Trichostatin C (CAS 68676-88-0)

Trichostatin C, bearing the CAS number 68676-88-0, is a naturally occurring hydroxamic acid that belongs to the broader class of compounds known as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC inhibitors). This chemical is derived from Streptomyces hygroscopicus and is structurally characterized by its unique cyclic peptide backbone coupled with a hydroxamic acid moiety. The primary mechanism of action of Trichostatin C involves the inhibition of histone deacetylase enzymes, which play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression by modifying the acetylation status of histone proteins. When Trichostatin C inhibits these enzymes, it leads to an increase in the acetylation levels of histones, promoting a more open chromatin structure that facilitates transcriptional activation. In research settings, Trichostatin C has been extensively used as a tool to study chromatin remodeling and gene expression regulation. It helps explain the molecular mechanisms controlling gene activity, particularly in the context of epigenetic modifications that influence cellular differentiation, development, and response to environmental stimuli. By altering histone acetylation, researchers can explore how gene expression patterns are affected in various biological processes and disease states, providing insights into the complex regulation of cellular functions at the molecular level.