Histone deacetylase inhibitors: latest developments, trends and prospects

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferases (HATs) regulate protein acetylation.
• Imbalances in acetylation are linked to human cancers.
• HDAC inhibition is a developing anti-cancer therapeutic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the design and synthesis of HDAC inhibitors.
• To highlight novel HDAC inhibitors with potential as anti-cancer agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of research papers and patent applications.
• Analysis of different structural classes of HDAC inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Significant research activity from over 30 academic and industrial groups.
• Disclosure of numerous new HDAC inhibitors in diverse structural classes.
• Identification of potential anti-cancer drug candidates.

Conclusions:

• The field of HDAC inhibitors is rapidly evolving.
• Continued research into novel HDAC inhibitors holds promise for cancer therapy.