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Background: Inhibition of HDAC6 has been proposed as a broadly applicable therapeutic strategy for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT). Inhibition of HDAC6 increases the acetylation of proteins important in axonal trafficking, such as α‐tubulin and Miro, and has been shown to be efficacious in several preclinical studies using mouse models of CMT. Aims: Here, we sought to expand on previous preclinical studies by testing the effect of genetic deletion of Hdac6 on mice carrying a humanized knockin allele of Gars1, a model of CMT‐type 2D. Methods: Gars1ΔETAQ mice were bred to an Hdac6 knockout strain, and the resulting offspring were evaluated for clinically relevant outcomes. Results: The genetic deletion of Hdac6 increased α‐tubulin acetylation in the sciatic nerves of both wild‐type and Gars1ΔETAQ mice. However, when tested at 5 weeks of age, the Gars1ΔETAQ mice lacking Hdac6 showed no changes in body weight, muscle atrophy, grip strength or endurance, sciatic motor nerve conduction velocity, compound muscle action potential amplitude, or peripheral nerve histopathology compared to Gars1ΔETAQ mice with intact Hdac6. Interpretation: Our results differ from those of two previous studies that demonstrated the benefit of the HDAC6 inhibitor tubastatin A in mouse models of CMT2D. While we cannot fully explain the different outcomes, our results offer a counterexample to the benefit of inhibiting HDAC6 in CMT2D, suggesting additional research is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), as the key regulatory enzyme, plays an important role in the development of the nervous system. More and more studies indicate that HDAC6 has become a promising therapeutic target for CNS diseases. Herein we designed and synthesized a series of novel HDAC6 inhibitors with benzothiadiazinyl systems as cap groups and evaluated their activity in vitro and in vivo. Among them, compound 3 exhibited superior selective inhibitory activity against HDAC6 (IC50 = 5.1 nM, about 30‐fold selectivity over HDAC1). The results of docking showed that compound 3 can interact well with the key amino acid residues of HDAC6. Compound 3 showed lower cytotoxicity (20 μM to SH‐SY5Y cells, inhibition rate = 25.75%) and better neuroprotective activity against L‐glutamate‐induced SH‐SY5Y cell injury model in vitro. Meanwhile, compound 3 exhibited weak cardiotoxicity (10 μM hERG inhibition rate = 17.35%) and possess good druggability properties. Especially, compound 3 could significantly reduce cerebral infarction from 49.87% to 32.18%, and similar with butylphthalide in MCAO model, indicating potential clinical application prospects for alleviating ischemic stroke‐induced brain infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The purpose of the current study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of CKD-506, a novel histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor, on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T cells and to explore the relationship between CKD-506 and gut epithelial barrier function. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human PBMCs from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients were treated with CKD-506, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The proliferation of CD4+ T cells from IBD patients was evaluated using flow cytometric analysis. The effects of CKD-506 on gut barrier function in a cell line and colon organoids, based on examinations of mRNA production, goblet cell differentiation, and E-cadherin recovery, were investigated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and a fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran permeability assay. Results: Secretion of TNF-α, a pivotal pro-inflammatory mediator in IBD, by lipopolysaccharide-triggered PBMCs was markedly decreased by CKD-506 treatment in a dose-dependent manner and to a greater extent than by tofacitinib or tubastatin A treatment. E-cadherin mRNA expression and goblet cell differentiation increased significantly and dose-dependently in HT-29 cells in response to CKD-506, and inhibition of E-cadherin loss after TNF-α stimulation was significantly reduced both in HT-29 cells and gut organoids. Caco-2 cells treated with CKD-506 showed a significant reduction in barrier permeability in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that CKD-506 has anti-inflammatory effects on PBMCs and CD4 T cells and improves gut barrier function, suggesting its potential as a small-molecule therapeutic option for IBD.

