Early evidence showed the differentiation of dense patches of pre-stalk cells were induced by cyclic AMP (cAMP) along with "a factor" that was likely low in molecular weight and able to diffuse across membranes.
[3] The structures for DIF-1, DIF-2, and DIF-3 were identified as these factors for stalk differentiation and subsequently synthesized to further research into implications for developmental biology.
[4][5] DIFs 1-3 are chlorinated hexaphenones (phenylalkan-1-ones, with chloro, hydroxy and methoxy substitution on the benzene ring), and have been isolated from Dictyostelium discoideum slime mold.
Investigation into the anti-tumor properties of DIFs have followed one main line; the disruption of a pathway necessary for the cancer's uncontrolled growth reducing its proliferative ability.
One group of derivatives yielded two DIF-1-like compounds that were effective in suppression of IL-2 production which could be helpful in controlling septic responses and other infections.