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Keywords = histone deacetylase inhibitor

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16 pages, 3380 KB  
Article
4-Phenylbutyrate Plus Wildtype GAT-1 Augmentation: A Dual Therapy to Rescue SLC6A1 Variant-Associated Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy
by Aiden James Delahanty, Kaitlin James, Emma Grace Carter, Ziang Debbie Song, Juexin Wang, Melissa Bassette and Jing-Qiong Kang
Genes 2026, 17(8), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17080983 - 21 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background: Pathogenic variants in SLC6A1, which encodes the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter GAT-1, cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) through reduced GABA uptake, impaired transporter trafficking, and functional haploinsufficiency. 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) is a clinically available small molecule with chemical-chaperone and histone-deacetylase-inhibitor activities that [...] Read more.
Background: Pathogenic variants in SLC6A1, which encodes the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter GAT-1, cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) through reduced GABA uptake, impaired transporter trafficking, and functional haploinsufficiency. 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) is a clinically available small molecule with chemical-chaperone and histone-deacetylase-inhibitor activities that can rescue misfolded GABAergic proteins, but variant-level rescue data are needed to guide precision treatment. Methods: We report a novel de novo missense mutation p.Ala305Val in GAT-1 encoding SLC6A1, in a patient with myoclonic-atonic epilepsy and a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy phenotype. Ala305Val was compared with the residue-matched comparator p.Ala305Thr (Ala305Thr). Variant effects were evaluated by (i) protein-structure prediction across nine stability-prediction algorithms using the cryo-EM-derived human GAT-1 template (PDB 7Y7W); (ii) 3H-GABA uptake assays in HEK293T cells and in human iPSC-derived astrocytes and cortical neurons; (iii) live-cell confocal microscopy of ER colocalization; (iv) pharmacologic rescue with PBA, TUDCA and salubrinal (v) and GAT-1 cDNA gene-augmentation, alone and in combination with PBA. Results: AI-based stability predictors uniformly indicated destabilization of GAT-1 p.Ala305Val and GAT-1 p.Ala305Thr. GAT-1 p.Ala305Val reduced 3H GABA uptake across HEK293Ts, astrocytes, and neurons. The mutant transporter accumulated within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with ER colocalization rising from approximately 30% in wildtype to ~80% in GAT-1 p.Ala305Val; PBA reduced ER retention to approximately ~40% and restored total GAT-1 fluorescence toward wildtype levels. Pharmacochaperones (PBA, TUDCA) restored GABA uptake for the mutant transporters. Wildtype GAT-1 gene augmentation improved GABA uptake in the heterozygous condition but combined PBA plus wildtype allele augmentation produced rescue greater than either intervention alone in the available dose-response ranges. Conclusions: GAT-1 p.Ala305Val is a trafficking-impaired, loss-of-function variant whose dysfunction is amenable to two convergent therapeutic axes: pharmacologic correction of folding and trafficking, and augmentation of functional transporter expression. These findings support a two-pronged precision-medicine framework for SLC6A1-related DEEs in which PBA increased the transporter function augmented by genetic approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in "Neurogenetics and Neurogenomics": 2026)
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35 pages, 4366 KB  
Article
Trichostatin A Modulates Ethanol Consumption and Reveals Dose- and Sex-Specific Transcriptomic Signatures in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell
by Yi Zou, Sheketha R. Hauser, Teresa J. Raba, Richard L. Bell, Zhao Lai and Tiebing Liang
Cells 2026, 15(16), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15161494 - 19 Aug 2026
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Background: Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) such as Trichostatin A (TSA) have emerged as promising epigenetic modulators of addiction-related behaviors. TSA treatment has been previously shown to decrease alcohol (ethanol) consumption with dose and sex differences. However, molecular mechanisms underlying TSA’s effects on [...] Read more.
