Metallo-Curcumin-Conjugated DNA Complexes Induces Preferential Prostate Cancer Cells Cytotoxicity and Pause Growth of Bacterial Cells

Abstract

DNA nanotechnology can be used to create intricate DNA structures due to the ability to direct the molecular assembly of nanostructures through a bottom-up approach. Here, we propose nanocarriers composed of both synthetic and natural DNA for drug delivery. The topological, optical characteristics, and interaction studies of Cu2+/Ni2+/Zn2+-curcumin-conjugated DNA complexes were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and mass spectroscopy. The maximum release of metallo-curcumin conjugates from the DNA complexes, triggered by switching the pH, was found in an acidic medium. The bacterial growth curves of E. coli and B. subtilis displayed a prolonged lag phase when tested with the metallo-curcumin-conjugated DNA complexes. We also tested the in vitro cytotoxicity of the metallo-curcumin-conjugated DNA complexes to prostate cancer cells using an MTS assay, which indicated potent growth inhibition of the cells. Finally, we studied the cellular uptake of the complexes, revealing that DNA complexes with Cu2+/Ni2+-curcumin exhibited brighter fluorescence than those with Zn2+-curcumin.

A Review of Curcumin and Its Derivatives as Anticancer Agents

“…This suggests that the electrophilic nature of curcumin is essential for inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway during anticancer therapy [ 33 ]. Metallo-curcumin-conjugated DNA complexes have been constructed using Cu 2+ /Ni 2+ /Zn 2+ metal ions to improve curcumin solubility and enhance DNA-binding ability [ 34 ]. These complexes also showed a better antibacterial activity and significant toxicity to several prostate cancer cell lines [ 34 ] ( Table 1 ).…”

“…In addition to curcumin, some of its derivatives have also shown anticancer activity against prostate cancer. Metallo-curcumin conjugated DNA complexes exhibited significant toxicity to prostate cancer cells (PC3, 22Rv1, TRAMP-C1, LNCaP, and DU145) [ 34 ]. Dimethyl curcumin (ASC-J9) has also shown very good activity in enhancing androgen receptor degradation in androgen-dependent prostate cancer [ 20 , 38 ].…”

Potential Role of Curcumin and Its Nanoformulations to Treat Various Types of Cancers

“…In this regard, further studies indicated that these complexes triggered tumor cell apoptosis, disturbed mitochondrial membrane potential, and arrested the cell cycle in the S phase via the ROS-dependent cascade. In addition, Vellampatti et al [ 175 ] reported that metallo-CUR-conjugated DNA complexes exerted marked toxic effects toward prostate cancer cells compared to pristine DNA. Furthermore, they evaluated the cellular uptake of these complexes and revealed that DNA complexes containing Cu 2+ /Ni 2+ -CUR showed brighter fluorescence compared to the complexes containing Zn 2+ -CUR.…”

“…Along with CUR, some of the CUR derivatives have also exhibited anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer. Interestingly, metallo-CUR conjugated DNA complexes exerted marked toxicity to prostate cancer cells (DU145, LNCaP, TRAMP-C1, 22Rv1, and PC3) [ 175 ]. In androgen-dependent prostate cancer, dimethyl CUR(ASC-J9) exhibited good activity in enhancing androgen receptor degradation [ 326 , 327 ].…”

Spicy Bitumen: Curcumin Effects on the Rheological and Adhesion Properties of Asphalt

“…Pabon however, successfully prepared this molecule for the first time in excellent yield in 1964 [ 29 ]. In recent years, curcuminoids and in particular, curcumin have attracted a lot of attention due to their pharmacological activity and biological effects, tested directly or chelated to metal centres [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Furthermore, curcumin has been deeply studied for its antioxidant properties in molecular biology research [ 34 , 35 ].…”