GLIS family zinc finger 1 (GLIS1)

GLIS family zinc finger 1 (GLIS1) is a Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factor characterized by five Cys2-His2-type zinc finger motifs that mediate a sequence-specific DNA-binding function[1][2][3][4][7]. GLIS1 acts as both a transcriptional repressor and activator, binding to the consensus sequence 5'-GACCACCCAC-3',[1][5][7] and regulates a range of genes linked to cell differentiation, development, and stem cell maintenance[1][2][4][7]. It features a C-terminal activation domain and a strong N-terminal repression domain[2][1], and its activity can be modulated by interaction with signaling kinases, such as CaM kinase IV[1][2][8]. GLIS1 is highly expressed in embryonic tissues and plays a critical role in the reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells, in cooperation with key pluripotency factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4)[4]. Genetic associations implicate GLIS1 in glaucoma, as well as possible roles in autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease[4][6]. Although it is a key regulator of gene expression in several biological and developmental processes, there are currently no approved drugs targeting GLIS1, and its safety profile as a direct therapeutic target has not been established.

Other names

GLIS1Gli-similar 1zinc finger protein GLIS1GLI-similar 1FLJ36155