Background: Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) such as Trichostatin A (TSA) have emerged as promising epigenetic modulators of addiction-related behaviors. TSA treatment has been previously shown to decrease alcohol (ethanol) consumption with dose and sex differences. However, molecular mechanisms underlying TSA’s effects on ethanol consumption remain poorly understood. Methods: We collected the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) of HAD1 rats, which has been used to investigate the impact of TSA treatment on ethanol consumption. RNA-seq profiling of NAcSh followed by IPA and GSEA analysis were conducted. Results: Gene profiling identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with sex- and dose-specific effects, with some genes demonstrating high fold change (FC). Males showed significantly increased Oxt and decreased Ttr expression following 1 mg/kg TSA treatment. In females, Pmch expression significantly decreased following 1 mg/kg TSA treatment, whereas Tmem179 expression increased following 2 mg/kg TSA treatment. Pathways centered on Hdac and Fkbp5 in males, and Bdnf and estrogen receptor in females were significantly enriched following TSA treatment, with distinct pathways identified at the 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg doses. IL1β and β-estradiol are common upstream regulators among all groups. Unexpectedly, some common DEGs between male and female comparisons have opposite responses to the same dose of TSA. GSEA analysis has identified additional gene sets, hallmark genes and microRNAs, and functions including immune response, metabolism, and estrogen response significantly associated with TSA treatment. Conclusions: This study successfully identified gene expression evidence that TSA treatment is sex- and dose-specific, underscoring the importance of considering both variables in the development of HDAC-targeted therapies for alcohol use disorders. Full article
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39 pages, 105461 KB  
Article
Precision Drug Delivery of LY-11h for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Using Machine Learning-Assisted Hot Melt Extrusion and 3D-Printed Technologies
by Lianghao Huang, Danhui Li, Tiantian Yang, Weiwei Yang, Minqing Zhu, Xia Zhao and Jiaxiang Zhang
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(8), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18081002 - 13 Aug 2026
Viewed by 338
Abstract
Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and aggressive hematologic malignancy, and LY-11h is a novel acylhydrazide-based histone deacetylase inhibitor with promising therapeutic potential for AML. However, its poor aqueous solubility, limited intestinal dissolution, and narrow therapeutic window hinder oral formulation [...] Read more.
Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and aggressive hematologic malignancy, and LY-11h is a novel acylhydrazide-based histone deacetylase inhibitor with promising therapeutic potential for AML. However, its poor aqueous solubility, limited intestinal dissolution, and narrow therapeutic window hinder oral formulation development and motivate the development of dosage forms with flexible dose-design capabilities. Herein, an integrated hot-melt extrusion (HME)–fused deposition modeling (FDM) strategy was developed to convert LY-11h into printable amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) dosage forms. Methods: HPMC-AS was used as a pH-responsive carrier to enhance intestinal release while restricting premature gastric release, and HPC-EF was incorporated to improve filament processability. Single-factor and DoE studies identified critical formulation and process variables and established formulation–process–property relationships, while machine learning further modeled nonlinear interactions and guided optimization. In-line near-infrared spectroscopy combined with polarized light microscopy enabled real-time monitoring of LY-11h amorphization and melt homogenization during HME. Results: ExtraTrees and Bagging models showed promising predictive performance for key filament properties, and PAT-stage validation confirmed strong agreement with experimental values. The 15 DoE-designed ASD filaments were successfully fabricated into FDM-printed tablets with reproducible geometry. Equilibrium-solubility and in vitro dissolution studies demonstrated enhanced intestinal-pH solubility and reproducible pH-responsive release. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings establish a technological proof of concept for the manufacture of LY-11h dosage forms with adjustable formulation and geometric attributes. Further in vivo pharmacokinetic studies are required to determine whether these manufacturing capabilities translate into predictable dose–exposure relationships and individualized dose control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in AI-Driven Drug Delivery Systems)
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29 pages, 1502 KB  
Review
Nanotechnology-Driven Epigenetic Targeting: Tailoring Ovarian Cancer Therapeutics
by Vivek Pamula, Fernando Munguia, Siddharth Krishnan, Rahaman Shaik, Vedant Dagar and Shaheen Mahira
Onco 2026, 6(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco6030041 - 12 Aug 2026
Viewed by 167
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in OC drug resistance, and emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated epigenetic modifications are among the key contributors to OC. Epigenetic agents, including DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and non-coding RNA-based therapeutics, have important limitations, including poor [...] Read more.
Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in OC drug resistance, and emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated epigenetic modifications are among the key contributors to OC. Epigenetic agents, including DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and non-coding RNA-based therapeutics, have important limitations, including poor water solubility, limited tissue distribution, low stability, and systemic toxicity. To overcome this, a novel drug delivery system is needed to manage variability in drug administration and maximize the efficacy of these drugs. In this regard, nanotechnology offers an attractive option for formulating epigenetic drugs with various encapsulation strategies to increase bioavailability and drug efficacy, reduce drug dose, administration frequency, and toxicity, and enhance cellular internalization and tumor-targeted delivery. In this review, we summarize various epigenetic regulators and their roles in OC therapy resistance as well as the development of nanosystems for epigenetic drug delivery, which could lay the foundation for designing nanoformulations encapsulating epigenetic therapeutics, ultimately advancing personalized, targeted therapy for patients with OC. This review also discusses the current clinical status of nanocarrier platforms and translational barriers that limit the clinical development of epigenetic nanomedicine, highlighting the future directions required for successful clinical translation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug and Gene Delivery)
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24 pages, 5610 KB  
Article
Synergy in Dual Engagement of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathways by Bleomycin and Panobinostat in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Targeting Mcl-1-Dependent Apoptosis Resistance
by Patricia Mester, Lena Aschenbrenner, Vlad Pavel, Philipp Heumann, Elisabeth Aschenbrenner, Kirstin Pollinger, Karsten Gülow, Claudia Kunst, Tobias Schilling and Martina Müller
Biomedicines 2026, 14(8), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14081805 - 11 Aug 2026
Viewed by 273
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major clinical challenge due to its pronounced molecular heterogeneity and frequent resistance to conventional therapies. A key driver of therapeutic failure is the overexpression of the anti-apoptotic proteins myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large [...] Read more.
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major clinical challenge due to its pronounced molecular heterogeneity and frequent resistance to conventional therapies. A key driver of therapeutic failure is the overexpression of the anti-apoptotic proteins myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL), which collectively maintain mitochondrial integrity and promote tumor cell survival. Methods: In this study, we evaluated a rational combination strategy targeting these complementary survival pathways using the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat and the DNA-damaging agent bleomycin in HepG2 cells, a p53-functional HCC cell model. Results: In HepG2 cells, each agent alone produced only limited cytotoxicity, whereas their combination resulted in a marked and synergistic induction of apoptosis. This was shown by increased Annexin V positivity, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), and activation of caspases-8, -9, and -3 as well as cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Mechanistically, panobinostat reduced Bcl-XL expression and primed mitochondria for apoptosis but simultaneously triggered compensatory upregulation of Mcl-1, representing an adaptive resistance response within this experimental system. Bleomycin effectively counteracted this escape mechanism by suppressing Mcl-1 induction, thereby lowering the apoptotic threshold and enabling mitochondrial permeabilization. In parallel, combined treatment potentiated caspase-8 cleavage, suggesting an additional caspase-8-associated apoptotic signal that amplified caspase-3/PARP execution. Pharmacological inhibition with zVAD-FMK confirmed that the observed cell death was predominantly caspase-dependent, supporting a coordinated engagement of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. In summary, the combination of panobinostat and bleomycin overcomes anti-apoptotic defenses in HepG2 cells through synergistic and coordinated disruption of mitochondrial survival checkpoints and dual apoptosis pathway activation. Conclusions: By blocking a compensatory Mcl-1 escape response while simultaneously engaging extrinsic apoptosis signaling, this strategy produces potent synergistic cell death in this defined p53-functional HCC model and represents a promising mechanistic proof of concept that warrants further validation in additional molecularly diverse HCC models before broader translational conclusions can be drawn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
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22 pages, 1379 KB  
Review
Epigenetic Reprogramming in Cancer Metastasis: From Histone Modifications to Therapeutic Vulnerabilities
by Prashant Pandey, Devika Tripathi, Kartik Mittal and Neha Rathi
Onco 2026, 6(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco6030040 - 5 Aug 2026
Viewed by 256
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, accounting for more than 90% of cancer deaths worldwide. However, the epigenetic mechanisms governing the metastatic cascade remain incompletely understood. Epigenetic reprogramming, including reversible changes in histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding [...] Read more.
