Histone deacetylase (HDAC) has been shown to be capable of either increasing or

Question

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) has been shown to be capable of either increasing or decreasing gene expression, depending on the protein on which it acts (histones versus other proteins involved in gene expression). Given this information, how might HDAC inhibitors act to treat some forms of cancer? Select all plausible explanations.

HDAC inhibitors may decrease expression of anti-division genes.

HDAC inhibitors may increase expression of anti-division genes.

HDAC inhibitors may decrease expression of pro-division genes.

HDAC inhibitors may increase expression of pro-division genes.

Explanation / Answer

The correct options are:

HDAC inhibitors may increase expression of anti-division genes.

HDAC inhibitors may decrease expression of pro-division genes.

HDAC inhibitors induce formation of hyperacetylated nucelosome core histones in most of the regions of the chromosome. However, this affects expression of only a small subset of genes which allows the gene expression, but repress a larger number of other genes. Deacetylation enhances the activity of genes like p53 (tumor suppressor gene).

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