The identification and cloning of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) is
disclosed, and in particular full length HCAC9 polypeptides and HDAC9
polypeptides which have deacetylase activity, and to nucleic acid
molecules encoding these polypeptides. The uses of these polypeptides and
nucleic acid molecules are disclosed, for example for screening for
compounds that are capable of modulating HDAC9 biological activity.