Application

3,3′-Diindolylmethane may be used as a model substrate to analyze the role of 3,3′-diindolylmethane in inducing apoptosis in human cancer cells.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Acid-catalyzed reaction product of a phytochemical naturally found in Brassicaceae, indole-3-carbinol. It functions as an antitumor agent. This derivative can both directly stimulate apoptosis at relatively high concentrations and sensitize TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human cancer cells. DIM induces a G₁ cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells by a mechanism that includes increased expression of p21. DIM is a strong mitochondrial H⁺-ATPase inhibitor. The function of DIM and its derivatives as a new plant growth promoter has been studied in an eco-friendly system.

General description

3,3′-Diindolylmethane, a dimer of indole-3-carbinol, is a component of cruciferous vegetables. It is known to exhibit anticancer effects.