Zinc finger protein GLI1 (GLI1)

Zinc finger protein GLI1 (GLI1) is a C2-H2 zinc finger DNA-binding transcription factor that mediates the effects of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in vertebrates[1][2][3]. GLI1 regulates target genes by binding to specific DNA motifs and functions as a strong activator of transcription. It has a well-defined role in embryonic development, cell proliferation, and cell fate specification[1][3]. Dysregulation of GLI1 is implicated in the development and progression of various cancers, where it promotes tumor growth, survival, and metastasis. Although no direct FDA-approved GLI1-targeting drugs exist, GLI1 is regarded as a key molecular target in cancer therapy, with several experimental inhibitors in preclinical development[2][3][4][5][6]. Elevated GLI1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in multiple malignancies, supporting its utility as a cancer biomarker[5].

Other names

Glioma-associated oncogeneGLI family zinc finger 1

Inhibition of GLI1 transcriptional activity. Disruption of GLI1-DNA binding. Inhibition of Hedgehog pathway signaling to prevent GLI1 nuclear translocation and downstream gene activation[2].