Developmental Biology
Muscle Segment Homeobox Genes Direct Embryonic Diapause by Limiting Inflammation in the Uterus
Background: Embryonic diapause is a reproductive strategy that confers blastocyst dormancy and uterine quiescence without implantation until conditions become favorable.Results: Mice devoid of uterine muscle segment homeobox genes (Msx) show heightened inflammatory signature with failure of diapause.Conclusion: Msx coordinates various pathways limiting inflammation in the uterus for diapause.Significance: This study identifies a previously unrecognized role of Msx in this unique phenomenon.
