Genetic identification of an embryonic parafacial oscillator coupling to the preBötzinger complex.

Breathing relies on a respiratory rhythm generator, which depends on activity of the pre-Botzinger complex (preBotC) and the parafacial respiratory group. The authors characterize an early emerging group of Phox2b-expressing parafacial oscillatory cells that entrain and couple with the preBotC at the onset of fetal breathing.