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The growth and expansion of meningeal lymphatic networks are affected in craniosynostosis

Congenital skull malformations are associated with vascular anomalies that can impair fluid balance in the central nervous system. We previously reported that humans with craniosynostosis and mutations in TWIST1 have dural venous sinus malformations. It is still unknown whether meningeal lymphatic networks, which are patterned alongside the venous sinuses, are also affected. Using a novel skull flat mounting technique, we show that the growth and expansion of meningeal lymphatics are perturbed in Twist1 craniosynostosis models. Changes to the local meningeal environment, including hypoplastic dura and venous malformations, affect the ability of lymphatic networks to sprout and remodel. Dorsal networks along the transverse sinus are hypoplastic with reduced branching. By contrast, basal networks closer to the skull base are more variably affected, showing exuberant growth in some animals suggesting they are compensating for vessel loss in dorsal networks. Injecting molecular tracers into cerebrospinal fluid reveals significantly less drainage to the deep cervical lymph nodes, indicative of impaired lymphatic function. Collectively, our results show that meningeal lymphatic development is hindered in craniosynostosis, suggesting central nervous system waste clearance may be impeded.