Metal complexes as DNA intercalators

Intercalation processes of copper complexes in DNA

The family of anticancer complexes that include the transition metal copper known as Casiopeínas® shows promising results. Two of these complexes are currently in clinical trials. The interaction of these compounds with DNA has been observed experimentally and several hypotheses regarding the mechanism of action have been developed, and these include the generation of reactive oxygen species, phosphate hydrolysis and/or base-pair intercalation. To advance in the understanding on how these ligands interact with DNA, we present a molecular dynamics study of 21 Casiopeínas with a DNA dodecamer using 10 μs of simulation time for each compound. All the complexes were manually inserted into the minor groove as the starting point of the simulations. The binding energy of each complex and the observed representative type of interaction between the ligand and the DNA is reported. With this extended sampling time, we found that four of the compounds spontaneously flipped open a base pair and moved inside the resulting cavity and four compounds formed stacking interactions with the terminal base pairs. The complexes that formed the intercalation pocket led to more stable interactions.

Studying non-covalent drug-DNA interactions

Drug-DNA interactions have been extensively studied in the recent past. Various techniques have been employed to decipher these interactions. DNA is a major target for a wide range of drugs that may specifically or non-specifically interact with DNA and affect its functions. Interaction between small molecules and DNA are of two types, covalent interactions and non-covalent interactions. Three major modes of non-covalent interactions are electrostatic interactions, groove binding and intercalative binding. This review primarily focuses on discussing various techniques used to study non-covalent interactions that occur between drugs and DNA. Additionally, we report several techniques that may be employed to analyse the binding mode of a drug with DNA. These techniques provide data that are reliable and simple to interpret.

A comparative study of cytotoxicity and interaction with DNA/protein of five transition metal complexes with Schiff base ligands

Five transition metal complexes NiL(1)2 (1), CuL(1)2 (2), ZnL(1)2 (3), [MnL(1)2(N3)]n·nCH2Cl2 (4), CuL(2)2 (5) {HL(1)=3-{[2-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethylimino]-methyl}-naphthalen-2-ol, HL(2)=2-{[2-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethylimino]-methyl}-phenol} have been synthesized and fully characterized. In all of the complexes, the ligands coordinated to the metal ion in a negative fashion via O and N donor atoms. The X-ray structures of nickel complex 1 and copper complexes 2 and 5 are four-coordinated monomers and show slightly distorted square-planar geometry in the vicinity of the central metal atom. Zinc complex 3 exhibits a four-coordinated tetrahedral structure. Differently, manganese complex 4 reveals a six-coordinated octahedral structure, one-dimensional chain is linked by azide in the end-to-end mode. In vitro cytotoxicity of these complexes to various tumor cell lines was assayed by the MTT method. The results showed that most of these metal-Schiff base complexes exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity than Schiff base ligands, which clearly implied a positive synergistic effect. Moreover, these complexes appeared to be selectively active against certain cell lines. The interactions of these metal complexes with CT-DNA were investigated by UV-vis, fluorescence and CD spectroscopy, the results indicated that these complexes are metallointercalators and can interact with CT-DNA. The study of interaction between complexes and BSA indicated that all of the complexes could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA in a static quenching process.

Luminescent platinum(ii) complexes with self-assembly and anti-cancer properties: hydrogel, pH dependent emission color and sustained-release properties under physiological conditions

Luminescent platinum(ii) complexes show anti-cancer and pH-dependent self-assembly and sustained-release properties under physiological conditions.

Supramolecular interactions are of paramount importance in biology and chemistry, and can be used to develop new vehicles for drug delivery. Recently, there is a surge of interest on self-assembled functional supramolecular structures driven by intermolecular metal–metal interactions in cellular conditions. Herein we report a series of luminescent Pt(ii) complexes [Pt(C^N^N^pyr)(C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> NR)]⁺ [HC^N^N^pyr = 2-phenyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyridine)] containing pincer type ligands having pyrazole moieties. These Pt(ii) complexes exert potent cytotoxicity to a panel of cancer cell lines including primary bladder cancer cells and display strong phosphorescence that is highly sensitive to the local environment. The self-assembly of these complexes is significantly affected by pH of the solution medium. Based on TEM, SEM, ESI-MS, absorption and emission spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy together with cell based assays, [Pt(C^N^N^pyr)(C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> NR)]⁺ complexes were observed to self-assemble into orange phosphorescent polymeric aggregates driven by intermolecular Pt(ii)–Pt(ii) and ligand–ligand interactions in a low-pH physiological medium. Importantly, the intracellular assembly and dis-assembly of [Pt(C^N^N^pyr)(C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> NR)]⁺ are accompanied by change of emission color from orange to green. These [Pt(C^N^N^pyr)(C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> NR)]⁺ complexes accumulated in the lysosomes of cancer cells, increased the lysosomal membrane permeability and induced cell death. One of these platinum(ii) complexes formed hydrogels which displayed pH-responsive and sustained release properties, leading to low-pH-stimulated and time-dependent cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. These hydrogels can function as vehicles to deliver anti-cancer agent cargo, such as the bioactive natural products studied in this work.

