Histone deacetylase inhibitors: Mechanisms of cell death and promise in combination cancer therapy

382Citations
Citations of this article
171Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression by catalyzing the removal of acetyl groups, stimulating chromatin condensation and promoting transcriptional repression. Since aberrant epigenetic changes are a hallmark of cancer, HDACs are a promising target for pharmacological inhibition. HDAC inhibitors can induce cell-cycle arrest, promote differentiation, and stimulate tumor cell death. These properties have prompted numerous preclinical and clinical investigations evaluating the potential efficacy of HDAC inhibitors for a variety of malignancies. The preferential toxicity of HDAC inhibitors in transformed cells and their ability to synergistically enhance the anticancer activity of many chemotherapeutic agents has further generated interest in this novel class of drugs. Here we summarize the different mechanisms of HDAC inhibitor-induced apoptosis and discuss their use in combination with other anticancer agents. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Carew, J. S., Giles, F. J., & Nawrocki, S. T. (2008, September 28). Histone deacetylase inhibitors: Mechanisms of cell death and promise in combination cancer therapy. Cancer Letters. Elsevier Ireland Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2008.03.037

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free