HDACi work by disrupting the balance between histone acetylation and deacetylation. Histone acetylation typically leads to a more relaxed chromatin structure, facilitating gene transcription. In contrast, deacetylation results in condensed chromatin and decreased gene transcription. By inhibiting histone deacetylases, HDACi promote hyperacetylation of histones, thereby enhancing the expression of certain genes that can lead to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation.
