Histone deacetylase inhibitors upregulate MMP11 gene expression through Sp1/Smad complexes in human colon adenocarcinoma cells

► MMP-11 is expressed in epithelial human colon adenocarcinoma cells. ► Transcriptional activity requires binding of Sp1/Smad2 complexes. ► HDAC inhibitors increase the acetylation status of Smad2. ► Smad2 acetylation promotes interaction with Sp1 and MMP-11 transcriptional activity. ► ERK pathway activation by HDAC inhibitors is required for upregulation of MMP-11.