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is one of the key histone deacetylases (HDACs) that regulates various cellular functions including clearance of misfolded protein and immunological responses. Considerable evidence suggests that HDAC6 is closely related to amyloid and tau pathology, the two primary hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is still unclear whether HDAC6 expression changes with amyloid deposition in AD during disease progression or HDAC6 may be regulating amyloid phagocytosis or neuroinflammation or other neuropathological changes in AD. In this work, the pathological accumulation of HDAC6 in AD brains over age as well as the relationship of its regulatory activity ‐ with amyloid pathogenesis and pathophysiological alterations is aimed to be enlightened using the newly developed HDAC6 inhibitor (HDAC6i) PB118 in microglia BV2 cell and 3D‐AD human neural culture model. Results suggest that the structure‐based rational design led to biologically compelling HDAC6i PB118 with multiple mechanisms that clear Aβ deposits by upregulating phagocytosis, improve tubulin/microtubule network by enhancing acetyl α‐tubulin levels, regulate different cytokines and chemokines responsible for inflammation, and significantly reduce phospho‐tau (p‐tau) levels associated with AD. These findings indicate that HDAC6 plays key roles in the pathophysiology of AD and potentially serves as a suitable pharmacological target through chemical biology‐based drug discovery in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of selective histone deacetylase 6 inhibitors (sHDAC6is) is being recognized as a therapeutic approach for cancers. In this paper, we designed a series of novel tetrahydropyridopyrimidine derivatives as sHDAC6 inhibitors. The most potent compound, 8-(2, 4-bis(3-methoxyphenyl)-5, 8-dihydropyrido [3, 4-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-yl)-N-hydroxy-8-oxooctanamide (8f), inhibited HDAC6 with IC50 of 6.4 nM, and showed > 48-fold selectivity over other subtypes. In Western blot assay, 8f elevated the levels of acetylated α-tubulin in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro, 8f inhibited RPMI-8226, HL60, and HCT116 tumor cells with IC50 of 2.8, 3.20, and 3.25 μM, respectively. Moreover, 8f showed good antiproliferative activity against a panel of tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) plays an important role in cancer treatment, and the development of selective HDAC6 inhibitors (sHDAC6is) attracts more and more attention in recent years. In this research, a series of ACY-1215 analogs based on diphenylpyrimidine scaffold were designed and synthesized. Among these, the most potent compound 7-((4, 6-diphenylpyrimidin-2-yl)amino)-N-hydroxyheptanamide (11a) inhibited HDAC6 with IC50 of 3.8 nM and showed 26~fold selectivity over HDAC1, better than those of ACY-1215. In cellular assay, these diphenylpyrimidines exhibited promising antiproliferative activities against different tumor cell lines. Altogether, this work highlighted the therapeutic potential of diphenylpyrimidine-inspired sHDAC6 inhibitors and provides a valuable lead compound for the discovery of novel antitumor agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, many HDAC6 inhibitors have been identified and developed but none is clinically approved as of now. Through this study, we aim to obtain novel HDAC6 selective inhibitors and provide new insights into the detailed structural design of potential HDAC6 inhibitors. A HypoGen-based 3D QSAR HDAC6 pharmacophore was built and used as a query model to screen approximately 8 million ZINC database compounds. First, the ZINC Database was filtered using ADMET, followed by pharmacophore-based library screening. Using fit value and estimated activity cutoffs, a final set of 54 ZINC hits was obtained that were further investigated using molecular docking with the crystal structure of human histone deacetylase 6 catalytic domain 2 in complex with Trichostatin A (PDB ID: 5EDU). Through detailed in silico screening of the ZINC database, we shortlisted three hits as the lead molecules for designing novel HDAC6 inhibitors with better efficacy. Docking with 5EDU, followed by ADMET and TOPKAT analysis of modified ZINC hits provided 9 novel potential HDAC6 inhibitors that possess better docking scores and 2D interactions as compared to the control ZINC hit molecules. Finally, a 50 ns MD analysis run followed by Protein–Ligand Interaction Energy (PLIE) analysis of the top scored hits provided a novel molecule N1 that showed promisingly similar results to that of Ricolinostat (a known HDAC6 inhibitor). The comparable result of the designed hits to established HDAC6 inhibitors suggests that these compounds might prove to be successful HDAC6 inhibitors in future. Designed novel hits that might act as good HDAC6 inhibitors derived from ZINC database using combined molecular docking and modeling approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common gastrointestinal problem characterized by the mucosal injury primarily affecting the large intestine. Currently available therapies are not satisfactory as evidenced by high relapse rate and adverse effects. In this study we aimed to develop an effective drug delivery system using reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive thioketal nanoparticles (TKNP), to deliver tubastatin A, a potent HDAC6 inhibitor, to the inflamed colon in mice with ulcerative colitis (UC). TKNPs were synthesized by step-growth polymerization from an acetal exchange reaction while TUBA-TKNP was prepared using the single emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Our developed nanoparticle showed release of tubastatin A only in presence of ROS which is found to be highly present at the site of inflamed colon. Oral administration of TUBA-TKNP resulted in the higher accumulation of tubastatin A at the inflamed colon site and decreased the inflammation as evidenced by reduced infiltration of immune cells and decreased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in TUBA-TKNP treated mice. In summary, our results show the successful localization of tubastatin A at the site of colon inflammation through TUBA-TKNP delivery, as well as resolution of clinical features of UC in mice. