Dissecting the epigenetic orchestra of HDAC isoforms in breast cancer development: a review

Med Oncol. 2024 Nov 12;42(1):1. doi: 10.1007/s12032-024-02553-9.

Abstract

Epigenetic modulators have recently emerged as potential targets in cancer therapy. Breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally and the most common cancer in India, continues to have a low survival rate despite available treatments. This underscores the urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies. Histone deacetylases (HDACs), a prominent class of epigenetic modulators, are frequently overexpressed in various cancers, including breast cancer, making them and their downstream pathways, a focus of current research, aiming to develop more effective and less invasive treatments that could help overcome chemoresistance and enhance patient outcomes. Despite the growing body of evidences, a comprehensive and consolidated review on molecular intricacy behind the HDAC-mediated epigenetic regulation of breast cancer is conspicuously absent. Therefore, this review aims to open doors for future research by exploring the evolving role of HDACs, their molecular mechanisms, and their potential as therapeutic targets in breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Epigenetics; Epitarget; Histone deacetylases; Mechanistic role.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Histone Deacetylases* / genetics
  • Histone Deacetylases* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism

Substances

  • Histone Deacetylases
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Isoenzymes