Abstract: Histone deacetylase is a metallo-enzyme with zinc at the active site. Compounds having a zinc-binding moiety, such as, for example, a hydroxamic acid group or a carboxylic acid group, can inhibit histone deacetylase. Histone deacetylase inhibition can repress gene expression, including expression of genes related to tumor suppression. Accordingly, inhibition of histone deacetylase can provide an alternate route for treating cancer, hematological disorders, e.g., hemoglobinopathies, and genetic related metabolic disorders, e.g., cystic fibrosis and adrenoleukodystrophy.

Abstract: Compounds having a zinc-binding moiety, such as, for example, a hydroxamic acid group, can inhibit histone deacetylase. Histone deacetylase inhibition can repress gene expression, including expression of genes related to tumor suppression. Inhibition of histone deacetylase can lead to the histone deacetylase-mediated transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. For example, inhibition of histone deacetylase can provide an alternate route for treating cancer, hematological disorders, such as hematopoiesis, and genetic related metabolic disorders, such as, cystic fibrosis and adrenoleukodystrophy.

Abstract: Amidomethyl esters, carbonylmercaptomethyl esters, keto-containing esters, amidomethyl thioesters, amidomethyl amides, and methylene dithioesters are disclosed. The novel compounds have two carbonyl groups connected by a linking moiety having an oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen attached to a methylene group, to which is further attached a sulfur, nitrogen or CH2 group. Methods of treating illnesses and conditions, such as cancer, hemological disorders, inherited metabolic disorders and others, using these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel acetyloxymethyl esters are disclosed. Methods of treating an illness, including cancer, hemological disorders and inherited metabolic disorders, and treating or ameliorating other conditions using these compounds are also disclosed. The compounds are effective in the inhibition of histone deacetylase.