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Histone deacetylase as a therapeutic target
O H Krämer1, M Göttlicher, T Heinzel
1Institute for Biomedical Research Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 42-44, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|August 16, 2001
Summary
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors show promise for treating leukemias by reversing aberrant gene repression. Newer inhibitors may overcome limitations, paving the way for broader therapeutic applications in various cancers and diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Aberrant gene expression, particularly repression of differentiation genes, is implicated in certain leukemias.
- Fusion proteins in acute leukemias can recruit histone deacetylases (HDACs) to repress target genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition in various diseases.
- To highlight the role of HDACs in pathogenic gene repression in leukemia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HDAC inhibitors and their clinical applications.
- Summary of diseases where HDAC inhibition is expected to be beneficial.
Main Results:
- HDAC inhibition has demonstrated potential benefits in preclinical studies and limited clinical cases.
- Novel HDAC inhibitors are emerging with improved properties over earlier compounds.
Conclusions:
- The development of advanced HDAC inhibitors creates opportunities for testing their therapeutic value in leukemias.
- HDAC inhibition is a promising strategy for treating not only leukemias but also solid tumors and conditions involving aberrant hormonal signaling.