Study on DNA binding behavior and light switch effect of new coumarin-derived Ru(II) complexes

A new ligand mhcip (mhcip=2-(4-methyl-7-hydroxyl-8-coumarinyl)imidazo[4,5-f]-[1,10]phenanthroline) and its ruthenium complexes, [Ru(L)2mhcip](2+) (L=bpy (2,2'-bipyridine), phen (1,10-phenanthroline)), have been synthesized and characterized. The introduction of coumarin ring may play an important role in the strong fluorescence of the complexes. Intercalative binding mode between both complexes and CT-DNA was determined by UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The two complexes show efficient DNA photocleavage under irradiation at 365 nm. The cycling of light switch off and on has been achieved for both complexes through the introduction of Cu(2+) and EDTA in the absence or presence of DNA.

Cyclometalated iridium complex-based label-free photoelectrochemical biosensor for DNA detection by hybridization chain reaction amplification

Photoactive material is the most crucial factor which intimately determines analytical performances of the photoelectrochemical sensor. On the basis of the high affinity of dipyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine (dppz) with DNA helix, a novel photoactive intercalator, [(ppy)2Ir(dppz)](+)PF6(-)(ppy = 2-phenylpyridine and dppz = dipyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine) was prepared and characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The photoelectrochemical properties of the as-prepared iridium(III) complex immobilized on the ITO electrode was investigated. Either cathodic or anodic photocurrent generation can be observed when triethanolamine (TEOA) or dissolved O2 is used as a sacrificial electron donor/acceptor, respectively. The probable photocurrent-generation mechanisms are speculated. A highly sensitive iridium(III) complex-based photoelectrochemical sensor was proposed for DNA detection via hybridization chain reaction (HCR) signal amplification. Under optimal conditions, the biosensor was found to be linearly proportional to the logarithm of target DNA concentration in the range from 0.025 to 100 pmol L(-1) with a detection limit of 9.0 fmol L(-1) (3σ). Moreover, the proposed sensor displayed high selectivity and good reproducibility, demonstrating efficient and stable photoelectric conversion ability of the Ir(III) complex.

Hydrogen bonding and anticancer properties of water-soluble chiral p-cymene Ru(II) compounds with amino-oxime ligands

The investigation of the hydrogen-bonding effect on the aggregation tendency of ruthenium compounds [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(κNHR,κNOH)Cl]Cl (R = Ph (1a), Bn (1b)) and [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(κ²NH(2-pic),κNOH)][PF₆]₂ (1c), [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(κNHBn,κNO)Cl] (2b) and [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(κNBn,κ²NO)] (3b), has been performed by means of concentration dependence ¹H NMR chemical shifts and DOSY experiments. The synthesis and full characterization of new compounds 1c, [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(κNPh,κ²NO)] (3a) and 3b are also reported. The effect of the water soluble ruthenium complexes 1a-1c on cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and cell migration of the androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 cells have been assessed by MTT, adhesion to type-I-collagen and recovery of monolayer wounds assays, respectively. Interactions of 1a-1c with DNA and human serum albumin have also been studied. Altogether, the properties reported herein suggest that ruthenium compounds 1a-1c have considerable potential as anticancer agents against advanced prostate cancer.

A new oxidovanadium(IV) complex of oxodiacetic acid and dppz: spectroscopic and DFT study. Antitumor action on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line

The oxidovanadium(IV) complex of oxodiacetic acid (H2ODA) and dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine) of stoichiometry [VO(ODA)(dppz)]·3H2O could be synthesized for the first time by reaction between [VO(ODA)(H2O)2] and dppz. It was characterized by infrared and electronic spectroscopies. Its optimized molecular structure was obtained by DFT calculations, as it was impossible to grow single crystals adequate for crystallographic studies. The antitumor action of the complex on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line was also investigated. It was found that it caused a concentration-related inhibitory effect in the concentration range between 5 and 25 μM and diminished the cell viability ca. 45% in the range from 25 to 100 μM, without dose/response effects in this range. These biological effects are, in general, similar to those previously reported for the related [VO(ODA)(ophen)]·1.5H2O complex.

Binding properties of palmatine to DNA: spectroscopic and molecular modeling investigations

Palmatine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is an important medicinal herbal extract with diverse pharmacological and biological properties. In this work, spectroscopic and molecular modeling approaches were employed to reveal the interaction between palmatine and DNA isolated from herring sperm. The absorption spectra and iodide quenching results indicated that groove binding was the main binding mode of palmatine to DNA. Fluorescence studies indicated that the binding constant (K) of palmatine and DNA was ~ 10(4)L·mol(-1). The associated thermodynamic parameters, ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS, indicated that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces played major roles in the interaction. The effects of chemical denaturant, thermal denaturation and pH on the interaction were investigated and provided further support for the groove binding mode. In addition to experimental approaches, molecular modeling was conducted to verify binding pattern of palmatine-DNA.

Enantiomeric Conformation Controls Rate and Yield of Photoinduced Electron Transfer in DNA Sensitized by Ru(II) Dipyridophenazine Complexes

Photosensitized oxidation of guanine is an important route to DNA damage. Ruthenium polypyridyls are very useful photosensitizers, as their reactivity and DNA-binding properties are readily tunable. Here we show a strong difference in the reactivity of the two enantiomers of [Ru(TAP)2(dppz)](2+), by using time-resolved visible and IR spectroscopy. This reveals that the photosensitized one-electron oxidation of guanine in three oligonucleotide sequences proceeds with similar rates and yields for bound Δ-[Ru(TAP)2(dppz)](2+), whereas those for the Λ enantiomer are very sensitive to base sequence. It is proposed that these differences are due to preferences of each enantiomer for different binding sites in the duplex.

DNA interaction and photocleavage properties of Ru (II) complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(pibi)]²⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂(pibi)]²⁺

A new asymmetry ligand pibi (pibi = 2-(pyridine-2-yl)-1-H-imidazo[4,5-f]benzo[d]imidazolone) and its ruthenium complexes with [Ru(L)2(pibi)](2+) (L = bpy (2, 2'-bipyridine), phen (1, 10-phenanthroline)), have been synthesized and characterized. The binding of two complexes with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by spectroscopic and viscosity measurement. The results indicate that both complexes can bind to CT-DNA through intercalative mode. Under irradiation at 365 nm, both complexes can partly promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR322DNA. The low singlet oxygen generation abilities of the two complexes may be the factor for the low DNA photocleavage abilities.

Biologically relevant arene ruthenium metalla-assemblies

Arene ruthenium complexes have become popular building blocks for the preparation of metalla-assemblies with biological applications, opening a new era for arene ruthenium complexes.

Optimized synthesis of a tert-butyl-phenyl-substituted tetrapyridophenazine ligand and its Ru(ii) complexes and determination of dimerization behaviour of the complexes through supramolecular “Fingerhakel”

A high dimerization constant of a ruthenium complex is observed with the aid of ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The solid state molecular structure indicates that multiple π-interactions are the reason for strong dimerization.

Photocatalytic oxidation of TMB with the double stranded DNA–SYBR Green I complex for label-free and universal colorimetric bioassay

The previously undiscovered photocatalytic activity of the classical dsDNA–SYBR Green complex for TMB oxidation was reported here for label-free and universal visual bioassays.

DNA/protein interaction, cytotoxic activity and magnetic properties of amino-alcohol Schiff base derived Cu(ii)/Ni(ii) metal complexes: influence of the nuclearity and metal ions

The reactions of amino-alcohol derived Schiff-base ligands with Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) salts have afforded four novel polynuclear complexes, which exhibited interesting magnetic and cytotoxic properties.

Enhancement in intramolecular interactions and in vitro biological activity of a tripodal tetradentate system upon complexation

Naphthalimide appended metal complexes uniquely exhibited intramolecular interactions, affinity for DNA/proteins and apoptosis mediated anticancer activity.

Interactions of arene ruthenium metallaprisms with human proteins

Interactions between three hexacationic arene ruthenium metallaprisms and human proteins have been studied using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and circular dichroism spectroscopy, showing that proteins are potential biological targets for these metallaprisms.

