Acts as both a repressor and activator of transcription (PubMed:21654807). Binds to the consensus sequence 5'-GACCACCCAC-3' (By similarity). By controlling the expression of genes involved in cell differentiation inhibits the lineage commitment of multipotent cells (PubMed:21654807). Prevents, for instance, the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal cells into adipocyte and osteoblast (By similarity). Interacts with KLF4 (PubMed:21654807). Interacts with POU5F1 and/or POU5F1B (PubMed:21654807). Interacts with SOX2 (PubMed:21654807). The combined transgenic expression of the OSK transcription factors POU5F1/OCT4, SOX2 and KLF4, reprograms differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells/iSPCs. iPSCs exhibit the morphology and properties of embryonic stem/ES cells. The coexpression of GLIS1 can increase the efficiency of OSK-induced pluripotent stem cells/iPSCs production. Belongs to the GLI C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family.