Increased expression levels of DLX5 inhibit the development of the nervous system

Abstract Introduction Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. DLX5 plays an important role in the migration and differentiation of subglobus pallidus precursor cells. Methods We established a zebrafish line expressing high levels of DLX5 and investigated changes in behavior and development of the nervous system. Results The ratios of brain volume area to whole body area at 96 hpf zebrafish in the experimental group (gRNA + CasRx) were significantly lower than the WT group and the negative control group (casRx) ( P < 0.01). Behavioral trajectory distances and movement speeds exhibited by the 6th day of development in zebrafish in the experimental group (gRNA + CasRx) were significantly shorter ( P < 0.01) and lower ( P < 0.05) than the negative control group (gRNA + CasRx), respectively. Conclusions Data suggested that the increased expression levels of DLX5 can inhibit brain volume development and behavioral activities in zebrafish. Maybe the high expression levels of DLX5 in the pathological state of preeclampsia can inhibit the development of the nervous system in offspring.