Novel HDAC/DNMT twin inhibitors interfere with angiogenesis

DNA methylation and histone deacetylation are two key epigenetic modifications that play central role in regulation of gene expression. Several studies have shown that histone deacetylases (HDAC) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) inhibitors are potent antiangiogenic compounds. Though combination of HDAC and DNMT inhibitors are now being examined in clinical trials of hematological malignancies, very little work has been done to understand the effect of this combination on normal and tumoral angiogenesis. We have designed and tested a family of twin drugs with intrinsic HDAC and DNMT inhibitory activities in relevant models of angiogenesis in vitro (endothelial cells, pericytes and the 3D aortic ring assay) and in vivo (the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay). We have identified a lead compound having quantifiable antiangiogenic effect without cytotoxicity associated with increased global acetylation and decreased DNA methylation levels. This compound is presently used to develop effective approaches to treat cancer by modulating the process of angiogenesis.