Pbx1, Meis1, and Runx1 Expression Is Decreased in the Diaphragmatic and Pulmonary Mesenchyme of Rats with Nitrofen-Induced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

This study demonstrates that transcription factors Pbx1, Meis1, and Runx1 are significantly downregulated in diaphragmatic and lung mesenchyme of nitrofen-exposed rat fetuses with CDH. Reduced expression correlates with decreased mesenchymal proliferation during critical developmental windows, suggesting a molecular mechanism for diaphragmatic defects and pulmonary hypoplasia in this experimental model.