Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and DNA interactions of new monodentate ruthenium(II) complexes containing terphenyl arenes

Tijana Bugarcic, Olga Novakova, Anna Halamikova, Lenka Zerzankova, Oldrich Vrana, Jana Kasparkova, Abraha Habtemariam, Simon Parsons, Peter J. Sadler, Viktor Brabec

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

We have compared the cancer cell cytotoxicity, cell uptake., and DNA binding properties of the isomeric terphenyl complexes [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(en)Cl](+), where the arene is ortho- (2), meta- (3), or para-terphenyl (1) (o-, m-, or p-terp). Complex 1, the X-ray crystal structure of which confirms that it has the classical "piano-stool" geometry, has a similar potency to cisplatin but is not cross-resistant and has a much higher activity than 2 or 3. The extent of Ru uptake into A2780 or A2780cis cells does not correlate with potency. Complex I binds to DNA rapidly and quantitatively, preferentially to guanine residues, and causes significant DNA unwinding. Circular and linear dichroism, competitive binding experiments with ethidium bromide, DNA melting, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic data are consistent with combined intercalative and monofunctional (coordination) binding mode of complex 1. This unusual DNA binding mode may therefore make a major contribution to the high potency of complex 1.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5310-5319
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry
Volume51
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Sept 2008

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