From predictive biomarker to therapeutic target: the dual role of SLFN11 in chemotherapy sensitivity

SLFN11, a DNA/RNA helicase implicated in replication stress response, has recently emerged as a pivotal determinant of chemotherapy sensitivity across multiple cancer types. The expression level of SLFN11 in various cancers is significantly positively correlated with the sensitivity of cancer cell DNA damage agents. SLFN11 exerts its chemosensitizing effects by RPA-coated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) at stressed replication forks at stalled replication forks, thereby potentiating the cytotoxicity of platinum agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors. Its roles in inhibiting ATR translation, mediating p53-independent apoptosis, sensitizing towards IFN-γ and enhancing chromatin accessibility also remain investigational. The down-regulation of SLFN11 expression is associated with epigenetic silencing including promoter methylation, histone deacetylation, and the histone methylation. In this paper, we reviewed the recent progress of SLFN11 as predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in multiple cancers including medulloblastoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, esophageal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma and colorectal cancer. We also summarized 10 active clinical trials conducting molecular analyses to assess SLFN11's role. By bridging mechanistic understanding with translational opportunities, this review provides a roadmap for leveraging SLFN11 to overcome chemoresistance and advance precision oncology.