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the intensive research on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), inhibition of HDAC6 appears to be a potential therapeutic approach for AD. In this paper, a series of tetrahydro- β -carboline derivatives with hydroxamic acid group were fast synthesized. Among all, the most potent 15 selectively inhibited HDAC6 with IC 50 of 15.2 nM and markedly increased acetylated alpha -tubulin levels. In cellular assay, 15 showed excellent neurotrophic effect by increasing the expression of GAP43 and Beta- 3 tubulin markers. Besides, 15 showed neuroprotective effects in PC12 or SH-SY5Y cells against H 2 O 2 and 6-OHDA injury through activation of Nrf2, catalase and Prx II, and significantly reduced H 2 O 2 -induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In vivo , 15 significantly attenuated zebrafish anxiety-like behaviour and memory deficits in a SCOP-induced zebrafish model of AD. To sum up, multifunctional 15 might be a good lead to develop novel tetrahydrocarboline-based agents for the treatment of AD. [Display omitted] • Potent and selective HDAC6 inhibitors based on tetrahydrocarboline scaffold for AD treatment. • Computational simulations suggested the key interactions between 15 and HDAC6 enzyme. • Biological activity evaluation suggested tetrahydro- β -carboline derivative 15 showed anti-AD activity by multi-mechanisms. • 15 significantly attenuated anxiety-like behaviour and memory deficit in a zebrafish model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inhibition of the enzymatic function of HDAC6 is currently being explored in clinical trials ranging from peripheral neuropathies to cancers. Advances in selective HDAC6 inhibitor discovery allowed studying highly efficacious brain penetrant and peripheral restrictive compounds for treating PNS and CNS indications., Areas Covered: This review explores the multifactorial role of HDAC6 in cells, the common pathological hallmarks of PNS and CNS disorders, and how HDAC6 modulates these mechanisms. Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 and genetic knockout/knockdown studies as a therapeutic strategy in PNS and CNS indications were analyzed. Furthermore, we describe the recent developments in HDAC6 PET tracers and their utility in CNS indications. Finally, we explore the advancements and challenges with HDAC6 inhibitor compounds, such as hydroxamic acid, fluoromethyl oxadiazoles, HDAC6 degraders, and thiol-based inhibitors., Expert Opinion: Based on extensive preclinical evidence, pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 is a promising approach for treating both PNS and CNS disorders, given its involvement in neurodegeneration and aging-related cellular processes. Despite the progress in the development of selective HDAC6 inhibitors, safety concerns remain regarding their chronic administration in PNS and CNS indications, and the development of novel compound classes and modalities inhibiting HDAC6 function offer a way to mitigate some of these safety concerns.

Amidst the Zn2+-dependant isoforms of the HDAC family, HDAC6 has emerged as a potential target associated with an array of diseases, especially cancer and neuronal disorders like Rett's Syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, etc. Also, despite the availability of a handful of HDAC inhibitors in the market, their non-selective nature has restricted their use in different disease conditions. In this situation, the development of selective and potent HDAC6 inhibitors will provide efficacious therapeutic agents to treat different diseases. In this context, this study has been carried out to evaluate the potential structural contributors of quinazoline-cap-containing HDAC6 inhibitors via machine learning (ML), conventional classification-dependant QSAR, and MD simulation-based binding mode of interaction analysis toward HDAC6 binding. This combined conventional and modern molecular modeling study has revealed the significance of the quinazoline moiety, substitutions present at the quinazoline cap group, as well as the importance of molecular property, number of hydrogen bond donor-acceptor functions, carbon-chlorine distance that significantly affects the HDAC6 binding of these inhibitors, subsequently affecting their potency. Interestingly, the study also revealed that the substitutions such as the chloroethyl group, and bulky quinazolinyl cap group can affect the binding of the cap function with the amino acid residues present in the loops proximal to the catalytic site of HDAC6. Such contributions of cap groups can lead to both stabilization and destabilization of the cap function after occupying the hydrophobic catalytic site by the aryl hydroxamate linker-ZBG functions. [Display omitted] • HDAC6 is a well-recognized target for drug design and discovery. • ML model and fragment-based structural analysis were performed on quinazoline-based HDAC6 inhibitors. • The models were validated on other external sets to prove the reliability of this current study. • Some essential structural attributes were found in the well-known, promising and selective HDAC6 inhibitors. • Crucial structural fragments can be utilized further in designing promising HDAC6-specific inhibitors in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an anti‐tumor agent, histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors have attracted wide attention. ACY1215 is a highly effective selective inhibitor of HDAC6, which can inhibit many kinds of tumors. Whether the expression of HDAC6 and its new inhibitor ACY1215 can inhibit the proliferation of gallbladder cancer cells and induce their apoptosis remains to be further studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of ACY1215 on the gallbladder cancer cells. Cell proliferation of GBC‐SD and SGC‐996 was assessed by cell counting kit‐8 assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of gallbladder cancer cells. