Histone deacetylase inhibitor that displays anticancer activity. Inhibits cell proliferation, invasion and migration and induces apoptosis in glioma cells. Also inhibits protein isoprenylation, depletes plasma glutamine, increases production of fetal hemoglobin through transcriptional activation of the gamma-globin gene and affects hPPARgamma; activation. Protects against cerebral ischemic injury and displays neuroprotective effect in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. Anti-neoplastic agent and transcriptional regulator. Also acts as an inducer of tumor cytostasis and differentiation.