Trichostatin A

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Trichostatin A

0Trichostatin A (TSA) is a organic compound that belongs to the class of hydroxamic acids. It is a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylase and has been widely used in research as a tool for the induction of gene expression.

History

Trichostatin A was first isolated in 1976 from the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It was initially identified as an antifungal agent, but later research revealed its potent histone deacetylase inhibitory activity.

Structure and Properties

Trichostatin A is a hydroxamic acid, which means it contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) and an amine group (-NH2) on the same carbon atom. This structure is responsible for its ability to inhibit histone deacetylases.

Mechanism of Action

Trichostatin A inhibits histone deacetylases by binding to the zinc ion in the active site of the enzyme. This prevents the enzyme from removing acetyl groups from histone proteins, leading to an increase in gene expression.

Uses in Research

Trichostatin A is widely used in research to study the role of histone acetylation in gene expression. It has been used in studies of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental biology, among others.

Potential Therapeutic Applications

Due to its ability to modulate gene expression, Trichostatin A has potential therapeutic applications in a variety of diseases. However, its use in humans is currently limited due to its toxicity and lack of specificity.

See Also

• Histone deacetylase inhibitor
• Epigenetics
• Gene expression