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Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Simultaneous Measurement of HDAC1 and HDAC6 Activity in HeLa Cells Using UHPLC-MS
Published on: August 10, 2017
Histone deacetylase 6: a potential therapeutic target for drug development
Zitong Li1, Huan Zhu1, Xiaojing Wang1
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in drug discovery. Aberrant expression of HDAC6 is associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and pathological autoimmune responses. Inhibition of HDAC6 has been extensively investigated for the treatment of multiple diseases, particularly cancer. A variety of HDAC6 inhibitors have been developed and are at different stages of drug development. Currently, diverse strategies targeting HDAC6 are being explored, such as isoform selective inhibitors, multi-targeted inhibitors and PROTACs. This review summarizes the functions of HDAC6, its roles in different disorders, and various types of modulators targeting HDAC6. These insights may provide valuable information for further design of therapeutic drugs by targeting HDAC6.
Insights
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a key target for new drugs, especially for cancer. Researchers are developing various HDAC6 inhibitors and strategies to treat diseases linked to its abnormal activity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) plays a role in various diseases.
- Aberrant HDAC6 expression is linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions of HDAC6.
- To summarize its roles in different disorders.
- To discuss various modulators targeting HDAC6 for therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HDAC6 functions and roles in diseases.
- Analysis of current drug development strategies targeting HDAC6.
- Overview of different types of HDAC6 modulators.
Main Results:
- HDAC6 is implicated in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune responses.
- Various HDAC6 inhibitors are in different stages of development.
- Emerging strategies include isoform selective inhibitors, multi-targeted inhibitors, and PROTACs.
Conclusions:
- HDAC6 is a promising therapeutic target for multiple diseases.
- Diverse strategies are being explored for HDAC6 modulation.
- Insights can guide future drug design targeting HDAC6.
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