Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors
Published on: August 6, 2020
Histone deacetylase inhibitors in APL and beyond
K Petrie1, N Prodromou, A Zelent
1Section of Haemato-Oncology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
Abstract:
In recent years the study of chemical modifications to chromatin and their effects on cellular processes has become increasingly important in the field of cancer research. Disruptions to the normal epigenetic pattern of the cell can serve as biomarkers and are important determinants of cancer progression. Accordingly, drugs that inhibit the enzymes responsible for modulating these epigenetic markers, in particular histone deacetylases, are the focus of intense research and development. In this chapter we provide an overview of class I and II histone deacetylases as well as a guide to the diverse types of histone deacetylase inhibitors and their activities in the context of APL. We also discuss the rationale for the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors in combination therapy for the treatment of cancer and the current status of clinical trials.
Related Concept Videos
Anaphase Promoting Complex
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...
Histone Modification
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Histone Modification
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

