C-DIM12 is a para-phenyl-substituted diindolylmethane (C-DIM) that is an orally bioavailable activator of nuclear receptor-related protein 1 (Nurr1/NR4A2). It is selective for Nurr1, not activating Nur77, neuron-derived orphan receptor 1 (Nor1), or the retinoid X receptor (RXR) in parallel luciferase assays. C-DIM12 (2.5-10 μM) inhibits proliferation of Ku7 and 253J B-V bladder cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and induces apoptosis of KU7 cells in a Nurr1-dependent manner. In an orthotopic nude mouse model, C-DIM12 suppresses bladder cancer cell growth by 44 and 59% at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, respectively. C-DIM12 has neuroprotective properties, preventing dopaminergic cell loss and reducing the expression of NF-κB in the substantia nigra pars compacta in an MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in the tail immersion and carrageenan paw edema assays at a dose of 100 mg/kg, without causing ulcers in rats.
