Hydroxamates have garnered significant attention in the field of oncology due to their ability to inhibit enzymes known as histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression by removing acetyl groups from histone proteins, leading to the condensation of chromatin and suppression of gene transcription. Inhibiting HDACs can result in the reactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the induction of cell cycle arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis in cancer cells.
