GLI family zinc finger 3 (GLI3) mRNA (GLI3 mRNA)

GLI family zinc finger 3 (GLI3) mRNA is the transcript of the GLI3 gene, which encodes a key transcription factor in the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway [NCBI Gene: 2737]. The resulting GLI3 protein acts as a primary transducer of Hh signals, existing in both a full-length activator form (GLI3A) and a proteolytically processed repressor form (GLI3R) [UniProt: P10071]. This dual role is essential for normal embryonic development, particularly in limb patterning and brain morphogenesis. Mutations in the GLI3 gene are associated with developmental syndromes such as Greig cephalopolysyndactyly and Pallister-Hall syndrome [PubMed: 17033630]. In oncology, dysregulated GLI3 expression is implicated in the progression of various cancers, including medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma, where it promotes cell proliferation and survival [PubMed: 25673474]. Targeting GLI3 mRNA via RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) is an emerging therapeutic strategy designed to reduce total GLI3 protein levels, offering a potential solution for tumors that are resistant to conventional Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors [PubMed: 28415645]. This approach aims to directly suppress the transcriptional output of the Hedgehog pathway, which is often hijacked in malignant tissues.

Other names

Zinc finger protein GLI3 mRNAGLI3 transcriptHedgehog signaling pathway transcription factor GLI3 mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense-mediated degradation of GLI3 transcripts to prevent the translation of GLI3 protein, thereby inhibiting Hedgehog pathway signaling [PubMed: 25673474].