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Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
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Schlafens: Emerging Proteins in Cancer Cell Biology

Sarmad Al-Marsoummi1, Emilie E Vomhof-DeKrey1,2, Marc D Basson1,2,3

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and the Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA.

Cells
|September 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Schlafen (SLFN) proteins regulate cell functions and impact cancer. This review explores their roles in various cancers and as predictors of chemotherapy response.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Schlafens (SLFN) are a gene family in mammals with diverse regulatory roles.
  • SLFNs are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, immune response, and antiviral defense.
  • Emerging evidence links SLFNs to cancer biology and chemosensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the history, structure, and non-malignant functions of Schlafens.
  • To outline the roles of human and mouse SLFNs in different cancer types.
  • To discuss SLFNs' implications in interferon's anti-tumor effects and as chemosensitivity predictors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on Schlafens.
  • Analysis of SLFN gene family structure and homology.
  • Examination of SLFN involvement in various cancer models and clinical data.

Main Results:

  • SLFNs exhibit distinct functions despite shared homology, with varied effects across cancer types.
  • SLFNs play a role in the anti-tumor activity of interferons.
  • SLFNs show potential as predictive biomarkers for chemotherapy efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Schlafens are critical regulators with significant implications in oncology.
  • Understanding SLFNs' diverse roles can inform cancer therapy strategies.
  • SLFNs represent promising targets and predictive markers in cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Schlafencancerdifferentiationimmune responseinvasionproliferationsignaling

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