HDAC6 as a target for neurodegenerative diseases: what makes it different from the other HDACs?

ABSTRACT: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been demonstrated to be beneficial in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Such results were mainly associated with the epigenetic modulation caused by HDACs, especially those from class I, via chromatin deacetylation. However, other mechanisms may contribute to the neuroprotective effect of HDAC inhibitors, since each HDAC may present distinct specific functions within the neurodegenerative cascades. Such an example is HDAC6 for which the role in neurodegeneration has been partially elucidated so far. The strategy to be adopted in promising therapeutics targeting HDAC6 is still controversial. Specific inhibitors exert neuroprotection by increasing the acetylation levels of α-tubulin with subsequent improvement of the axonal transport, whi

SUBMITTER: Simoes-Pires C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3615964 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature