Is there any role of Dlx1 and Dlx2 transcription factors in cortical interneurons?
Yes. DLX2 directly drives Gad1, Gad2, and Vgat expression, and mutants have reduced mIPSC amplitude. In addition, the mutants formed fewer GABAergic synapses on excitatory neurons and have reduced mIPSC frequency. Furthermore, Dlx1/2 CKO have hypoplastic dendrites, fewer excitatory synapses, and reduced excitatory input.