Copper oxide nanoparticles induce anticancer activity in A549 lung cancer cells by inhibition of histone deacetylase.

Objectives: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) promoting anticancer activity may be due to the regulation of various classes of histone deacetylases (HDACs).

Results: Green-synthesized CuO NPs significantly arrested total HDAC level and also suppressed class I, II and IV HDACs mRNA expression in A549 cells. A549 cells treated with CuO NPs downregulated oncogenes and upregulated tumor suppressor protein expression.