Trans-Platinum/Thiazole Complex Interferes with Sp1 Zinc-Finger Protein

Covalent versus Noncovalent Binding of Ruthenium η6 -p-Cymene Complexes to Zinc-Finger Protein NCp7

Ruthenium-arene complexes are a unique class of organometallic compounds that have been shown to have prominent therapeutic potencies. Here, we have investigated the interactions of Ru-cymene complexes with a zinc-finger protein NCp7, aiming to understand the effects of various ligands on the reaction. Five different binding modes were observed on selected Ru-complexes. Ru-cymene complex can bind to proteins through either noncovalent binding alone or through a combination of covalent and noncovalent binding modes. Moreover, the noncovalent interaction can promote the coordination of Ru^II to NCp7, resulting synergistic effects of the different ligands. The binding of Ru(Cym) complexes leads to dysfunction of NCp7 through zinc-ejection and structural perturbation. These results indicate that the reactivity of Ru-complexes can be modulated by ligands through different approaches, which could be closely correlated to their different therapeutic effects.

Tailoring Platinum(IV) Amphiphiles for Self-Targeting All-in-One Assemblies as Precise Multimodal Theranostic Nanomedicine

Drug, targeting ligand, and imaging agent are the three essential components in a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system. However, tremendous batch-to-batch variation of composition and drug content typically accompany the current approaches of building these components together. Herein, we report the design of photoactivatable platinum(IV) (Pt(IV)) amphiphiles containing one or two hydrophilic lactose targeting ligands per hydrophobic Pt(IV) prodrug for an all-in-one precise nanomedicine. Self-assembly of these Pt(IV) amphiphiles results in either micelle or vesicle formation with a fixed Pt/targeting moiety ratio and a constantly high content of Pt. The micelles and vesicles are capable of hepatoma cell-targeting, fluorescence/Pt-based CT imaging and have shown effective anticancer efficacy under laser irradiation in vitro and in vivo. This photoactivatable, active self-targeting, and multimodal theranostic amphiphile strategy shows great potential in constructing precise nanomedicine.

Robust structure and reactivity of aqueous arsenous acid-platinum(II) anticancer complexes

The first molecular adducts of platinum and arsenic based anticancer drugs - arsenoplatins - show unanticipated structure, substitution chemistry, and cellular cytotoxicity. The PtII-AsIII bonds in these complexes are stable in aqueous solution and strongly influence the lability of the trans ligand.