(Z)-1,1-Dichloro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylcyclopropane induces concentration-dependent growth inhibition, apoptosis, and coordinates regulation of apoptotic genes in TRAMP cells

(Z)-1-1-Dichloro-2,3-diphenylcyclopropane (AII) and (Z)-1,1-dichloro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylcyclopropane [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-AII] inhibit tubulin polymerization, PSA production, and the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. The actions of the agents were studied in three transgenic adenocarcinomas of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) cell lines. Antiproliferative potencies were determined and cells treated with the more potent 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-AII were examined for induction of apoptosis. Microarray analyses were conducted to determine the apoptosis-related genes up- and down-regulated by the agent. 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-AII concentration-dependently inhibited growth of all three cell lines. Fifty percent and 100% growth inhibitory and 50% lethal concentrations were determined to be 0.3, 1.5, and 5 μM, respectively. Minimum detectable apoptosis-inducing concentrations by ELISA were 0.10 to 0.14 μM. PARP cleavage and two-color flow cytometry assays verified apoptosis induction. Microarray analyses showed Bok and Siva-pending to be up-regulated and that Birc, Dad1, and Atf5 were down-regulated. 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-AII inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in the in vivo-adaptable TRAMP cells, suggesting the compound should be further examined in preclinical models.