Histone deacetylase inhibitors: multifunctional anticancer agents.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Histone deacetylase (HDAC) regulates gene expression through chromatin acetylation.
• Histone hypo-acetylation is linked to repressed tumor suppressor gene expression.
• HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) are emerging as potent anti-cancer agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of HDACIs in cancer, focusing on their impact beyond gene expression.
• To summarize evidence on HDACIs' effects on cancer cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
• To explore the potential of HDACIs in preventing and treating various cancers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on HDACIs.
• Analysis of data on HDACIs' effects on histone and non-histone protein acetylation.
• Examination of evidence linking HDACIs to suppression of cancer hallmarks.

Main Results:

• HDACIs effectively up-regulate tumor suppressor genes, reduce tumor growth, and induce apoptosis.
• HDACI efficacy is partly attributed to suppressing cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.
• HDACIs also impact angiogenesis and blood supply in tumors.
• HDACIs demonstrate anti-cancer effects through both histone and non-histone protein acetylation.

Conclusions:

• HDACIs possess significant anti-cancer properties, extending to the suppression of tumor initiation and progression.
• The anti-cancer efficacy of HDACIs in vivo is significantly influenced by their ability to inhibit cancer cell migration and metastasis.
• HDACIs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for various hematological and solid malignancies, including precancerous conditions.