Synthesis and antitumor mechanisms of a copper(ii) complex of anthracene-9-imidazoline hydrazone (9-AIH)

A copper(ii) complex of anthracene-9-imidazoline hydrazone induced cell apoptosis by suppressing mutant p53 expression and activating caspase cascade pathway.

An α1-adrenergic receptor ligand repurposed as a potent antiproliferative agent for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

In this study we report the anticancer properties of RN5-Me, an α₁-adrenergic receptor ligand.

Cytotoxicity, DNA binding and cell apoptosis induction of a zinc(ii) complex of HBrQ

A zinc(ii) complex of HBrQ showed higher in vitro antitumor activity. It induced cell apoptosis in BEL-7404 cells via G₂ phase arrest, led to mitochondria dysfunction and activation of caspase cascade. The central zinc(ii) should play a key role to enhance the antitumor effect

Revealing the direct effect of individual intercalations on DNA conductance toward single-molecule electrical biodetection

The effect of individual intercalations on DNA conductance is revealed electrically at the single-molecule level by using DNA-functionalized molecular junctions.

New palladium(ii) and platinum(ii) 5,5-diethylbarbiturate complexes with 2-phenylpyridine, 2,2′-bipyridine and 2,2′-dipyridylamine: synthesis, structures, DNA binding, molecular docking, cellular uptake, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity

DNA interaction, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Pd(ii)/Pt(ii) 5,5-diethylbarbiturate complexes were evaluated.

Synthesis, characterisation and antibacterial activity of [(p-cym)RuX(L)]+/2+ (X = Cl, H2O; L = bpmo, bpms) complexes

Simple replacement of Cl⁻ by H₂O in {(p-cym)Ru^II(L)X]ⁿ⁺ (X = Cl or H₂O) complexes enhances antibacterial activity significantly.

Unraveling the coptisine–ctDNA binding mechanism by multispectroscopic, electrochemical and molecular docking methods

This study provides evidences of coptisine–DNA intercalation, which may help to develop new efficient, safe probes for the fluorometric detection of DNA instead of traditional toxic and carcinogenic probes.

Luminescent pentafluorophenyl-cycloplatinated complexes: synthesis, characterization, photophysics, cytotoxicity and cellular imaging

Pentafluorophenyl cycloplatinated complexes have been synthesized and their photophysical properties studied and investigated by DFT, TD-DFT calculations. The cellular localization and the cytotoxicity of [Pt(C^N)(C₆F₅)(DMSO)] complexes towards two different cell lines has been assessed.

Anticancer potency studies of coordination driven self-assembled arene–Ru-based metalla-bowls

New tetranuclear cationic metalla-bowls 5–7 with the general formula [Ru4(p-cymene)4(N∩N)2(OO∩OO)2]4+ (N∩N=2,6-bis(N-(4-pyridyl carbamoyl)pyridine, OO∩OO=2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinonato (5), OO∩OO=5,8-dioxydo-1,4-naphthaquinonato (6), OO∩OO=hoxonato (7)) were prepared by the reaction of the respective dinuclear ruthenium complexes 2–4 with a bispyridine amide donor ligand 1 in methanol in the presence of AgO3SCF3.These new molecular metalla-bowls were fully characterized by analytical techniques including elemental analysis as well as 1H and 13C NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopy. The structure of metalla-bowl 6 was determined from X-ray crystal diffraction data. A UV/visible study was also carried out for the entire suite of new complexes. As with recent studies of similar arene–Ru complexes, the inhibition of cell growth by metalla-bowls was established against SK-hep-1 (liver cancer), AGS (gastric cancer), and HCT-15 (colorectal cancer) human cancer cell lines. Inhibition of cell growth by 6 was found to be considerably stronger against all cancer cell lines than the anticancer drugs, doxorubicin and cisplatin. In particular, in colorectal cancer cells, expression of the cancer suppressor genes APC and p53 was increased following exposure to 6.

Turning an aptamer into a light-switch probe with a single bioconjugation

We describe a method for transforming a structure-switching aptamer into a luminescent light-switch probe via a single conjugation. The methodology is demonstrated using a known aptamer for Hg²⁺ as a case study. This approach utilizes a lanthanide-based metallointercalator, Eu-DOTA-Phen, whose luminescence is quenched almost entirely and selectively by purines, but not at all by pyrimidines. This complex, therefore, does not luminesce while intercalated in dsDNA, but it is bright red when conjugated to a ssDNA that is terminated by several pyrimidines. In its design, the light-switch probe incorporates a structure-switching aptamer partially hybridized to its complementary strand. The lanthanide complex is conjugated to either strand via a stable amide bond. Binding of the analyte by the structure-switching aptamer releases the complementary strand. This release precludes intercalation of the intercalator in dsDNA, which switches on its luminescence. The resulting probe turns on 21-fold upon binding to its analyte. Moreover, the structure switching aptamer is highly selective, and the long luminescence lifetime of the probe readily enables time-gating experiments for removal of the background autofluorescence of the sample.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of water-soluble iminophosphorane ruthenium(II) compounds. A potential chemotherapeutic agent for triple negative breast cancer

