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Given the widespread use of radiotherapy in cancer, there has been a longstanding interest in the development of chemical compounds that can modify cellular responses to ionizing radiation. Additionally, recent terrorism threats suggesting attacks with 'dirty bombs' containing combinations of radioactive isotopes with conventional explosives, has increased the interest in compounds that can protect from radiation injury. Histone deacetylase inhibitors represent a new class of compounds that can modulate the effects of radiation. Research with histone deacetylase inhibitors has largely focussed on the consequences of their ability to alter gene transcription via histone acetylation and on their properties as anti-cancer agents. They have been shown to cause cell cycle and growth arrest, differentiation and in certain cases apoptosis in cell cultures and in vivo. In addition to their intrinsic anti-cancer properties, numerous studies have demonstrated that histone deacetylase inhibitors can modulate cellular responses to other toxicity-inducing modalities including ionizing radiation. The consensus is that histone deacetylase inhibitors markedly enhance the sensitivity of cells to radiation by altering numerous molecular pathways. Intriguingly, a report has also shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors can reduce radiation induced acute and late skin damage using a well-established animal model of cutaneous radiation syndrome. Hence, there is an emerging interest in potential use of histone deacetylase inhibitors as radiation sensitizers or protectors. This review focuses on the different mechanisms by which histone deacetylase inhibitors modify cellular responses to ionizing radiation.