Dlx (gene)

Dlx is a family of homeodomain transcription factors which are related to the Drosophila distal-less (Dll) gene.

The family has been related to a number of developmental features. The family seems to be well preserved across species.

Known members of the family are Dlx1 to Dlx7.

Dlx genes are required for the tangential migration of interneurons from the subpallium to the pallium during vertebrate brain development. It has been suggested that Dlx promotes the migration of interneurons by repressing a set of proteins that are normally expressed in terminally differentiated neurons and act to promote the outgrowth of dendrites and axons. Mice lacking Dlx1 exhibit electrophysiological and histological evidence consistent with delayed-onset epilepsy.

Dlx2 has been associated with a number of areas including development of the zona limitans intrathalamica and the prethalamus.

Dlx5/6 expression is necessary for normal lower jaw patterning in vertebrates.

Dlx7 is expressed in bone marrow.