title: HDAC modulation and cell death in the clinic.
abstract: Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are two opposing classes of enzymes, which finely regulate the balance of histone acetylation affecting chromatin packaging and gene expression. Imbalanced acetylation has been associated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In contrast to genetic mutations, epigenetic changes are potentially reversible. This implies that epigenetic alterations are amenable to pharmacological interventions. Accordingly, some epigenetic-based drugs (epidrugs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for cancer treatment. Here, we focus on the biological features of HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), analyzing the mechanism(s) of action and their current use in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: CNR-IGB Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dell'Aversana
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lepore
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Altucci
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016923:Cell Death / Q000235:genetics; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006655:Histone Deacetylases