NCIt definition : A topical formulation containing the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with potential
antineoplastic activity. Upon cutaneous administration, SHP-141 selectively binds
to and inhibits HDAC, resulting in an accumulation of highly acetylated histones in
the skin (dermis and epidermis), the induction of chromatin remodeling, and the selective
transcription of tumor suppressor genes. These events may result in the inhibition
of tumor cell division and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. HDACs, upregulated
in many tumor cell types, are a family of metalloenzymes responsible for the deacetylation
of chromatin histone proteins. Topical administration of SHP-141 allows for high concentrations
of this agent locally while minimizing systemic toxicity.;