histone deacetylase (HDAC) has been regarded as a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of multiple diseases including cancer. Based on pharmacophore model of HDACinhibitors, a series of quinoline-based N-hydroxycinnamamides and N-hydroxybenzamides were designed and synthesized as potentHDACinhibitors. All target compounds were evaluated for their in vitro HDACinhibitory activities and anti-proliferative