HDACs and HDAC inhibitors in colon cancer
1Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10467, USA. mariada@aecom.yu.edu
Abstract:
The histone deacetylase (HDAC) family of transcriptional co-repressors have emerged as important regulators of colon cell maturation and transformation. Pharmacological inhibitors of class I and II HDAC activity (HDACi) are potent inducers of growth arrest, differentiation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, implicating a role for these HDACs in tumor promotion. Consistent with this role, expression of several HDACs are upregulated in colon tumors, while downregulation of specific HDACs inhibits growth of colon cancer cells in vitro and intestinal tumorigenesis in vivo. This review focuses on the function and transcriptional mechanisms by which class I and II HDACs regulate colon cell maturation and transformation, and on the mechanisms by which HDACi induce growth arrest, differentiation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells. The emerging role of the class III HDAC, Sirt1, in colon cancer progression is also discussed.
Insights
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate colon cell development and cancer. Inhibitors of class I and II HDACs halt colon cancer cell growth, promoting differentiation and apoptosis, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key regulators of colon cell maturation and transformation.
- Aberrant HDAC expression is linked to colon tumor promotion and progression.
- Class I and II HDACs play critical roles in colon cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function and transcriptional mechanisms of class I and II HDACs in colon cell maturation and transformation.
- To discuss the mechanisms by which HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) induce anti-cancer effects.
- To explore the role of class III HDAC, Sirt1, in colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HDAC function in colon cancer.
- Analysis of transcriptional regulation by HDACs.
- Examination of HDAC inhibitor mechanisms.
Main Results:
- HDACs are upregulated in colon tumors and promote tumor growth.
- HDAC inhibitors induce growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis in colon cancer cells.
- Downregulation of specific HDACs inhibits colon cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- Class I and II HDACs are critical regulators in colon cancer.
- HDAC inhibitors show therapeutic promise for colon cancer treatment.
- Sirt1's role in colon cancer progression warrants further investigation.
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