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of PCNA，KI67, and apoptosis‐related proteins of gallbladder cancer cells. The HDAC6 inhibitor ACY1215 suppressed the proliferation of GBC‐SD and SDC‐996 cells and promoted the apoptosis of gallbladder cancer cells. The HDAC6 inhibitor ACY1215 increases the chemotherapy effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. ACY1215 could suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of GBC‐SD and SGC‐996, and increased the chemotherapy effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin, which provides a rationale for the combination of HDAC6 selective inhibitors with other anticancer agents in treating gallbladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel benzimidazole-linked (thio)hydantoins inhibited HDAC6 at nanomolar levels. • Hydantoin 4c was equipotent/superior to SAHA against leukemia cells. • 4c revealed a significant cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. • Western blot showed increased levels of acetylated-H3, H4 in leukemia cells. • Docking study exposed the ability of title compounds to chelate Zn2+ located within HDAC6 active site. Based on the well-established pharmacophoric features required for histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition, a novel series of easy-to-synthesize benzimidazole-linked (thio)hydantoin derivatives was designed and synthesized as HDAC6 inhibitors. All target compounds potently inhibited HDAC6 at nanomolar levels with compounds 2c, 2d, 4b and 4c (IC 50s = 51.84–74.36 nM) being more potent than SAHA reference drug (IC 50 = 91.73 nM). Additionally, the most potent derivatives were further assessed for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against two human leukemia cells. Hydantoin derivative 4c was equipotent/superior to SAHA against MOLT-4/CCRF-CEM leukemia cells, respectively and demonstrated safety profile better than that of SAHA against non-cancerous human cells. 4c was also screened against different HDAC isoforms. 4c was superior to SAHA against HDAC1. Cell-based assessment of 4c revealed a significant cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Moreover, western blotting analysis showed increased levels of acetylated histone H3, histone H4 and α-tubulin in CCRF-CEM cells. Furthermore, docking study exposed the ability of title compounds to chelate Zn2+ located within HDAC6 active site. As well, in-silico evaluation of physicochemical properties showed that target compounds are promising candidates in terms of pharmacokinetic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Potent and selective HDAC6 inhibitors based on the Tetrahydro- β -carboline scaffold. • Computational simulations suggested the key interactions between representative 11d and HDAC6. • 11d exhibited promising neurite outgrowth-promoting activity and neuroprotective activity. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has drawn more and more attention for its potential application in Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. A series of tetrahydro- β -carboline (TH β C) hydroxamic acids with aryl linker were synthesized. In enzymatic assay, all compounds exhibited nanomolar IC 50 values. The most promising compound 11d preferentially inhibited HDAC6 (IC 50 , 8.64 nM) with approximately 149-fold selectivity over HDAC1. Molecular simulation revealed that the hydroxamic acid of 11d could bind to the zinc ion by a bidentate chelating manner. In vitro, 11d induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells without producing toxic effects and showed obvious neuroprotective activity in a model of H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Glioblastoma is the most fatal type of primary brain cancer, and current treatments for glioblastoma are insufficient. HDAC6 is overexpressed in glioblastoma, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of HDAC6 inhibits glioma cell proliferation. Herein, we report a high-selective HDAC6 inhibitor, J22352, which has PROTAC (proteolysis-targeting chimeras)-like property resulted in both p62 accumulation and proteasomal degradation, leading to proteolysis of aberrantly overexpressed HDAC6 in glioblastoma. The consequences of decreased HDAC6 expression in response to J22352 decreased cell migration, increased autophagic cancer cell death and significant tumor growth inhibition. Notably, J22352 reduced the immunosuppressive activity of PD-L1, leading to the restoration of host anti-tumor activity. These results demonstrate that J22352 promotes HDAC6 degradation and induces anticancer effects by inhibiting autophagy and eliciting the antitumor immune response in glioblastoma. Therefore, this highly selective HDAC6 inhibitor can be considered a potential therapeutic for the treatment of glioblastoma and other cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) induces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages; therefore, HDAC inhibitors may be beneficial for the treatment of macrophage-associated immune disorders and chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Structure-activity relationship studies were conducted on various phenyl hydroxamate HDAC6 inhibitors with indolone/indazolone-based bi- or tricyclic ring moieties as the cap group aiming to develop novel anti-arthritic drug candidates. Several compounds exhibited nanomolar activity and HDAC6 selectivity greater than 500-fold over HDAC1. Compound 21 , a derivative with the tetrahydroindazolone cap group, is a potent HDAC6 inhibitor with an IC 50 of 18 nM and 217-fold selectivity over HDAC1 and showed favorable oral bioavailability in animals. Compound 21 increases the acetylation level of tubulin without affecting histone acetylation in cutaneous T -cell lymphoma cells and inhibits TNF-α secretion in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. The anti-arthritic effects of compound 21 were evaluated using a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model. Treatment with compound 21 significantly reduced the arthritis score, and combination treatment with methotrexate showed a synergistic effect in AIA models. We identified a novel HDAC6 inhibitor, compound 21 , with excellent in vivo anti-arthritic efficacy, which can lead to the development of oral anti-arthritic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of tetrahydro- β -carboline (TH β C)-based hydroxamic acids were rationally designed and synthesized as novel selective HDAC6 inhibitors (sHDAC6is) by the application of scaffold hopping strategy. Several TH β C analogues were highly potent (IC 50 < 5 nM) and selective against HDAC6 enzyme and exhibited good antiproliferative activity against human multiple myeloma (MM) cell. Molecular docking interpreted