Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors
Published on: August 6, 2020
Research progress of dual inhibitors targeting crosstalk between histone epigenetic modulators for cancer therapy
Ying-Chao Duan1, Shao-Jie Zhang1, Xiao-Jing Shi2
1School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang Medical University, 453003, Xinxiang, Henan Province, PR China.
Abstract:
Abnormal epigenetics is a critical hallmark of human cancers. Anticancer drug discovery directed at histone epigenetic modulators has gained impressive advances with six drugs available for cancer therapy and numerous other candidates undergoing clinical trials. However, limited therapeutic profile, drug resistance, narrow safety margin, and dose-limiting toxicities pose intractable challenges for their clinical utility. Because histone epigenetic modulators undergo intricate crosstalk and act cooperatively to shape an aberrant epigenetic profile, co-targeting histone epigenetic modulators with a different mechanism of action has rapidly emerged as an attractive strategy to overcome the limitations faced by the single-target epigenetic inhibitors. In this review, we summarize in detail the crosstalk of histone epigenetic modulators in regulating gene transcription and the progress of dual epigenetic inhibitors targeting this crosstalk.
Insights
Targeting cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Abnormal epigenetics is a key feature of human cancers.
- Histone epigenetic modulators are promising anticancer drug targets, with approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials.
- Current single-target epigenetic inhibitors face challenges including limited efficacy, resistance, and toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate crosstalk of histone epigenetic modulators in gene transcription.
- To summarize the progress of dual epigenetic inhibitors targeting this crosstalk.
- To highlight a strategy for overcoming limitations of single-target epigenetic drugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of histone epigenetic modulators.
- Analysis of cooperative mechanisms in epigenetic regulation.
- Summary of dual epigenetic inhibitor development and targeting strategies.
Main Results:
- Histone epigenetic modulators exhibit complex crosstalk influencing gene transcription.
- Co-targeting these modulators offers a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic profiles.
- Dual epigenetic inhibitors are emerging to address limitations of single-target approaches.
Conclusions:
- Understanding crosstalk is crucial for effective epigenetic cancer therapy.
- Dual epigenetic inhibitors represent a significant advancement in overcoming drug resistance and toxicity.
- Targeting histone epigenetic modulator crosstalk holds potential for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
Writers
The writer...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...