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, accounting for more than 90% of cancer deaths worldwide. However, the epigenetic mechanisms governing the metastatic cascade remain incompletely understood. Epigenetic reprogramming, including reversible changes in histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-mediated regulation, enables tumor cells to acquire invasive, migratory, stem-like, and immune-evasive characteristics. During epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), key epigenetic regulators such as histone deacetylases (HDACs), the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) subunit EZH2, lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A), and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins repress epithelial gene expression while activating mesenchymal transcriptional programs, promoting invasion and dissemination. At distant sites, epigenetic plasticity facilitates metastatic colonization through mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) and adaptive chromatin remodeling. Because these changes are reversible, they represent attractive therapeutic targets. HDAC, EZH2, LSD1/KDM1A, BET, and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors have shown promise in preclinical models of metastasis, with several advancing through clinical trials. Long non-coding RNAs, particularly HOTAIR, function as epigenetic scaffolds that reinforce metastatic programs, while reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) drive epigenetic adaptations that promote immune evasion and metastatic progression. In addition, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) methylation signatures are emerging as minimally invasive biomarkers for assessing metastatic risk and monitoring treatment. This review summarizes current insights into the epigenetic regulation of cancer metastasis, evaluates emerging epigenetic therapies, and highlights translational opportunities to advance precision anti-metastatic strategies and improve patient outcomes. Full article
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13 pages, 3015 KB  
Brief Report
FK228-Mediated Restoration of Tight Junction Proteins in Diabetic Neuropathy
by Eileen Chen, Vikram Thakur, Erina Chowdhury, Amogh Misra, Carlos Valdez and Munmun Chattopadhyay
Biology 2026, 15(15), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15151257 - 31 Jul 2026
Viewed by 301
Abstract
Diabetic painful neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes. Despite ongoing efforts, the underlying biological mechanisms of DPN remain poorly understood. Hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress can affect cell barrier properties, triggering low-grade inflammation. Previous studies have reported increased histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and [...] Read more.
Diabetic painful neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes. Despite ongoing efforts, the underlying biological mechanisms of DPN remain poorly understood. Hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress can affect cell barrier properties, triggering low-grade inflammation. Previous studies have reported increased histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and altered expression of tight junction proteins in diabetes, which may link to nerve damage. This study examined the effects of the HDAC inhibitor FK228 on cell barrier-mediated changes in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of type 2 diabetic mice. Diabetic mice were treated with FK228 (1 mg/kg, twice a week for 3 weeks). Behavioral assessment of cold hypersensitivity was assessed at the end of the treatment regimen. In vitro studies were conducted using ND7/23 immortalized DRG cells. The expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and zona occludens-1 or ZO-1) and a number of stress-related cellular markers, including HDAC2, growth-associated protein (GAP) 43, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), were evaluated in DRG, spinal cord tissue, and cultured ND7/23 DRG cells following treatment. FK228 treatment demonstrated changes in cold pain sensitivity as well as the expression of tight junction proteins and stress related markers in both in vivo and in vitro models of diabetic neuropathy. These findings indicate that HDAC inhibition by FK228 may support the maintenance of tight junction protein expression and alter cellular stress responses in the spinal cord and DRG, suggesting a possible role of FK228 in mitigating DPN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuroscience)
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34 pages, 22588 KB  
Review
Current Research in Polypharmacology for Cancer Treatment Using Dual-Target Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
by Pavel Yudaev, Yulia Aleksandrova and Margarita Neganova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(15), 6604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156604 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 278
Abstract
The review covers research on dual-target antitumor agents over the past five years. One of the targets is histone deacetylases (HDACs), while the second potential target is a protein group located both on the membrane surface (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), [...] Read more.