the structure activity relationship (SAR). Target engagement of HDAC6 was confirmed in RPMI-8226 cells using the WB assay. In vitro, (1 S , 3 R)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)- N -(4-(hydroxycarbamoyl)benzyl)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3, 4- b ]indole-3-carboxamide (14g) showed potent broad antiproliferative activity against various tumors including leukemia, colon cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer cell lines, better than ACY-1215. Moreover, 14g also showed good pharmacokinetics properties in mice via oral administration. [Display omitted] • Potent and selective HDAC6 inhibitors based on 1, 3-disubstituted tetrahydro- β -carboline scaffold. • Chiral variation of TH β C scaffold significantly affects HDAC6 activity and isoform selectivity. • Computational simulations suggested the key interactions between trans 14g and HDAC6. • 14g exhibited promising broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity and pharmacokinetics properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abnormal enhancement of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has been demonstrated to be closely related to the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors, attracting extensive attention as a promising target for cancer therapy. Currently, only limited selective HDAC6 inhibitors have entered clinical trials, making the rapid discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors with safety profiles particularly urgent. In this study, a multi-layer virtual screening workflow was established, and the representative compounds screened were biologically evaluated in combination with enzyme inhibitory and anti-tumor cell proliferation experiments. The experimental results showed that the screened compounds L-25, L-32, L-45 and L-81 exhibited nanomolar inhibitory activity against HDAC6, and exerted a certain degree of anti-proliferative activities against tumor cells, especially the cytotoxicity of L-45 to A375 (IC 50  = 11.23 ± 1.27 μM) and the cytotoxicity of L-81 against HCT-116 (IC 50  = 12.25 ± 1.13 μM). Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the subtype selective inhibitory activities of the selected compounds were further elucidated using computational approaches, and the hotspot residues on HDAC6 contributing to the ligands' binding were identified. In summary, this study established a multi-layer screening scheme to quickly and effectively screen out hit compounds with enzyme inhibitory activity and anti-tumor cell proliferation, providing novel scaffolds for the subsequent anti-tumor drug design based on HDAC6 target., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Based on the well-established pharmacophoric features required for histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition, novel easy-to-prepare benzimidazole-linked (thio)barbiturate derivatives were designed and synthesized as HDAC6 inhibitors. The proposed structures of the title compounds were confirmed based on their spectral data and elemental analyses. The newly synthesized compounds were screened in vitro against HDAC6. All tested compounds showed potent HDAC6 inhibition at the nanomolar level. Several compounds displayed a remarkable HDAC6 inhibitory activity (IC 50  = 48.85-75.62 nM), superior to that of the reference drug suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA; IC 50  = 91.73 nM). The most potent derivatives were further assessed for their in vitro anticancer activity against two human leukemia cell lines. Thiobarbiturate 3e was two times more potent than SAHA against the tested cells. The detailed structure-activity relationship was also described. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation revealed the ability of the title compounds to chelate the catalytic Zn +2 ion located within the binding pocket of HDAC6. In silico evaluation of physicochemical properties indicated that the target compounds are promising candidates in terms of pharmacokinetic aspects., (© 2023 Deutsche Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft.)

While enzalutamide and abiraterone are approved for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), approximately 20–40% of patients have no response to these agents. It has been stipulated that the lack of response and the development of secondary resistance to these drugs may be due to the presence of AR splice variants. HDAC6 has a role in regulating the androgen receptor (AR) by modulating heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) acetylation, which controls the nuclear localization and activation of the AR in androgen-dependent and independent scenarios. With dual-acting AR–HDAC6 inhibitors it should be possible to target patients who don’t respond to enzalutamide. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of dual-acting compounds which target AR and are also specific towards HDAC6. Our efforts led to compound 10 which was found to have potent dual activity (HDAC6 IC 50 = 0.0356 μM and AR binding IC 50 = <0.03 μM). Compound 10 was further evaluated for antagonist and other cell-based activities, in vitro stability and pharmacokinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Potent and selective HDAC6 inhibitors based on the indole-piperazine scaffold. • Computational simulations suggested the key interactions between representative 9c and HDAC6. • 9c exhibited promising neurite outgrowth-promoting activity and neuroprotective activity. Novel indole-piperazine derivatives with a hydroxamic acid moiety were designed and synthesized as selective histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitors. In enzymatic assays, all compounds exhibited nanomolar IC 50 values. N -hydroxy-4-((4-(7-methyl-1 H -indole-3-carbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)benzamide, 9c , was the most potent HDAC6 inhibitor (IC 50 , 13.6 nM). In vitro, 9c induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells without producing toxic effects, better than Tubastatin A (Tub A). Additionally, 9c demonstrated blatant neuroprotective activity in PC12 cells against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage. In western blot assay, 9c could increase the acetylation of α -tubulin in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 27 novel N -benzyltriazolyl-hydroxamate derivatives were synthesized as selective HDAC6 inhibitor for Huntington's disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer. • Fluoro-substituted N -benzyltriazolyl-hydroxamate derivatives showed excellent HDAC6 enzyme activity and selectivity for HDAC6/ HDAC1. • Compound 4u could be a good candidate to treat HDAC6 enzyme-related diseases. Histone deacetylases (HDAC) regulate post-translational acetylation and the inhibition of these enzymes has emerged as an intriguing disease therapeutic. Among them, class IIb HDAC6 has the unique characteristic of mainly deacetylating cytoplasmic proteins, suggesting clinical applications for neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancer. In this study, we designed a novel N -benzyltriazolyl-hydroxamate scaffold based on the known HDAC6 inhibitors nexturastat A and tubastatin A. Among the 27 derivatives, 3-fluoro-4-((3-(2-fluorophenyl)-1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)- N -hydroxybenzamide 4u (HDAC6 IC 50 = 7.08 nM) showed nanomolar HDAC6 inhibitory activity with 42-fold selectivity over HDAC1. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) and computational docking studies were conducted to optimize the triazole capping group. Docking analysis revealed that the capping group aligned with the conserved L1 pocket of HDAC6 and was associated with subtype selectivity. Overall, our study explored the triazole-based biaryl capping group and its substitution and orientation, suggesting a rationale for the design of HDAC6-selective inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cilia are cellular appendages with critical roles in sensing and transducing environmental signals and guiding fluid flow. Consistent with these diverse activities, defects in ciliary structure or function have been implicated in a variety of human diseases, collectively known as ‘ciliopathies’. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a unique cytoplasmic enzyme that regulates many biological processes through its deacetylase and ubiquitin-binding activities. There is accumulating evidence that HDAC6 is a major driver of ciliary disassembly. Small-molecule compounds that inhibit HDAC6 have been demonstrated to restore ciliary structure and function in several different ciliopathies. Here, we discuss recent findings that highlight the important role for HDAC6 in mediating ciliary disassembly and the potential for HDAC6-selective inhibitors as therapeutics for specific ciliopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteasome inhibition induces the accumulation of aggregated misfolded/ubiquitinated proteins in the aggresome; conversely, histone deacetylase 6 ( HDAC6) inhibition blocks aggresome formation. Although this rationale has been the basis of proteasome inhibitor ( PI) and HDAC6 inhibitor combination studies, the role of disruption of aggresome formation by HDAC6 inhibition has not yet been studied in multiple myeloma ( MM). The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of carfilzomib ( CFZ) in combination with a selective HDAC6 inhibitor (ricolinostat) in MM cells with respect to the aggresome-proteolysis pathway. We observed that combination treatment of CFZ with ricolinostat triggered synergistic anti- MM effects, even in bortezomib-resistant cells. Immunofluorescent staining showed that CFZ increased the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and protein aggregates in the cytoplasm, as well as the engulfment of aggregated ubiquitinated proteins by autophagosomes, which was blocked by ricolinostat. Electron microscopy imaging showed increased autophagy triggered by CFZ, which was inhibited by the addition of ACY-1215. Finally, an in vivo mouse xenograft study confirmed a decrease in tumour volume, associated with apoptosis, following treatment with CFZ in combination with ricolinostat. Our results suggest that ricolinostat inhibits aggresome formation, caused by CFZ-induced inhibition of the proteasome pathway, resulting in enhanced apoptosis in MM cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, predominantly caused by loss of function mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 ( MECP2) gene. Despite the genetic cause being known in the majority of cases, the pathophysiology of the neurological phenotype of RTT is largely unknown. Tubulin and the microtubule network play an essential role in neuronal function whereby the acetylation state of microtubules dictates the efficiency of neuronal migration and differentiation, synaptic targeting and molecular motor trafficking of mRNA, high-energy mitochondria and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-containing vesicles. Recent reports have shown perturbations in tubulin and microtubule dynamics in MeCP2-deficient cells, suggesting a link between the aberrations of these cellular entities and the neurobiology of RTT. We have interrogated the functional state of the microtubule network in fibroblasts derived from two patients with RTT as well as cortical neurons from a RTT mouse model and observed a reduction in acetylated α-tubulin and an increase in the tubulin-specific deacetylase, histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). Furthermore, we show that inhibition of HDAC6 by Tubastatin A can restore tubulin acetylation levels. We also demonstrate microtubule instability in the RTT patient fibroblasts in response to nocodazole, which is progressively ameliorated in a mutation-dependent manner by Tubastatin A. We conclude that Tubastatin A is capable of counteracting the microtubule defects observed in MeCP2-deficient cells, which could in turn lead to the restoration of molecular trafficking along the microtubules and thus could be a potentially new therapeutic option for RTT. Key message: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylation and deacetylation cycles regulate crucial biological processes. The enzymes deacetylating lysine residues are termed histone deacetylases (HDACs). Eighteen deacetylases have been isolated from mammalian cells. There is an intense search underway for individual functions of these enzymes and for selective histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). HDAC6 in particular has unique cytoprotective functions that rely on its ability to ensure protein