Histone deacetylase inhibitors as potent modulators of cellular contacts

Mathieu Vinken1, Papeleu Peggy, Rogiers Vera

  • 1Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. mvinken@vub.ac.be

Current Drug Targets
|June 22, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Histone deacetylase inhibitors show anti-cancer potential by affecting tumor progression. This review details their impact on cell junctions, crucial for tissue homeostasis and cancer biology, highlighting therapeutic relevance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are recognized for their anti-cancer properties, impacting tumor development.
  • Cell junctions are vital for tissue homeostasis, and their dysfunction is implicated in cancer.
  • The role of HDACi on cell junctions remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on the effects of HDAC inhibitors on cell junctions.
  • To provide an updated theoretical basis for these interactions.
  • To exemplify the relevance of these effects in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on HDAC inhibitors and cell junctions.
  • Analysis of in vitro and in vivo data.
  • Synthesis of theoretical and therapeutic implications.

Main Results:

  • HDAC inhibitors influence the expression and function of various cell junction proteins.
  • These effects can modulate cancer cell behavior, including proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • Aberrant cell junction regulation by HDAC inhibitors presents therapeutic opportunities.

Conclusions:

  • HDAC inhibitors impact cell junctions, offering a novel mechanism for anti-cancer therapy.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing HDAC inhibitor-based treatments.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate and exploit the therapeutic potential.

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