5 alpha-reductase in intact DU145 cells: Evidence for isozyme I and evaluation of novel inhibitors

The epithelial-like human prostatic carcinoma cell line DU145, which expres ses 5 alpha-reductase type I isozyme, was used to test a series of potentia l 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. The exclusive expression of the type I isoz yme was confirmed by PCR and subsequent DNA sequence analysis. Culture cond itions were optimized for high conversion rates. Using this whole cell assa y finasteride, 4MA, and 65 steroidal and non-steroidal compounds synthesize d in our group were tested fur their inhibitory activity. Inhibitors with I C50 values in the nanomolar range could be identified.