homeostasis and to prevent protein aggregation. The chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) also safeguards proteins and is deacetylated by HDAC6. Current data illustrate the complexity and importance of the HDAC6–HSP90 interplay. In this review, we discuss how recently identified HSP90-dependent regulators of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of HDAC6 dictate its functions, and how HDACi-induced acetylation of HSP90 might control oncologically relevant proteins, especially in leukemic cells. Additionally, we discuss small molecules blocking HDAC6 and how such agents could become therapeutically relevant. We summarize structure–function relationships that determine the specificity of drugs against HDAC6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Epigenetic modifications represent a promising new approach to modulate cell functions as observed in autoimmune diseases. Emerging evidence suggests the utility of HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of chronic immune and inflammatory disorders. However, class and isoform selective inhibition of HDAC is currently favored as it limits the toxicity that has been observed with pan-HDAC inhibitors. HDAC6, a member of the HDAC family, whose major substrate is α-tubulin, is being increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders. The present study was carried out to study the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects of HDAC6 selective inhibitor Tubastatin. Tubastatin, a potent human HDAC6 inhibitor with an IC50 of 11 nM showed significant inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS stimulated human THP-1 macrophages with an IC50 of 272nM and 712nM respectively. Additionally, Tubastatin inhibited nitric oxide (NO) secretion in murine Raw 264.7 macrophages dose dependently with an IC50 of 4.2μM and induced α-tubulin hyperacetylation corresponding to HDAC6 inhibition in THP-1 cells without affecting the cell viability. Tubastatin showed significant inhibition of paw volume at 30mg/kgi.p. in a Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced animal model of inflammation. The disease modifying activity of Tubastatin was also evident in collagen induced arthritis DBA1 mouse model at 30mg/kgi.p. The significant attenuation of clinical scores (~70%) by Tubastatin was confirmed histopathologically and was found comparable to dexamethasone (~90% inhibition of clinical scores). Tubastatin showed significant inhibition of IL-6 in paw tissues of arthritic mice. The present work has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic effects of a selective HDAC6 inhibitor Tubastatin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which is a synapse for signal transmission from motor neurons to muscle cells, has emerged as an important region because of its association with several peripheral neuropathies. In particular, mutations in GARS that affect the formation of NMJ result in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and distal hereditary motor neuropathy. These disorders are mainly considered to be caused by neuronal axon abnormalities; however, no treatment is currently available. Therefore, in order to determine whether the NMJ could be targeted to treat neurodegenerative disorders, we investigated the NMJ recovery effect of HDAC6 inhibitors, which have been used in the treatment of several peripheral neuropathies. In the present study, we demonstrated that HDAC6 inhibition was sufficient to enhance movement by restoring NMJ impairments observed in a zebrafish disease model. We found that CKD-504, a novel HDAC6 inhibitor, was effective in repairing NMJ defects, suggesting that treatment of neurodegenerative diseases via NMJ targeting is possible.

[Display omitted] • The specific crystallography structure, compositions and functions of HDAC6 were reviewed. • The relation of HDAC6 with tumor immune diseases was summarized. • HDAC6 inhibitors in combination with antitumor immunomodulatory agents were discussed. Tumor immunotherapy is currently subject of intense scientific and clinical developments. In previous decade, therapists used natural immune system from the human body to treat several diseases. Although tumor immune disease is a big challenge, combinatorial therapeutic strategy has been succeeded to show the clinical significance. In this context, we discuss the HDAC6 and tumor immune diseases relationship. Also, we summarized the current state of knowledge that based on the combination treatments of the HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6is) with antitumor immunomodulatory agents. We observed that, the combination therapies slow down the tumor immune diseases by blocking the aggresome and proteasome pathway. The combination therapy was able to reduce M2 macrophage and increasing PD-L1 blockade sensitivity. Most importantly, multiple combinations of HDAC6is with other agents may consider as potential strategies to treat tumor immune diseases, by reducing the side effects and improve efficacy for the future clinical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lessons Learned: Oral selective HDAC6 inhibitors could allow for decreased toxicity compared to pan‐class inhibitors, and increased ease of use.ACY‐1215 is well tolerated and led to disease stabilization in 50% of patients treated on a twice‐daily dosing schedule.Rational drug combinations with ACY‐1215 improve efficacy in patients with lymphoma.Biomarkers such as XBP‐1 level or HDAC6‐score may improve patient selection. Background: ACY‐1215, ricolinostat, is an oral, first‐in‐class isoform‐selective HDAC6 inhibitor. HDAC6 is a class IIb deacetylase and plays a critical role in protein homeostasis via the unfolded protein response (UPR). Lymphocytes generate a large repertoire of antibodies and depend on an activated UPR to maintain proteostasis. Lymphomas utilize this biology to evade programmed cell death. In preclinical models of lymphoma, ACY‐1215 disrupted proteostasis, triggering apoptosis. Methods: We translated these findings into a multi‐institution, open‐label, dose‐escalation phase Ib/II study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy in patients with relapsed and refractory lymphoma. Results: Twenty‐one patients with heavily pretreated lymphoma were accrued. Patients in the phase Ib