A research led by the Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal) at the University of Coimbra discovered that lymphatic vessels are a functional and active component of the skeletal microenvironment, positively contributing to the maintenance of bone mass and to bone repair and regeneration processes. The discovery has profound implications for regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal health.
The researchers used advanced techniques to study bone tissue from humans and rodents, including spatial transcriptomics, single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing and high-resolution imaging. Anjali Kusumbe, a researcher at MIA-Portugal who led the study, stated that the research provides evidence that lymphatic vessels are an integral part of bone tissue and important regulators of skeletal biology.
According to the researcher, the discovery can open the way to new innovative treatments that take advantage of both the lymphatic system and the blood vascular system to accelerate fracture healing, reduce chronic bone inflammation and promote healthier aging of the skeleton. The study also highlights the need to review and improve current models of skeletal vasculature.
This research was supported by funds from the European Commission and has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of aging populations.
