Epigenetic Regulation Through Histone Deacetylation: Implications and Therapeutic Potential in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of global cancer-related mortality world- wide. Increasing evidence indicates that epigenetic mechanisms, which are potentially reversible and modifiable by environmental and nutritional factors, play a key role in hepa- tocarcinogenesis. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are fundamental epigenetic modulators that regulate chromatin dynamics and ultimately gene transcription with important patho- physiological implications and promising therapeutic perspectives. The role of HDACs is gaining interest for the understanding of HCC development mechanisms and for the potential therapeutic implications of their natural and synthetic inhibitors. This review provides an overview on HDACs classification and their peculiar expression patterns in HCC, with a focus on zinc-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), both synthetic and natural-derived compounds, are also discussed for their emerging effects in optimizing the anticancer efficacy of the current therapeutic strategies. Novel dietary-derived and bioactive compounds-based interventions are discussed in the context of HCC management as promising nutri-epigenetic avenues. Targeting HDACs bears a significant therapeutic potential for HCC management while further confirmatory clinical investigation is warranted.