Definition

An orally bioavailable adrenal steroid analogue with potential antineoplastic activity. Androstane steroid HE3235 appears to bind the androgen receptor (AR), down-regulating anti-apoptotic genes, such as Bcl-2, while increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, such as caspases. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that this agent inhibits androstenediol-dependent LNCaP cell tumor growth. In addition, HE3235 may potentiate chemotherapeutic agents by down-regulating ABCG2, the gene encoding the multi-drug resistant (MDR) protein MDR2.