Understanding the precise mechanism of action for research compounds is fundamental to unlocking their therapeutic potential. ACY-738 functions as a potent and selective inhibitor of Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), an enzyme that plays a critical role in regulating cellular processes through protein deacetylation. Specifically, HDAC6 deacetylates proteins like α-tubulin, which is crucial for maintaining microtubule stability and cellular structure. By inhibiting HDAC6, ACY-738 leads to an increase in the acetylation of α-tubulin and other proteins. This modulation of protein acetylation can have profound effects on cellular functions, including cell motility, protein trafficking, and stress response.

The selectivity of ACY-738 is a key aspect of its mechanism of action. While it inhibits HDAC6 with high potency (IC50 = 1.7 nM), it shows considerably less activity against other HDAC isoforms, such as HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3. This targeted inhibition is advantageous for therapeutic applications, as it minimizes the risk of off-target effects associated with broader HDAC inhibition. The implications of this selective action are far-reaching, influencing areas from neurological health to inflammatory responses. Researchers are actively investigating ACY-738 anxiolytic antidepressant effects, which may be linked to its influence on neuronal plasticity and function through protein acetylation.

In vivo studies have further elucidated ACY-738's mechanism, showing increased α-tubulin acetylation in mouse brains. This correlates with observed improvements in motor activity and behavioral responses indicative of anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. Furthermore, its application in models of peripheral neuropathy demonstrates its ability to protect nerve function and reduce pain hypersensitivity, likely by restoring normal acetylation levels in damaged nerves. The compound's impact on inflammatory markers and disease progression in models of conditions like polycystic liver disease also points to a complex interplay with cellular signaling pathways. As a leading supplier in China, we provide researchers with ACY-738 to enable detailed investigations into its precise mechanism of action and its diverse therapeutic applications.