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Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Simultaneous Measurement of HDAC1 and HDAC6 Activity in HeLa Cells Using UHPLC-MS
Published on: August 10, 2017
Tackling triple negative breast cancer with HDAC inhibitors: 6 is the isoform!
Anna Guadagni1, Simona Barone1, Antonella Ilenia Alfano1
1Department of Pharmacy (DoE 2023-2027), University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized by the lack in the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptors 2. TNBC stands out among other breast cancers subtypes for its high aggressiveness and invasiveness, and for the limited therapeutic options available, which justify the poor survival rates registered for this breast cancer subtype. Compelling new evidence pointed out the role of epigenetic modifications in cancer, prompting tumor cell uncontrolled proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastatic events. In this review we showcase the latest evidence supporting the involvement of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in cancer pathways strictly related to TNBC subtype, also tracking the latest advancements in the identification of novel HDAC6 inhibitors which showed efficacy in TNBC models, offering insights into the potential of targeting this key epigenetic player as an innovative therapeutic option for the treatment of TNBC.
Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive with limited treatments. Targeting histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) shows promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for TNBC, offering new hope for patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking standard therapeutic targets.
- TNBC is associated with poor survival rates due to its invasiveness and limited treatment options.
- Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in cancer progression, including TNBC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in TNBC.
- To highlight novel HDAC6 inhibitors with potential efficacy in TNBC models.
- To explore targeting HDAC6 as an innovative therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on HDAC6 and TNBC.
- Analysis of evidence linking HDAC6 to TNBC-related cancer pathways.
- Examination of preclinical data for novel HDAC6 inhibitors in TNBC models.
Main Results:
- HDAC6 is implicated in key cancer pathways driving TNBC proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis.
- Emerging HDAC6 inhibitors have demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical TNBC models.
- Targeting HDAC6 represents a promising avenue for novel TNBC therapies.
Conclusions:
- HDAC6 is a critical epigenetic regulator in triple negative breast cancer.
- Novel HDAC6 inhibitors offer a potential new therapeutic approach for TNBC.
- Targeting HDAC6 could improve treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer subtype.

