Role of histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in neurological diseases

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are zinc-dependent deacetylases that remove acetyl groups from lysine residues of histones or form protein complexes with other proteins for transcriptional repression, changing chromatin structure tightness, and inhibiting gene expression. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have amply demonstrated the critical role of HDACs in the cell biology of the nervous system during both physiological and pathological processes and have provided new insights into the conduct of research on neurological disease targets. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies on HDAC inhibitors show promise for the treatment of various diseases. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of HDAC and the important role of its downstream targets in nervous system diseases, and summarizes the therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy of HDAC inhibitors in various nervous system diseases. Additionally, the current pharmacological situation, problems, and developmental prospects of HDAC inhibitors are described. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of HDACs in the nervous system may reveal new targets for therapeutic interventions in diseases and help to relieve healthcare pressure through preventive measures.