Distribution of histone deacetylases 1-11 in the rat brain.

Although protein phosphorylation has been characterized more extensively, modulation of the acetylation state of signaling molecules is now being recognized as a key means of signal transduction. The enzymes responsible for mediating these changes include histone acetyl transferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Members of the HDAC family of enzymes have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for diseases ranging from cancer to ischemia and neurodegeneration.

Mouse models of human neurodegenerative disorders: requirements for medication development.

Central nervous system diseases constitute a major target for drug development. Transgenic mouse models, in which genes identified in familial forms of human brain diseases are expressed in mouse neurons and glia, offer opportunities to detect and follow pathologic progression and provide potential biomarkers by which to assess therapeutic interventions. Evidence for Alzheimer disease suggests some starting requirements for the experimental data that could enhance the likelihood of developing medications in these mouse models that would also be effective in humans.