In one aspect, the invention relates to N-acetamidoalkyl-5-arylisoxazole-3-carboxamide analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as mediators of transcriptional induction of E-cadherin; synthesis methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating disorders associated with E-cadherin activity using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.