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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors
Published on: August 6, 2020
Histone deacetylase: a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic disorders
1Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Middle House 301, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
Abstract:
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that balance the acetylation activities of histone acetyltransferases on chromatin remodeling and play essential roles in regulating gene transcription. In the past several years, the role of HDACs in cancer initiation and progression, as well as the therapeutic effects of HDAC inhibitors in various types of cancer, has been well studied. Recent studies indicated that HDAC activity is also associated with the development and progression of some chronic diseases characterized by fibrosis, including chronic kidney disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we review what is known about HDACs in the progression of tissue fibrosis and the potential applications of HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of disorders associated with fibroblast activation and proliferation.
Insights
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate gene transcription and are implicated in cancer. Emerging research links HDACs to chronic fibrotic diseases, suggesting HDAC inhibitors as potential therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are crucial enzymes involved in chromatin remodeling and gene transcription regulation.
- HDACs play significant roles in cancer initiation, progression, and are targets for cancer therapies.
- Recent evidence links HDAC activity to the development and progression of chronic fibrotic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of HDACs in tissue fibrosis progression.
- To explore the potential of HDAC inhibitors in treating fibrotic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HDACs and fibrosis.
- Analysis of research on fibroblast activation and proliferation in fibrotic diseases.
Main Results:
- HDACs are implicated in the progression of various fibrotic conditions.
- HDAC inhibitors show promise for treating diseases characterized by fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- HDACs are key regulators in tissue fibrosis.
- Targeting HDACs with inhibitors may offer novel therapeutic strategies for fibrotic diseases.
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