Endothelial diversity in bone vasculature coordinates osteogenesis and hematopoiesis
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. takahito0429@keio.jp.
None:
Bone is a highly vascularized organ, and the vasculature in bone not only delivers oxygen and nutrients but also helps determine when and where bone forms, how the marrow is organized, and how hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are maintained. Over the past decade, research has shifted from a single, uniform view of bone vessels to site- and stage-specific endothelial programs along the metaphysis-diaphysis-epiphysis axis of long bones. Local endothelial identity and hemodynamic signals coordinate angiogenesis with osteogenesis and shape the marrow niche. These programs also shift with aging. This review summarizes the recent advances in these endothelial programs and their roles in bone growth and hematopoiesis. Considering the vasculature as an active driver of skeletal integrity and hematopoietic function suggests strategies to strengthen bone, reduce skeletal fragility, and sustain hematopoiesis. This framework provides a roadmap for future studies and clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Hematopoiesis
Overview of Hematopoiesis
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...


