muscle dystrophy.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56474-w

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