Recent development of selective inhibitors targeting the HDAC6 as anti-cancer drugs: Structure, function and design

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• HDAC6 is a cytosolic protein regulating cell growth via non-histone substrates like α-tubulin, cortactin, HSP90, PD-1, and PD-L1.
• These substrates are critical in cancer proliferation, invasion, immune escape, and angiogenesis.
• Current HDAC inhibitors are non-selective pan-inhibitors, leading to significant side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of HDAC6 in cancer.
• To discuss recent strategies for designing selective HDAC6 inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on HDAC6 and cancer.
• Analysis of design strategies for HDAC6 inhibitors.

Main Results:

• HDAC6 plays a significant role in various cancer hallmarks.
• The development of selective HDAC6 inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy.
• Recent research focuses on novel molecular designs for targeted inhibition.

Conclusions:

• HDAC6 is a key therapeutic target in cancer.
• Selective HDAC6 inhibition offers a promising avenue for improved cancer treatment with reduced toxicity.