Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
The role of GLIS3 in thyroid disease as part of a multisystem disorder
1University of Sheffield & Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common hereditary endocrine disorder. In a small number of cases, mutations have been identified that are associated with maldevelopment and maldescent of the thyroid. Some of these mutations present as syndromes with a multisystem phenotype such as NKX2-1, PAX8, and FOXE. The association of permanent neonatal diabetes and congenital hypothyroidism was first reported in 2003 and subsequently led to the identification GLIS3 as the mutation responsible for this presentation. GLIS3 is a member of the GLI-similar zinc finger protein family encoding for a nuclear protein with five zinc finger domains and maps to chromosome 9p24. Given the role of GLIS3 in transcriptional activation and repression during embryogenesis, in humans, GLIS3 mutations present with multisystem involvement that also includes renal cystic dysplasia, progressive liver fibrosis and osteopenia. Thyroid findings in GLIS3 patients include thyroid aplasia, diminished colloid with interstitial fibrosis at post-mortem, and apparently normal gross thyroid anatomy on ultrasonography but with temporary TSH resistance on treatment. To date no biological mechanism has explained this variable presentation.
Insights
Mutations in the GLIS3 gene cause congenital hypothyroidism and neonatal diabetes. This genetic disorder also affects multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, and bones, with varied thyroid abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common hereditary endocrine disorder.
- Specific gene mutations, including NKX2-1, PAX8, and FOXE, are linked to thyroid maldevelopment and multisystem syndromes.
- The association between permanent neonatal diabetes and CH led to the identification of the GLIS3 gene mutation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genetic basis and clinical manifestations of GLIS3 mutations.
- To highlight the multisystem involvement associated with GLIS3 mutations.
- To discuss the variable thyroid findings in patients with GLIS3 mutations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on congenital hypothyroidism and GLIS3 mutations.
- Analysis of reported clinical phenotypes associated with GLIS3.
- Examination of thyroid-related findings in affected individuals.
Main Results:
- GLIS3 mutations are associated with a syndrome including CH, neonatal diabetes, renal cystic dysplasia, liver fibrosis, and osteopenia.
- Thyroid abnormalities in GLIS3 patients range from aplasia to TSH resistance.
- The GLIS3 gene encodes a nuclear protein involved in transcriptional regulation during embryogenesis.
Conclusions:
- GLIS3 mutations cause a complex multisystem disorder with significant endocrine and developmental impact.
- The variable presentation of thyroid abnormalities in GLIS3-associated disorders requires further investigation.
- Understanding the role of GLIS3 is crucial for diagnosing and managing this rare genetic condition.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Glucose Transporters
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...

