Targeted acetylation of NF-kappaB/RelA and histones by epigenetic drugs reduces post-ischemic brain injury in mice with an extended therapeutic window

► Derangements of RelA and histone acetylation occur in harmful ischemia. ► The acetylation derangements are targets of HDAC inhibitor MS-275 and resveratrol. ► MS-275 increases total RelA acetylation, resveratrol deacetylates RelA at Lys310. ► Synergistic low doses of MS-275 and resveratrol reduce brain injury in MCAO mice. ► The treatment is effective even when administered 7 h after the stroke onset.