Abstract
SLC7A11, a key factor protecting cancer cells from oxidative stress, is upregulated and shows prognostic significance in amounts of malignant tumors largely while its role still remains indistinct in breast cancer. We conduct an explicit analysis of the gene SLC7A11 based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for breast cancer patients. Subsequently the co-expressed genes of SLC7A11 are identified. On account of the previous exploration of SLC7A11 thoroughly, we assess the immune infiltrating cell populations and immune checkpoints in breast cancer to unveil the complexity of tumor microenvironment (TME) by Cibersort and Tumor Infiltrating Estimation Resources (TIMER). We continue to conduct a further preliminary investigation into the drug resistance of breast cancer. Compared to the normal tissue, SLC7A11 is significantly expressed in breast cancer, and its differential expression is evident in patients without distant metastasis (M0). Elevated expression of SLC7A11 is associated with notable changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) for breast cancer patients, including a decreased presence of CD8 + T cells and activated natural killer (NK) cells. Additionally, there is an increase in immune checkpoint such as CD274, CTLA4, HAVCR2, LAG3, PDCD1LG2 and TIGIT. This modulation in the immune landscape corresponds with improved sensitivity to conventional breast cancer treatments. Our comprehensive analysis confirms that SLC7A11 is a dependable tumor biomarker, offering valuable insights for the development of targeted therapies in breast cancer.