Histone deacetylase inhibitors and uses thereof are provided that have the general Z-Q-L-M wherein Z is a 5-membered aromatic heterocycle as shown herein, each X is independently selected from the group consisting of CR5 and N; each Y is independently selected from the group consisting of O, S and NR5; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein; Q is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring; M is a substituent capable of complexing with a protein metal ion; and L is a substituent comprising a chain of 1-10 atoms connecting the M substituent to the Q substituent.