GLI3

Zinc finger protein GLI3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the GLI3 gene.

This gene encodes a protein that belongs to the C2H2-type zinc finger proteins subclass of the Gli family. They are characterized as DNA-binding transcription factors and are mediators of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. The protein encoded by this gene localizes in the cytoplasm and activates patched Drosophila homolog (PTCH1) gene expression. It is also thought to play a role during embryogenesis.

Role in development

Gli3 is a known transcriptional repressor but may also have a positive transcriptional function. Gli3 represses dHand and Gremlin, which are involved in developing digits. There is evidence that Shh-controlled processing (e.g., cleavage) regulates transcriptional activity of Gli3 similarly to that of CI. Gli3 mutant mice have many abnormalities including CNS and lung defects and limb polydactyly.

Disease association

Mutations in this gene have been associated with several diseases, including Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome, Pallister-Hall syndrome, preaxial polydactyly type IV, and postaxial polydactyly types A1 and B.