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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors
09:11

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors

Published on: August 6, 2020

Development of histone deacetylase inhibitors for cancer treatment

Douglas Marchion1, Pamela Münster

  • 1H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Experimental Therapeutics Program, Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|April 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are promising cancer therapeutics. These drugs induce histone hyperacetylation, leading to various anti-cancer effects and potentially enhancing other treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors represent a novel class of anticancer agents.
  • HDAC inhibition leads to histone hyperacetylation, impacting gene expression and cellular processes.
  • These inhibitors show potential in combination therapies with cytotoxic or targeted agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the understanding and clinical development of HDAC inhibitors.
  • To discuss the current role of HDAC inhibitors in cancer therapy.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on HDAC inhibitors in cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular and biological effects of HDAC inhibition.
  • Examination of clinical trial data and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • HDAC inhibitors induce diverse cellular effects, including differentiation, growth arrest, and apoptosis.
  • Combination therapy with HDAC inhibitors may enhance treatment efficacy.
  • Tumor response to HDAC inhibitors may depend on inhibitor selectivity and HDAC enzyme expression.

Conclusions:

  • HDAC inhibitors are a significant addition to cancer treatment strategies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate precise mechanisms of cell death and identify specific HDAC targets.
  • Understanding HDAC expression patterns is crucial for optimizing HDAC inhibitor therapy.

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