Role of histone deacetylases in blood cancer: Exploring peptide‑based inhibitors as therapeutic strategies for leukemia treatment (Review)

Leukemia is a group of hematologic malignancies characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells, posing significant challenges for diagnosis and treatment because of its complex etiology. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to leukemogenesis, with recent research highlighting the critical role of epigenetic modifications, particularly histone acetylation and deacetylation, in regulating gene expression and disease progression. Dysregulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is frequently observed in leukemia and is correlated with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. This observation has led to the development of epigenetic drugs for leukemia treatment. The emergence of HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) as targeted therapeutics offers promising avenues for more selective and effective leukemia treatments. The present review covers basic aspects of histone modification and its role in leukemogenesis and evaluates the potential of peptide‑based HDACis as novel drugs for leukemia therapy.