DLX2 is a homeobox transcription factor that functions as a sequence-specific DNA-binding transcriptional activator 1 2. In the developing nervous system, DLX2 plays a critical role in GABAergic interneuron specification and differentiation. When co-expressed with ASCL1, DLX2 efficiently drives pluripotent stem cells to generate functionally mature GABAergic neurons with diverse subtype-specific markers and synaptic maturation 1 3. During human cortical development, DLX2 expression predominantly marks post-mitotic interneuron precursors originating from the ganglionic eminence, particularly those expressing the marker LHX6, as they migrate tangentially to the cerebral cortex 4. Beyond neurogenesis, DLX2 regulates gene expression networks controlling osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, being rapidly activated by BMP-2 signaling 5. In cancer biology, DLX2 is regulated by Smad2/3 signaling and promotes radiation-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell marker expression, and radioresistance in lung and breast cancer cells 6. Clinically, DLX2 has been leveraged for therapeutic development; interneuron-specific DLX2-driven AAV vectors successfully delivered SCN1A gene replacement therapy, rescuing seizures and mortality in Dravet syndrome mouse models while avoiding adverse effects associated with ubiquitous neuronal expression 7. These findings establish DLX2 as a central regulator of GABAergic neuron development with therapeutic potential for neurodevelopmental disorders.