Roles of Histone Deacetylases in Angiogenic Cellular Processes

Histone Deacetylase enzymes (HDACs) are commonly known as epigenetic regulators of gene transcription, with indispensable roles in all biological processes. However, their activity is not limited solely to the chromatin modification but also to the deacetylation of cytoplasmic proteins and to act as signal transducers, with important implications in cell type-specific functions. This mini-review focuses on the roles of HDACs in angiogenesis, a process where a complex coordination of different cellular events, such as cell migration, survival, proliferation and differentiation, is required for the sprouting of blood vessels. Specific HDAC inhibitors have already been proved to be effective in the treatment of different tumors, indicating the importance of this family of enzymes as therapeutic targets in angiogenesis-related disorders.