Histone deacetylase inhibitor

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC inhibitors) are a class of compounds that block the activity of enzymes called histone deacetylases. These enzymes normally remove acetyl groups from histones, the proteins around which DNA is wrapped, influencing gene expression. By inhibiting HDACs, these drugs increase acetylation levels, leading to a more open chromatin structure that can activate or suppress specific genes. This process can alter cell behavior, making HDAC inhibitors useful in treating certain cancers and diseases by promoting cell cycle arrest, apoptosis (programmed cell death), or differentiation.