The review covers research on dual-target antitumor agents over the past five years. One of the targets is histone deacetylases (HDACs), while the second potential target is a protein group located both on the membrane surface (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL), tyrosine protein kinase (HER2), FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR2)) and in the nucleus (serine/threonine protein kinase Wee1, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), dual-specificity phosphatase (CDC25A), an enzyme from the cyclin-dependent kinase family (CDK9), dual-specificity tyrosine-serine/threonine kinase (DYRK2), and BET family proteins (BRD4, BD1, and BD2)). This review presents the results of studies on the inhibitory activity of various HDAC isoforms and other enzymes, as well as in vitro cytotoxicity studies on both neoplastic and healthy cells. It also includes selectivity studies, in vivo experiments (changes in tumor volume in mice) and oral bioavailability assessments. The review also describes the chemical structures of several dual-target agents and identifies the molecular fragments responsible for inhibiting different targets. Based on the studies reviewed in this paper, it can be concluded that some dual inhibitors have superior in vitro cytotoxicity and exhibit selectivity towards some tumor cells compared to monofunctional reference compounds. These findings may be useful for molecular design in the field of polypharmacology, with the aim of developing new dual-target molecules that exhibit improved antitumor activity and selectivity towards neoplastic cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein–Protein Interactions in Human Cancer)
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25 pages, 8362 KB  
Article
Sodium Butyrate-Assisted Induction of Posterior Pre-Neural Progenitors from Pluripotent Stem Cells
by Kyung Taek Oh, Deok Ho Kim, Wonjun Hong, Kyoungmin Park, Hakyoung You, Cheol-Koo Lee, Chulhong Oh, Gun-Hoo Park and Seungkwon You
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146507 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 468
Abstract
Posterior axis development during mammalian embryogenesis is driven by transient progenitor states that give rise to neural and mesodermal lineages, including neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs). In vitro derivation of posterior progenitor populations from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has relied on modulation of Wnt [...] Read more.
Posterior axis development during mammalian embryogenesis is driven by transient progenitor states that give rise to neural and mesodermal lineages, including neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs). In vitro derivation of posterior progenitor populations from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has relied on modulation of Wnt and FGF signaling; however, these approaches frequently generate heterogeneous and unstable cell populations. Here, we investigated whether sodium butyrate (NaB) supplementation could promote a posteriorly biased intermediate state without extensive extracellular signaling control. We show that NaB, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, promotes the induction of posterior pre-neural progenitors (PNPs) characterized by co-expression of CDX2 and SOX2, together with suppression of SOX1. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that NaB-treated cells exhibit a posteriorly enriched PNPs with restrained anterior neural differentiation, transient early TBXT induction, and progressive activation of posterior HOX genes, consistent with an incompletely caudalized intermediate rather than a fully specified NMP population. Importantly, these PNPs remained responsive to canonical neural tube patterning cues, including retinoic acid and smoothened agonists, enabling further differentiation toward ventral spinal cord lineages. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that NaB supplementation supports posterior PNPs from hPSCs, providing a simple and reproducible platform for modeling early posterior neural development in vitro. Full article
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22 pages, 12846 KB  
Article
Epigenetic Inhibitors Enhance Embryo-like Structure Induction in Wheat Anther Culture, but Green Plant Conversion Remains Genotype-Dependent
by Katarzyna Szewczyk, Dorota Weigt, Idzi Siatkowski, Zuzanna Siwik and Iwona Żur
Agronomy 2026, 16(14), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16141320 - 10 Jul 2026
Viewed by 555
Abstract
Wheat anther culture-mediated embryogenesis is strongly influenced by genotype responsiveness and remains limited by low embryo-like structure (ELS) conversion efficiency, frequent albino formation, and unstable developmental progression. In this study, the effects of DNA methylation inhibitors (5-azacytidine (AZC), 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DEC), and zebularine (ZEB)) [...] Read more.
