Targeting histone deacetylases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Mengchen Xu1, Yiming Hou1, Na Li2,3

  • 1Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.

Insights

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) show altered expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review explores HDACs as potential therapeutic targets to improve HNSCC treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents a significant global health and economic challenge.
  • Existing treatments for HNSCC have limitations in managing invasion, metastasis, and recurrence, necessitating new therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on the role of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in HNSCC.
  • To explore the potential of HDACs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
  • To offer new perspectives on HDAC-targeted therapies to improve HNSCC treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of HDACs in cancer.
  • Analysis of publicly available datasets including TCGA, CPTAC, HPA, OmicShare, GeneMANIA, and STRING.
  • Examination of differential expression, prognostic significance, and predictive functions of HDACs in HNSCC.

Main Results:

  • Histone deacetylases (HDACs) exhibit differential expression patterns in neoplastic tissues.
  • Evidence suggests a potential association between HDACs and HNSCC, impacting gene expression and cellular processes.
  • Bioinformatic analyses provide data on HDAC expression and prognostic value in HNSCC patients.

Conclusions:

  • HDACs represent a promising area for developing novel therapeutic strategies in HNSCC.
  • Targeting HDACs could potentially enhance the efficacy of current HNSCC treatments.
  • Further research into HDACs may lead to improved diagnostic and prognostic tools for HNSCC.

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