Histone deacetylase inhibitor FK228 is a potent inducer of human fetal hemoglobin

Abstract

We investigated the induction of the human fetal globin gene using five potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors: FK-228, HC-Toxin, Trichostatin, MS-275, and Apicidin, using in vitro assays and cultures of primary human erythroblasts. The results showed that FK228 is the most potent inducer of fetal hemoglobin and exhibits its effects in picomolar concentrations. FK228 should be considered as a potential therapeutic for induction of fetal hemoglobin in patients with beta chain hemoglobinopathies.