Differentiation-inducing factor (DIF) is one of a class of effector molecules

Effector (biology)

An effector is a molecule that binds to a protein and thereby alters the activity of that protein...

 that induce changes in cell chemistry, inhibiting growth and promoting differentiation of cell type

Cellular differentiation

In developmental biology, cellular differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. Differentiation occurs numerous times during the development of a multicellular organism as the organism changes from a simple zygote to a complex system of...

. 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

Dictyostelium discoideum

Dictyostelium discoideum is a species of soil-living amoeba belonging to the phylum Mycetozoa. D. discoideum, commonly referred to as slime mold, is a eukaryote that transitions from a collection of unicellular amoebae into a multicellular slug and then into a fruiting body within its lifetime. D...

slime mold. DIFs have been of interest because of their tumor

Tumor

A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...

inhibiting properties. DIFs have also been used to help regulate plant growth.