A fungal growth inhibitor Trichostatin A inhibits the G2M tr

A fungal growth inhibitor Trichostatin A inhibits the G2/M transition of the cell cycle. Could it be a promising cancer drug? Hypothesize why.

Solution

Trichostatin is a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylase and it acts as an epigenetic modifier. It inhibits the G2/M transition of the cell cycle, which reduces the rate of cell proliferation, which definitely impairs cell growth. However, its use as an anti-cancer drug depends upon its selective action on the cancer cells. If the drug produces the same effect on both the normal and cancer cells, it cannot be used as an anti-cancer drug.