Inhibitors of histone deacetylase

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to the inhibition of histone deacetylase. More particularly, the invention relates to compounds and methods for inhibiting histone deacetylase enzymatic activity.

#2. Summary of the Related Art

#The invention provides compounds and methods for inhibiting histone deacetylase enzymatic activity. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating cell proliferative diseases and conditions. The patent and scientific literature referred to herein establishes knowledge that is available to those with skill in the art. The issued patents, applications, and references that are cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the case of inconsistencies, the present disclosure will prevail.

#For purposes of the present invention, the following definitions will be used (unless expressly stated otherwise):

#As used herein, the terms “histone deacetylase” and “HDAC” are intended to refer to any one of a family of enzymes that remove acetyl groups from the ε-amino groups of lysine residues at the N-terminus of a histone. Unless otherwise indicated by context, the term “histone” is meant to refer to any histone protein, including H1, H2A, H2B, H3, H4, and H5, from any species. Preferred histone deacetylases include class I and class II enzymes. Preferably the histone deacetylase is a human HDAC, including, but not limited to, HDAC-1, HDAC-2, HDAC-3, HDAC-4, HDAC-5, HDAC-6, HDAC-7, HDAC-8, HDAC-9, HDAC-10, and HDAC-11. In some other preferred embodiments, the histone deacetylase is derived from a protozoal or fungal source.