DLX gene family

DLX is a family of homeodomain transcription factors that determine the " Distal-less " genes ( Dll ) of Drosophila are very similar.

The family is related to a number of developmental characteristics. In addition, they are to be found well preserved across species.

Known members of the family include DLX1 to DLX7. Between them, forming large groups of genes. In vertebrates, there are the groups DLX1 - DLX2, DLX5 - DLX6 and DLX3 - DLX7. Each of these groups is associated with a specific Hox gene clusters. In more developed fish such as the zebrafish, there are some additional DLX genes DLX5 and DLX8. The orthological genes DLX4 and DLX6 the zebrafish correspond in vertebrates DLX5 - DLX6, which form a large gene cluster in zebrafish. These additional genes are either among themselves or combined with any other DLX gene.

DLX4, DLX7, DLX8 and DLX9 are identical except for the first exon and are located on the same chromosomal locus 17q21.33; they likely represent isoforms of the same gene represents the isoform BP1 expression is increased in some malignant tumors, eg in breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and non-small cell lung cancer. Breast tumors expressing the gene grow faster and metastasize earlier.

DLX genes are required for the tangential migration of interneurons from Subpallium the pallium during brain development in vertebrates. It has been suggested that DLX promotes the migration of interneurons by suppressing a series of proteins that are normally expressed in differentiated neurons limited and promote the outgrowth of dendrites and axons. Mice lacking DLX1 exhibit electrophysiological and histological signs with epilepsy.

DLX2 has been associated with a number of areas in conjunction, including the development of the zona limitans intra- thal amica and the Präthalamus.

DLX5/6-Expression is required in vertebrates for the structuring of the mandible.