Gli

GLI proteins are transcription factors that play a central role in the Hedgehog signaling pathway, a key regulator of cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue patterning during development. There are three GLI proteins in vertebrates: GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3, each with specific roles. GLI1 acts mainly as a transcription activator, while GLI2 and GLI3 can function as both activators and repressors depending on the cellular context. Aberrant GLI activity is implicated in several developmental disorders and cancers, notably basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. Targeting GLI proteins in therapeutic strategies involves modulating Hedgehog pathway activity to correct or inhibit the pathological signaling contributing to disease progression.