ASF1A: A versatile histone chaperone bridging chromatin dynamics, disease mechanisms and clinical potential (Review)

Anti-silencing function 1A (ASF1A) is an evolutionarily conserved histone H3/H4 chaperone that mediates nucleosome assembly, DNA replication and DNA damage repair. Beyond these canonical biological functions, aberrant ASF1A expression facilitates disease progression by triggering epigenetic dysregulation in multiple malignant tumors (including leukemia, breast, liver and gastrointestinal cancers) and non-neoplastic disorders (such as atherosclerosis and embryonic developmental defects). Its context-dependent biological effects are mediated via oncogenic signaling cascades and crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics. Although preclinical studies have validated ASF1A as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, relevant clinical trials supporting its clinical application remain absent. This review systematically summarizes the molecular features, pathogenic mechanisms and translational application potential of ASF1A.