Wheat anther culture-mediated embryogenesis is strongly influenced by genotype responsiveness and remains limited by low embryo-like structure (ELS) conversion efficiency, frequent albino formation, and unstable developmental progression. In this study, the effects of DNA methylation inhibitors (5-azacytidine (AZC), 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DEC), and zebularine (ZEB)) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on ELS induction, ELS conversion into green regenerants (GRs), albino frequency, and spontaneous genome doubling were evaluated in wheat anther cultures with contrasting embryogenic responsiveness. The results revealed strong genotype-dependent responses to treatments with epigenetic inhibitors. The spring wheat cultivar AC Abbey showed the highest overall anther culture response, whereas winter wheat genotypes displayed limited and variable ELS conversion competence. ELS formation was observed even in recalcitrant genotypes but was not consistently associated with efficient ELS conversion into GR. Multivariate analyses indicated stronger genotype differentiation at the conversion stage than during ELS induction, suggesting that this stage represents a major bottleneck in wheat anther culture-mediated embryogenesis. Among the tested compounds, AZC and TSA most effectively stimulated ELS induction, while AZC was associated with the lowest albino frequency. DEC showed the highest proportion of spontaneous doubled haploids. Overall, treatment with epigenetic inhibitors may enhance ELS induction but does not overcome genotype-dependent recalcitrance at the conversion stage under the applied anther culture conditions. Full article
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20 pages, 15522 KB  
Article
Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Activities of Novel Coumarin-Based Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
by Sichang Yan, Jie Chang, Dongyu Lei, Xiangyang Lv, Yanzhuo Li, Yue Zhuo, Lu Jin and Le Pan
Biomolecules 2026, 16(7), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16070978 - 3 Jul 2026
Viewed by 425
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are important epigenetic regulatory enzymes contributing to cancer proliferation, which could be critical targets in cancer therapy. The structural similarities of the existing HDAC inhibitors have resulted in an increase in the drug resistance. In this study, coumarin was employed [...] Read more.
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are important epigenetic regulatory enzymes contributing to cancer proliferation, which could be critical targets in cancer therapy. The structural similarities of the existing HDAC inhibitors have resulted in an increase in the drug resistance. In this study, coumarin was employed as the core scaffold for structural derivatisation to develop a novel class of HDAC inhibitors based on computer-aided design (CADD). Their anti-tumor activity was evaluated against esophageal squamous cell lines. The results showed that most compounds exhibited potent anti-proliferative activity against KYSE70 and KYSE150. Among them, compound 4s and 4p exhibited the most potent activity with IC50 values of 3.44 μM and 3.39 μM against KYSE70. To validate the target of the synthesized compounds, transcriptome sequencing was performed and the results revealed that a total of 487 genes were differentially expressed, including 190 up-regulated and 297 down-regulated genes. Among these, 79 genes were associated with the HDAC regulatory network, accounting for 16.2% of the differentially expressed genes. Molecular docking demonstrated that compound 4s could effectively enter the active site of HDAC, engaging with the cap group, zinc-binding group, and linker region. This multiple interaction network provides a structural basis for the potent inhibitory activity of compound 4s. In conclusion, a series of novel HDAC inhibitors with a coumarin scaffold were discovered, and their mode of action was revealed. This provides a valuable guide for the development of novel HDAC-targeting therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Damage Repair and Cancer Therapeutics)
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16 pages, 3664 KB  
Article
Entinostat Enhances Antigen-Specific CD8 T-Cell Response to Immunotherapies in Lung Cancer Models
by Esti Porush, Johnathan Arnon, Baruch Pinchover, Esther Stern, Oz M. Shapira, Didier Jean, Galia Blum, Evalyn Yakobovich, Hanna Wald, Amnon Peled, Zhangmang Wang, Elmehdi Belbaraka, Christian Friese, Thomas Blankenstein, Thomas Kammertoens and Ori Wald
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(7), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19071034 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 569
Abstract
Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved clinical outcomes, most patients do not respond to treatment or fail to achieve durable responses. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have emerged [...] Read more.
Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved clinical outcomes, most patients do not respond to treatment or fail to achieve durable responses. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have emerged as promising immunomodulatory agents, with the potential to sensitize tumors to ICIs. We investigated the immunomodulatory effects of entinostat, a class I HDACi, in combination with dual ICI (anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4) as well as with T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells in preclinical NSCLC models. Methods: We employed human NSCLC cell lines and the immunogenic KRASG12D/p53-mutant KPN1.1 murine NSCLC cell line. In vitro, we assessed entinostat-induced changes in MHC class I and PD-L1 expression. In addition, we evaluated the effects of entinostat on a KRASG12D-specific TCR. In vivo, therapeutic efficacy and immune modulation were assessed by transplanting KPN1.1 cells subcutaneously and orthotopically into immunocompetent mice, followed by treatment with dual ICI, with or without entinostat. Immune populations in the spleen and blood were subsequently analyzed. Results: In vitro, entinostat induced the upregulation of MHC-I and PD-L1 expression in both human and murine NSCLC cell lines. In addition, entinostat treatment significantly enhanced antigen-specific tumor recognition and killing by T cells engineered to express a KRASG12D-specific TCR. In vivo, the addition of entinostat to dual immune checkpoint inhibition showed an incremental trend toward improved tumor growth control. Notably, entinostat plus dual ICI enhanced systemic immune activation, increasing circulating and splenic T-cell populations and significantly expanding both antigen-specific and overall effector CD8+ T cells. Consistently, the ex vivo co-culture of splenocytes from KPN1.1-bearing mice with KPN1.1 tumor cells demonstrated enhanced CD8+ antigen-specific T-cell recognition. Conclusions: In human and murine NSCLC models, entinostat potentiates TCR- and ICI-mediated tumor recognition through tumor-intrinsic and systemic immune modulation. These effects were reflected by increased MHC-I expression, expansion of antigen-specific effector CD8+ T cells, and enhanced CD8+ T-cell tumor recognition. These findings support a further evaluation of entinostat as a strategy to improve immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Strategies in Cancer Immunotherapy)
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19 pages, 2045 KB  
Article
Effects of Sodium Butyrate on Sperm Function and Protein Acetylation in Fresh and Frozen–Thawed Boar Spermatozoa
by Grzegorz Smołucha, Monika Trzcińska, Magdalena Bryła, Anna Steg and Lechosław Gajda
Animals 2026, 16(13), 1952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16131952 - 24 Jun 2026
Viewed by 404
Abstract
Sodium butyrate (NaBu), a short-chain fatty acid and histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been reported to influence protein acetylation and cellular function; however, its effects on boar spermatozoa remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of NaBu on sperm function and global protein [...] Read more.
Sodium butyrate (NaBu), a short-chain fatty acid and histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been reported to influence protein acetylation and cellular function; however, its effects on boar spermatozoa remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of NaBu on sperm function and global protein acetylation in fresh after 24 h storage and frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa. Semen samples collected from boars (n = 4), with three ejaculates per boar, were supplemented with 0, 0.5, 0.75, or 1 mM NaBu, stored for 24 h at 17 °C, and subsequently cryopreserved. Sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane integrity, apoptosis-like changes, and chromatin status were assessed using CASA, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy, whereas global protein acetylation was assessed by Western blotting. In fresh semen after 24 h storage, NaBu did not significantly affect the evaluated sperm functional parameters, whereas frozen–thawed spermatozoa showed significant changes in selected functional parameters, particularly total and progressive motility at 0.5 mM. Selected mitochondrial membrane potential parameters were also affected in frozen–thawed samples, while membrane integrity, apoptosis-like changes, and chromatin status remained largely unaffected. NaBu did not significantly alter global protein acetylation levels in either fresh after 24 h storage or frozen–thawed spermatozoa. Considerable inter-individual variability between boars was observed. These findings indicate that NaBu may affect selected in vitro functional properties of frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa; however, the observed functional changes were not associated with detectable statistically significant changes in global protein acetylation under the conditions tested. Further studies are needed to determine whether specific acetylated proteins, metabolic pathways, or stress-response mechanisms are involved. Full article
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21 pages, 1308 KB  
Review
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACis) as Latency-Reversing Agents in HIV Cure Strategies: Chemistry, Selectivity, and Clinical Perspective
by Hanan Almolhim
Viruses 2026, 18(6), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18060673 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Latently infected resting CD4+ T cells represent the principal barrier to HIV eradication. Their immunological quiescence renders them invisible to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and host immune surveillance, sustaining a reservoir that mandates lifelong treatment. The ‘shock and kill’ strategy seeks to reverse [...] Read more.