A series of organometallic ruthenium(II) complexes containing iminophosphorane ligands have been synthesized and characterized. Cationic compounds with chloride as counterion are soluble in water (70–100 mg/mL). Most compounds (especially highly water-soluble 2) are more cytotoxic to a number of human cancer cell lines than cisplatin. Initial mechanistic studies indicate that the cell death type for these compounds is mainly through canonical or caspase-dependent apoptosis, nondependent on p53, and that the compounds do not interact with DNA or inhibit protease cathepsin B. In vivo experiments of 2 on MDA-MB-231 xenografts in NOD.CB17-Prkdc SCID/J mice showed an impressive tumor reduction (shrinkage) of 56% after 28 days of treatment (14 doses of 5 mg/kg every other day) with low systemic toxicity. Pharmacokinetic studies showed a quick absorption of 2 in plasma with preferential accumulation in the breast tumor tissues when compared to kidney and liver, which may explain its high efficacy in vivo.

Organometallic Titanocene-Gold Compounds as Potential Chemotherapeutics in Renal Cancer. Study of their Protein Kinase Inhibitory Properties

Early-late transition metal TiAu2 compounds [(η-C5H5)2Ti{OC(O)CH2PPh2AuCl}2] (3) and new [(η-C5H5)2Ti{OC(O)-4-C6H4PPh2AuCl}2] (5) were evaluated as potential anticancer agents in vitro against renal and prostate cancer cell lines. The compounds were significantly more effective than monometallic titanocene dichloride and gold(I) [{HOC(O)RPPh2}AuCl] (R = -CH2- 6, -4-C6H4- 7) derivatives in renal cancer cell lines, indicating a synergistic effect of the resulting heterometallic species. The activity on renal cancer cell lines (for 5 in the nanomolar range) was considerably higher than that of cisplatin and highly active titanocene Y. Initial mechanistic studies in Caki-1 cells in vitro coupled with studies of their inhibitory properties on a panel of 35 kinases of oncological interest indicate that these compounds inhibit protein kinases of the AKT and MAPKAPK families with a higher selectivity toward MAPKAPK3 (IC503 = 91 nM, IC505 = 117 nM). The selectivity of the compounds in vitro against renal cancer cell lines when compared to a nontumorigenic human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293T) and the favorable preliminary toxicity profile on C57black6 mice indicate that these compounds (especially 5) are excellent candidates for further development as potential renal cancer chemotherapeutics.

Interaction of coumarin with calf thymus DNA: deciphering the mode of binding by in vitro studies

DNA is the major target for a wide range of therapeutic substances. Thus, there has been considerable interest in the binding studies of small molecules with DNA. Interaction between small molecules and DNA provides a structural guideline in rational drug designing and in the synthesis of new and improved drugs with enhanced selective activity and greater clinical efficacy. Plant derived polyphenolic compounds have a large number of biological and pharmacological properties. Coumarin is a polyphenolic compound which has been extensively studied for its diverse pharmacological properties. However, its mode of interaction with DNA has not been elucidated. In the present study, we have attempted to ascertain the mode of binding of coumarin with calf thymus DNA (Ct-DNA) through various biophysical techniques. Analysis of UV-visible absorbance spectra and fluorescence spectra indicates the formation of complex between coumarin and Ct-DNA. Several other experiments such as effect of ionic strength, iodide induced quenching, competitive binding assay with ethidium bromide, acridine orange and Hoechst 33258 reflected that coumarin possibly binds to the minor groove of the Ct-DNA. These observations were further supported by CD spectral analysis, viscosity measurements, DNA melting studies and in silico molecular docking.

