Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) increase gene expression through induction of
histone acetylation. However, it remains unclear whether specific gene expression changes
determine the apoptotic response following HDACis administration. Herein, we discuss
evidence that HDACis trigger in cancer and leukemia cells not only widespread histone
acetylation but also actual increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage
that are further increased following treatment with DNA-damaging chemotherapies. While …