portion were enrolled on one of two dose cohorts [Arm A: 160 mg daily (n = 3) or Arm B: 160 mg twice daily (n = 10)]. ACY‐1215 was well tolerated. There were no dose limiting toxicities. Most adverse events were grade 1–2, including diarrhea (57%), nausea (57%), and fatigue (43%). Grade 3–4 toxicities were rare and included anemia (9.5%) and hypercalcemia (9.5%). An additional 8 patients were enrolled on the phase II portion, at 160 mg twice daily. Sixteen patients were evaluable for response. ACY‐1215 did not result in any complete or partial responses in patients treated. Eight patients had stable disease (50%) lasting a median duration of 4.5 months, all of whom were treated twice daily. Disease progressed in eight patients (50%) at cycle 2. Five patients were not evaluable due to disease progression prior to cycle 2. The median PFS was 56 days. Conclusion: ACY‐1215 is an oral selective HDAC6 inhibitor that was safe in patients with relapsed and refractory lymphoid malignancies and led to disease stabilization in half of the evaluable patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HDAC6 stands unique in its structural and physiological functions. • An exquisite picture of the structure-activity relationships of known HDAC6 inhibitors is provided. • Challenges in the development of effective inhibitors is also discussed. HDAC6, a class IIB HDAC isoenzyme, stands unique in its structural and physiological functions. Besides histone modification, largely due to its cytoplasmic localization, HDAC6 also targets several non-histone proteins including Hsp90, α-tubulin, cortactin, HSF1, etc. Thus, it is one of the key regulators of different physiological and pathological disease conditions. HDAC6 is involved in different signaling pathways associated with several neurological disorders, various cancers at early and advanced stage, rare diseases and immunological conditions. Therefore, targeting HDAC6 has been found to be effective for various therapeutic purposes in recent years. Though several HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6 i s) have been developed till date, only two ACY-1215 (ricolinostat) and ACY-241 (citarinostat) are in the clinical trials. A lot of work is still needed to pinpoint strictly selective as well as potent HDAC6 i. Considering the recent crystal structure of HDAC6, novel HDAC6 i s of significant therapeutic value can be designed. Notably, the canonical pharmacophore features of HDAC6 i s consist of a zinc binding group (ZBG), a linker function and a cap group. Significant modifications of cap function may lead to achieve better selectivity of the inhibitors. This review details the study about the structural biology of HDAC6, the physiological and pathological role of HDAC6 in several disease states and the detailed structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the known HDAC6 i s. This detailed review will provide key insights to design novel and highly effective HDAC6 i in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the world by illegal drug users. Addiction to MA is a serious public health problem and effective therapies do not exist to date. It has also been reported that behavior induced by psychostimulants such as MA is related to histone deacetylase (HDAC). MeBib is an HDAC6 inhibitor derived from a benzimidazole scaffold. Many benzimidazole-containing compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activity. In this study, we investigated whether HDAC6 inhibitor MeBib modulates the behavioral response in MA self-administered rats. Our results demonstrated that the number of active lever presses in MA self-administered rats was reduced by pretreatment with MeBib. In the hippocampus of rats, we also found MA administration promotes GluN2B, an NMDA receptor subunit, expression, which results in sequential activation of ERK/CREB/BDNF pathway, however, MeBib abrogated it. Collectively, we suggest that MeBib prevents the MA seeking response induced by MA administration and therefore, represents a potent candidate as an MA addiction inhibitor.

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has gained popular attention for its wide participation in various pathological process recently. In this paper, a series of novel derivatives containing 2, 5-diketopiperazine (DKP) skeleton were developed as potent selective HDAC6 inhibitors (sHDAC6is). Most of these compounds exhibited low nanomolar IC 50 values toward HDAC6, and the best compound was 21b (IC 50 = 0.73 nM) which had 144–10941-fold selectivity over other HDAC isoforms. Western blot assay further validated these compounds to be sHDAC6is. Molecular simulation of 21b was conducted to rationalize the high binding affinity for HDAC6. In the cytotoxicity experiment, 18a , 18b and 18d gave superior or comparable influence on the growth of two multiple myeloma cells U266 and RPMI-8226 compared to ACY-1215. Moreover, the combination of 18a and adriamycin showed synergistic effect against non-small cell lung cancer cell A549. 18a and 18b also demonstrated appropriate drug metabolism in human liver microsome (HLM). Image 1 • Potent and highly selective HDAC6 inhibitors based on the natural 2, 5-diketopiperazine scaffold. • Computational simulations suggested the key interactions between DKPs and HDAC6. • Combination of 18a and adriamycin exhibited synergistic antiproliferative influence on A549 cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase (HDAC)6 is a member of the class IIb HDAC family. This enzyme is zinc-dependent and mainly localized in the cytoplasm. HDAC6 is a unique isoenzyme with two functional catalytic domains and specific physiological roles. Indeed, HDAC6 deacetylates various substrates including α-tubulin and HSP90α, and is involved in protein trafficking and degradation, cell shape and migration. Consequently, deregulation of HDAC6 activity was associated to a variety of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and pathological autoimmune response. Therefore, HDAC6 represents an interesting potential therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss structural features of this histone deacetylase, regulation of its expression and activity, biological functions, implication in human disease initiation and progression. Finally will describe novel and selective HDAC6 inhibitors.