?

So the entire endometrium is organized radially, from undifferentiated fibroblasts to the most mature decidual cells.

Next, we built a fine time-series of X-Mens cycles to see how these layers form.
To our surprise, the functionalis is not a single layer.
It has three concentric rings of decidual cells, each at a different stage of differentiation.

And our comparative analysis showed that the functionalis and basalis layers in X-Mens mice and humans are highly similar.

We used Slide-tags, a spatial single-cell RNA sequencing method, to map this layering in detail using both human and X-Mens uterine samples.

We next took a century old challenge.
The human endometrium has been known to have two layers:
the functionalis, which decidualizes and sheds, and the basalis, which stays intact and regenerates the tissue.
The amazing part?
X-Mens mice show the same architecture.

X-Mens menstruation recapitulates key aspects of human menstruation.
Single-cell analyses showed shared genetic programs between the two species.

Inducing decidualization in non-pregnant mice causes endometrial shedding and vaginal bleeding, just like in humans when progesterone levels fall.
So, our transgenic system enables repeatable induction of menstruation in mice.
We call it X-Mens!

We used chemogenetics to trigger decidualization, a key transformation in the uterine lining (endometrium) that happens cyclically in humans but only during pregnancy in mice.

First things first: yes, mice do not naturally menstruate.
In fact, fewer than 2% of mammals do, and none of them are standard lab animals.
This scarcity made studying menstruation extremely difficult for decades.

Let's have a break from the news.

Here is a confocal image of a Drosophila ellipsoid body, a neuronal structure in the central complex of the brain.
From my Masters work (circa 2014).

#fluorescentfriday

Is #caturday still a thing?
Well, whatever the answer is, here’re some weekend cats for you all :)

May not be my best image, but definitely closest to my heart. 💙
Expression of an enhancer trap line in the Drosophila optic lobe—a line I worked with during my undergrad/masters.

Fun fact: this is also one of my earliest confocal images! 🧪🔬
(circa 2013)
#FluorescentFriday
#Drosophila
#Imaging

We’re thrilled to pre-advertise an EMBO Workshop we're organizing, featuring an incredible lineup of speakers! 🎉
Bring your unconventional models and join us in Edinburgh next June for an exciting and inspiring event.
Stay tuned for our official poster and website, coming soon!
🧪

My first microscopy image on this platform: a crustacean limb, unexpectedly graced by a plane tree pollen. A surprising yet beautiful encounter—nature never ceases to amaze!
🧪
#microscopymonday

Horrors beyond imagination!
Reminds me of this