Novel Re(I) Complexes as Potential Selective Theranostic Agents in Cancer Cells and In Vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans Tumoral Strains

Abstract

A series of rhenium(I) complexes of the type fac -[Re(CO) 3 (N^N)L] 0/+ , Re1 – Re9 , was synthesized, where N^N = benzimidazole-derived bidentate ligand with an ester functionality and L = chloride or pyridine-type ligand. The new compounds demonstrated potent activity toward ovarian A2780 cancer cells. The most active complexes, Re7 – Re9 , incorporating 4-NMe 2 py, exhibited remarkable activity in 3D HeLa spheroids. The emission in the red region of Re9 , which contains an electron-deficient benzothiazole moiety, allowed its operability as a bioimaging tool for in vitro and in vivo visualization. Re9 effectivity was tested in two different C. elegans tumoral strains, JK1466 and MT2124, to broaden the oncogenic pathways studied. The results showed that Re9 was able to reduce the tumor growth in both strains by increasing the ROS production inside the cells. Moreover, the selectivity of the compound toward cancerous cells was remarkable as it did not affect neither the development nor the progeny of the nematodes.

Visible and Red Light-Triggered Anticancer Profile of a Ferrocene-Re(I)-Tricarbonyl Conjugate: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

“…also reported mitochondrial localization of Re­(I) tricarbonyl in PC3 cells . Recently, Ruiz and co-workers have shown a Re­(I) tricarbonyl complex as a selective theranostic agent with mitochondrial localization in HeLa cells . Eventually, the localization of ReFctp in mitochondria might be useful to compromise mitochondrial function through ROS generation and NADH oxidation on light activation to induce cancer cell death .…”

Exploring the potential of ruthenium(ii)–phosphine–mercapto complexes as new anticancer agents

“…9 In addition to platinum, several metals have been investigated as potential anticancer agents. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] For example, ruthenium-based compounds are considered promising alternatives to platinum complexes, exhibiting different chemical and structural characteristics from those presented by platinum drugs. [20][21][22][23] Ruthenium complexes in general present an octahedral geometry, which allows variations of ligands in the coordination sphere, and are less susceptible to deactivation by detoxification agents in the biological environment.…”

“…9 In addition to platinum, several metals have been investigated as potential anticancer agents. 10–19…”