Acts as both a repressor and activator of transcription (PubMed:12042312, PubMed:12385751, PubMed:21654807). Binds to the consensus sequence 5'-GACCACCCAC-3' (PubMed:12042312). By controlling the expression of genes involved in cell differentiation inhibits the lineage commitment of multipotent cells (PubMed:21654807, PubMed:30544251). Prevents, for instance, the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal cells into adipocyte and osteoblast (PubMed:30544251). Interacts with KLF4. Interacts with POU5F1 and/or POU5F1B. Interacts with SOX2. In the adult, expressed highly in placenta and kidney and at lower levels in the testis, brain, colon, brown fat tissue and thymus. During embryo development, expressed in the frontal nasal region, branchial arches, somites, vibrissal and hair follicles, limb buds, craniofacial regions, ventral part of the tail, intervertebral disks, teeth, eyes and kidney. Higher expression is detected in unfertilized eggs and one-cell embryos compared to two-cells embryos and adult tissues (PubMed:21654807). In the embryo, expression is detected at 10 dpc becoming stronger by 11 dpc and continuing through to 16.5 dpc. No visible phenotype. 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.