Fighting Cancer with Corroles

Abstract

Corroles are exceptionally promising platforms for the development of agents for simultaneous cancer-targeting imaging and therapy. Depending on the element chelated by the corrole, these theranostic agents may be tuned primarily for diagnostic or therapeutic function. Versatile synthetic methodologies allow for the preparation of amphipolar derivatives, which form stable noncovalent conjugates with targeting biomolecules. These conjugates can be engineered for imaging and targeting as well as therapeutic function within one theranostic assembly. In this review, we begin with a brief outline of corrole chemistry that has been uniquely useful in designing corrole-based anticancer agents. Then we turn attention to the early literature regarding corrole anticancer activity, which commenced one year after the first scalable synthesis was reported (1999-2000). In 2001, a major advance was made with the introduction of negatively charged corroles, as these molecules, being amphipolar, form stable conjugates with many proteins. More recently, both cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of metallocorroles have been documented in experimental investigations employing advanced optical spectroscopic as well as magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Key results from work on both cellular and animal models are reviewed, with emphasis on those that have shed new light on the mechanisms associated with anticancer activity. In closing, we predict a very bright future for corrole anticancer research, as it is experiencing exponential growth, taking full advantage of recently developed imaging and therapeutic modalities.

Corrole‐based photodynamic antitumor therapy

“…As a porphyrin analog, corrole compound may also become a promising candidate for PDT drug . When compared to porphyrin, corrole has the advantage of stronger Q band absorption and especially easier metabolism characteristics due to their less structural robustness.…”

Synthesis of ABC‐Type 22‐Oxacorroles Bearing Three Different Five‐Membered Heterocycles at the meso Positions

“…The corrole chemistry has gained tremendous momentum after the breakthrough discoveries of simple synthetic strategies for the preparation of corroles with readily available precursors , . These strategies now allow us to synthesize any desired meso ‐substituted corroles such as A 3 , A 2 B and ABC types of corroles (Scheme ) and use them for various applications in the fields of catalysis, biology, material science and medicine …”

“…[5,9] These strategies now allow us to synthesize any desired meso-substituted corroles such as A 3 , A 2 B and ABC types of corroles (Scheme 1) and use them for various applications in the fields of catalysis, biology, material science and medicine. [14][15][16] Core-modified corroles or heterocorroles are formally formed by replacement of one or two nitrogens of corrole with other heteroatoms such as S, O, Se, Si, Te and C. Such core-modified corroles show interesting physico-chemical and coordination properties that are different from all nitrogen-containing corroles. [17] Interestingly, a perusal of literature reveals that there are only limited reports available on core-modified corroles, [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] and all types of heterocorroles have not been synthesized because of lack of proper synthetic strategies, not so easily acces-sible precursors and also partly due to their inherently unstable nature.…”

Magnetite–Corrole Hybrid Nanoparticles

“…Recent developments on chemical functionalization approaches of corroles have given new impetus to the application of these compounds in several areas [1][2][3][4][5][6]. For example, they are used in the therapeutic field as inactivation agents for bacteria, viruses, and fungi; contrast agents for biomedical imaging; photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy to fight cancer [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]; and also as catalysts [5] and sensors [4].…”