A fraction of <i>Dlgh-1^−/−</i> mice display defects in neural tube closure.

<p>E16.5 <i>Dlgh-1^+/+</i> and <i>Dlgh-1^−/−</i> embryos on the C57BL/6J background were collected, examined for overt defects, and photographed under a dissecting microscope. Profile (A) and dorsal (B) views of an E16.5 <i>Dlgh-1</i>^+/+ embryo. Profile (C) and dorsal (D) views of an E16.5 <i>Dlgh-1^−/−</i> embryo. In addition to craniorachischisis (C, D arrows), the <i>Dlgh-1^−/−</i> embryo exhibits gastroschisis (C, arrowhead) and a rightward kink to the body axis (D).