Histone deacetylase in carcinogenesis and its inhibitors as anti-cancer agents

Dong Hoon Kim1, Minjung Kim, Ho Jeong Kwon

  • 1Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Bioscience, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Korea.

Insights

Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and deacetylase (HDAC) regulate cell functions. HDAC inhibition shows promise for cancer therapy by inducing apoptosis and growth arrest in cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Histone acetylation, regulated by HAT and HDAC, is crucial for cellular processes.
  • Dysregulation of HAT/HDAC activity is linked to abnormal cell behavior, including carcinogenesis.
  • HAT and HDAC enzymes modify proteins beyond histones, impacting transcription, nuclear transport, and cytoskeleton.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the multifaceted roles of HAT/HDAC enzymes in cellular functions.
  • To emphasize the significance of HDAC in carcinogenesis.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on HAT and HDAC enzymes.
  • Analysis of the role of histone acetylation in gene expression and other cellular processes.
  • Examination of preclinical and clinical data on HDAC inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Main Results:

  • HAT and HDAC enzymes regulate gene expression and other cellular functions.
  • HDAC plays a critical role in the development of cancer.
  • HDAC inhibitors induce growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis in cancer cells.
  • Several HDAC inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • HDAC enzymes are vital targets for cancer therapy.
  • Development of specific HDAC inhibitors offers a promising avenue for cancer treatment.
  • Further research into HDAC function and inhibition is essential for advancing cancer therapy.

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...