HDAC inhibitors typically consist of a metalbinding
moiety that coordinates to the catalytic metal atom within the HDAC active site and
a capping group that interacts with the residues at the entrance of the active site. In
addition, a linker that is structurally related to the carbon chain present in the acetyl-lysine
substrate appropriately positions the metal-binding moiety and capping group for interactions
in the active site.