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.

Bioorganic Chemistry
|September 3, 2025
PubMed

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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