Biology

Bone contains lymphatic vessels that aid healing and skeletal health

How the science connects

TranscriptomicsLymphatic systemBone tissue

AI Insight

This article presents multimodal evidence supporting the existence of lymphatic vessels within bone tissue, utilizing spatial transcriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics, and high-resolution imaging techniques. The authors provide a framework for identifying and detecting bone lymphatics, positioning them as integral components of the skeletal microenvironment that contribute to bone health and repair processes. This work serves as a response to a conflicting article by Meng et al., addressing controversies regarding the presence and role of lymphatic vessels in bone.


Understanding lymphatic vessels in bone could reshape approaches to treating bone diseases, fractures, and skeletal disorders by revealing new therapeutic targets. This knowledge may inform strategies for improving bone healing and managing conditions involving bone inflammation or immune responses.


Spatial transcriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics, and high-resolution imaging support bone lymphatics as integral components of the skeletal microenvironment and provide a framework for resolving their identity and detection. This paper is a response to the Matters Arising article by Meng et al. in this issue of Cell.

Source: Multimodal evidence for bone lymphatics in skeletal health and repair