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Updated: May 24, 2026

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
Published on: September 20, 2018
Perspectives on the discovery of small-molecule modulators for epigenetic processes
Quinn Lu1, Amy M Quinn, Mehul P Patel
1GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA. Quinn.2.Lu@gsk.com
Small molecules that modify epigenetic gene regulation are crucial for development and disease. This review covers current drugs, clinical trials, and probes, exploring discovery strategies for future epigenetic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epigenetic gene regulation controls cell differentiation and development.
- Dysregulation of epigenetic processes is implicated in various diseases.
- Small-molecule epigenetic modulators offer therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of small-molecule epigenetic modulators.
- To summarize hit identification strategies for discovering epigenetic modulators.
- To provide perspectives on future therapeutic interventions for epigenetic processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on small-molecule epigenetic modulators.
- Categorization of modulators based on their targets (writers, erasers, readers of histone marks).
- Analysis of drug discovery and development strategies.
Main Results:
- Overview of marketed drugs, compounds in clinical trials, and chemical probes.
- Summary of hit identification strategies for epigenetic modulators.
- Identification of opportunities for novel hit discovery approaches.
Conclusions:
- Small-molecule epigenetic modulators represent a significant area of therapeutic development.
- Understanding epigenetic mechanisms is key to developing effective treatments.
- Future strategies may lead to next-generation epigenetic therapies for various diseases.
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