Histone deacetylases: Function in tumor development and therapeutic prospects (Review)

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and Molecular Oncology
• Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

Background:

• Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are crucial epigenetic regulators influencing chromatin structure and gene expression.
• HDACs play a significant role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression across various malignancies.
• Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are emerging as a key therapeutic strategy in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and molecular mechanisms of HDACs in cancer.
• To elaborate on the role of specific HDAC isoforms (e.g., HDAC3, HDAC5, HDAC7, HDAC11) in tumor progression.
• To evaluate the clinical efficacy and challenges of HDAC inhibitors in monotherapy and combination treatments.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on HDACs and HDAC inhibitors.
• Analysis of pan-cancer mechanisms and signaling pathways involving specific HDAC isoforms.
• Evaluation of clinical trial data for HDAC inhibitor efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• HDACs modulate chromatin and gene transcription, impacting tumorigenesis in cancers like ovarian cancer, glioma, and multiple myeloma.
• Specific HDACs (HDAC3, HDAC5, HDAC7, HDAC11) are linked to tumor progression through distinct signaling pathways.
• Clinical studies show varying efficacy for HDAC inhibitors, with ongoing research into structural modifications and novel targeting strategies.

Conclusions:

• HDACs are critical targets in oncology, with HDAC inhibitors demonstrating therapeutic potential.
• Precision targeting and combinatorial approaches are essential for optimizing HDAC inhibitor therapy.
• Future research should focus on enhancing inhibitor selectivity and reducing toxicity to improve patient outcomes.