Dual HDAC/BRD4 inhibitors against cancer

Despite much research and undeniable advances, cancer treatment and prevention has remained a major challenge for scientists. Both genetic and epigenetic changes are involved in the growth and development of cancer complex and multifactorial disease. Among the possible treatment options, multidrug epigenetic therapy such as the use of dual epigenetic inhibitors, has been a popular option in recent years. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) as epigenetic eraser and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) as epigenetic reader are epigenetic modifiers, which are rapidly being investigated. Using of a single molecule that simultaneously targets HDACs and BRD4 has been recently employed by medicinal chemists. Presently, there are no approved BRD4 inhibitor and dual BRD4/HDAC inhibitor in the drug market but evidence suggests their possible therapeutic potential in various diseases, such as cancer. In this review, the overall structure of the synthesized dual BRD4/HDAC small molecule inhibitors, lead compounds, and the biological and pharmacological properties of the most potent dual BRD4/HDAC inhibitor in each category are all collected in the hopes of assisting in the development of stronger and more selective dual BRD4/HDAC inhibitors in future studies.