GLI family zinc finger protein (GLI)

GLI family zinc finger proteins are DNA-binding transcription factors encoded by GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 genes. They are central mediators of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, translating extracellular Hedgehog (e.g., Sonic hedgehog/Shh) gradients into gene expression changes. These proteins contain conserved C2-H2 zinc finger domains, enabling sequence-specific DNA recognition and gene regulation. GLI proteins orchestrate embryonic patterning, proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. Dysregulation is linked to several cancers (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma) and congenital anomalies. As effectors of Hh signaling, GLI proteins are attractive therapeutic targets, particularly for Hh-driven malignancies and genetic disorders

Other names

Glioma-associated oncogene (GLI1)GLI-Kruppel family memberGLI1/GLI2/GLI3Zinc finger protein GLI1/2/3GLI family member 1/2/3

Inhibition of Hedgehog pathway upstream (reduces GLI activation); Direct inhibition of GLI DNA binding or transcriptional activity