Regulatory subunit that interacts with and increases the activity of different structure-specific endonucleases. Has several distinct roles in protecting genome stability by resolving diverse forms of deleterious DNA structures originating from replication and recombination intermediates and from DNA damage. Component of the SLX1-SLX4 structure-specific endonuclease that resolves DNA secondary structures generated during DNA repair and recombination. Has endonuclease activity towards branched DNA substrates, introducing single-strand cuts in duplex DNA close to junctions with ss-DNA. Has a preference for 5′-flap structures, and promotes symmetrical cleavage of static and migrating Holliday junctions (HJs). Resolves HJs by generating two pairs of ligatable, nicked duplex products. Interacts with the structure-specific ERCC4-ERCC1 endonuclease and promotes the cleavage of bubble structures. Interacts with the structure-specific MUS81-EME1 endonuclease and promotes the cleavage of 3′-flap and replication fork-like structures. SLX4 is required for recovery from alkylation-induced DNA damage and is involved in the resolution of DNA double-strand breaks.