Analysis of the DNA interaction of copper compounds belonging to the Casiopeínas® antitumoral series

Casiopeínas® are mixed-chelate copper complexes with antitumor tested potential. Their activity, both in vitro and in vivo, as antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and genotoxic drugs has been assessed. Biological results of these copper compounds have deserved some of them entering clinical trials. Significant efforts have been devoted to the in-depth identification of their mechanism of action. Using gel electrophoresis analysis, we have previously shown that the interaction of the Casiopeínas® Cas II-gly, [Cu(4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)(glycinate)]NO3 with DNA, triggers the cleavage of the biomolecule by a free radical mechanism. In this work, we further study the behavior of different complexes of the same Casiopeínas® series also including glycinate as co-ligand {Cas VI-gly (5,6 dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline glycinato copper(II) nitrate), Cas VII-gly (1,10-phenanthroline glycinato copper(II) nitrate), and Cas IX-gly (2,2'-bipyridine glycinato copper(II) nitrate)} and of a Casiopeínas® with a different co-ligand (Cas III-Cs; 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline salicylaldehydato-copper(II) nitrate). While all of them produce DNA degradation, the performance in the presence of a radical scavenger suggests the existence of differences in their mechanism of interaction with DNA.

Derivation of structure-activity relationships from the anticancer properties of ruthenium(II) arene complexes with 2-aryldiazole ligands

The ligands 2-pyridin-2-yl-1H-benzimidazole (HL(1)), 1-methyl-2-pyridin-2-ylbenzimidazole (HL(2)), and 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine (HL(3)) and the proligand 2-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole (HL(4)) have been used to prepare five different types of new ruthenium(II) arene compounds: (i) monocationic complexes with the general formula [(η(6)-arene)RuCl(κ(2)-N,N-HL)]Y [HL = HL(1), HL(2), or HL(3); Y = Cl or BF4; arene = 2-phenoxyethanol (phoxet), benzene (bz), or p-cymene (p-cym)]; (ii) dicationic aqua complexes of the formula [(η(6)-arene)Ru(OH2)(κ(2)-N,N-HL(1))](Y)2 (Y = Cl or TfO; arene = phoxet, bz, or p-cym); (iii) the nucleobase derivative [(η(6)-arene)Ru(9-MeG)(κ(2)-N,N-HL(1))](PF6)2 (9-MeG = 9-methylguanine); (iv) neutral complexes consistent with the formulation [(η(6)-arene)RuCl(κ(2)-N,N-L(1))] (arene = bz or p-cym); (v) the neutral cyclometalated complex [(η(6)-p-cym)RuCl(κ(2)-N,C-L(4))]. The cytototoxic activity of the new ruthenium(II) arene compounds has been evaluated in several cell lines (MCR-5, MCF-7, A2780, and A2780cis) in order to establish structure-activity relationships. Three of the compounds with the general formula [(η(6)-arene)RuCl(κ(2)-N,N-HL(1))]Cl differing in the arene moiety have been studied in depth in terms of thermodynamic dissociation constants, aquation kinetic constants, and DNA binding measurements. The biologically most active compound is the p-cym derivative, which strongly destabilizes the DNA double helix, whereas those with bz and phoxet have only a small effect on the stability of the DNA double helix. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of several compounds toward CDK1 has also been evaluated. The DNA binding ability of some of the studied compounds and their CDK1 inhibitory effect suggest a multitarget mechanism for their biological activity.

Strong DNA deformation required for extremely slow DNA threading intercalation by a binuclear ruthenium complex

DNA intercalation by threading is expected to yield high affinity and slow dissociation, properties desirable for DNA-targeted therapeutics. To measure these properties, we utilize single molecule DNA stretching to quantify both the binding affinity and the force-dependent threading intercalation kinetics of the binuclear ruthenium complex Δ,Δ-[μ‐bidppz‐(phen)₄Ru₂]⁴⁺ (Δ,Δ-P). We measure the DNA elongation at a range of constant stretching forces using optical tweezers, allowing direct characterization of the intercalation kinetics as well as the amount intercalated at equilibrium. Higher forces exponentially facilitate the intercalative binding, leading to a profound decrease in the binding site size that results in one ligand intercalated at almost every DNA base stack. The zero force Δ,Δ-P intercalation K_d is 44 nM, 25-fold stronger than the analogous mono-nuclear ligand (Δ-P). The force-dependent kinetics analysis reveals a mechanism that requires DNA elongation of 0.33 nm for association, relaxation to an equilibrium elongation of 0.19 nm, and an additional elongation of 0.14 nm from the equilibrium state for dissociation. In cells, a molecule with binding properties similar to Δ,Δ-P may rapidly bind DNA destabilized by enzymes during replication or transcription, but upon enzyme dissociation it is predicted to remain intercalated for several hours, thereby interfering with essential biological processes.