Genetic ‘switch’ that kickstarts pregnancy identified

Indian scientists have identified a genetic “switch” inside the uterus that allows an embryo to implant itself, signalling the start of pregnancy.

- Aditi Shekar

The study, published in the online research journal ‘Cell Death Discovery’ on November 10, is the first to map how two genes work like opposing levers, one opening the uterine lining and the other closing it, to ensure that pregnancy begins at precisely the right moment.