Latently infected resting CD4+ T cells represent the principal barrier to HIV eradication. Their immunological quiescence renders them invisible to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and host immune surveillance, sustaining a reservoir that mandates lifelong treatment. The ‘shock and kill’ strategy seeks to reverse this latency using pharmacological latency-reversing agents (LRAs) so that immune effectors and cART can eliminate reactivated cells. In this narrative, structured review, we examine histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) as LRAs from a medicinal chemistry perspective. The review places particular emphasis on structure–activity relationship (SAR), isoform selectivity, and the mechanistic basis of differential clinical performance, synthesizing evidence from preclinical, ex vivo, and clinical studies published between 2010 and 2026. Four structural classes of HDACis—hydroxamic acids, benzamides, cyclic depsipeptides, and short-chain fatty acids—differ substantially in isoform selectivity, potency, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability. No single agent has achieved statistically significant reservoir reduction in clinical trials, highlighting the apparent inadequacy of the ‘shock’ phase alone and suggesting a need for complementary ‘kill’ strategies. Rational design of HDACis informed by isoform-selective SAR, combined with emerging combination LRA strategies and immunological ‘kill’ components, represents a promising direction toward a functional HIV cure, though substantial translational hurdles remain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of HIV-1 Transcription and Latency, 2nd Edition)
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45 pages, 4298 KB  
Review
Precision Medicine in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Advances in BTK Inhibition, CD30-Directed Antibody–Drug Conjugates, and HDAC-Mediated Epigenetic Therapy with Pirtobrutinib, Brentuximab Vedotin, and Belinostat
by Piotr Kawczak and Tomasz Bączek
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4425; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124425 - 8 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 773
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) encompasses a biologically diverse group of malignancies for which the integration of precision medicine has markedly reshaped therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in molecular profiling, target identification, and drug development have led to the introduction of highly selective agents capable of [...] Read more.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) encompasses a biologically diverse group of malignancies for which the integration of precision medicine has markedly reshaped therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in molecular profiling, target identification, and drug development have led to the introduction of highly selective agents capable of overcoming resistance mechanisms and improving outcomes in relapsed or refractory disease. This review highlights three targeted therapies—pirtobrutinib, brentuximab vedotin, and belinostat—and their evolving roles in modern NHL management. Pirtobrutinib, a next-generation, non-covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, demonstrates preserved activity in patients previously treated with covalent BTK inhibitors (BTKi), addressing a critical unmet need in B-cell lymphomas. Brentuximab vedotin, an antibody–drug conjugate targeting CD30, has significantly improved therapeutic precision by delivering cytotoxic agents directly to lymphoma cells and has become a central component of treatment for CD30-expressing NHL subtypes. Belinostat, a broad-spectrum histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, offers a mechanistically distinct epigenetic approach, particularly in peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), where conventional chemotherapy has limited efficacy. Together, these agents exemplify three complementary paradigms of precision oncology in NHL: kinase signaling inhibition, antigen-directed cytotoxic delivery, and epigenetic modulation. This review synthesizes current evidence, clinical trial data, and future perspectives regarding the integration of pirtobrutinib, brentuximab vedotin, and belinostat into evolving treatment paradigms. Cumulatively, these therapies illustrate both the progress and the ongoing challenges of biomarker-driven treatment in NHL, including resistance mechanisms, toxicity management, optimal therapeutic sequencing, and variability in evidence maturity across targeted strategies. While pirtobrutinib and brentuximab vedotin are supported by increasingly robust clinical evidence in selected lymphoma subtypes, the role of belinostat remains constrained by modest response rates and limited randomized data, underscoring the continued need for biomarker refinement and more precisely individualized therapeutic approaches in NHL precision medicine. Full article
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