Histone deacetylase inhibitors and epigenetic modifications as a novel strategy in renal cell carcinoma

Recent investigations of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have revealed several epigenetic modifications, as well as alterations in the genes and enzymes that regulate these changes. Preclinical models have revealed that histone gene modifiers and epigenetic alterations may play a critical role in RCC tumorigenesis. Specific changes in DNA methylation and mutations of histone modifiers have been identified and may be associated with an aggressive phenotype. In addition, the potential of reversing the effects of these enzymes and hence reversing the cellular epigenetic landscape to a "normal phenotype" have led to an increasing interest in developing targeted chromatin remodeling agents. However, the translation of the understanding of these changes to the clinic for the treatment of RCC has posed significant challenges, partly due to tumor heterogeneity. This review describes the aberrant histone and DNA alterations recently reported in RCC and highlights the potential targeted chromatin remodeling therapies in the management of this disease.