Identifying Molecular Targets Mediating the Anticancer Activity of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors: A Work in Progress

The anticancer properties of histone deacetylase inhibitors have been known for some time. However, it is only recently that the functional identities of the intracellular targets mediating the anticancer properties have started to be revealed. These targets appear to play significant roles in cell cycle control, apoptosis and differentiation. Importantly, the modulation of these activities is likely to be mediated by alterations in the acetylation status of both histone and non-histone targets. Identification of these targets, and the specific histone deacetylase enzymes that modulate them, is an important step in designing rational-based therapies for the treatment of cancer. In this review we discuss the state of progress in identifying the molecular pathways/events mediating the anticancer activity of histone deacetylase inhibitors.