Microtubule dynamicity is, in part, regulated by tubulin acetylation, which promotes stabilization. HDAC6 deacetylates microtubules and promotes their depolymerization. Chemotherapeutic taxanes bind to tubulin and inhibit depolymerization and thus microtubule dynamicity, which is essential for chromosome capture and mitosis. Therefore, combined taxanes (dark-colored balls) and HDAC inhibitors would lead to greater disruption of microtubule function and more cell death as a result.
Ac: Acetylation; HAT: Histone acetyltransferase; HDAC: Histone deacetylase