Update on metal N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as potential anti-tumor metallodrugs

Synthesis and molecular structure of biologically significant bis(1,3-dimesityl-4,5-naphthoquinoimidazol-2-ylidene)gold(I) complexes with chloride and dichloridoaurate counter-ions

“…More often, NHCs are used as ligands on transition metals to facilitate homogeneous catalysis (Hopkinson et al, 2014;Cazin, 2011;Nolan & Cazin, 2018;Vougioukalakis & Grubbs, 2010;Ramó n & Nolan, 2018). Recently, several NHC-based transitionmetal (Pd, Pt, and Ag) complexes containing structurally different N-atom substitutions have been prepared and ISSN 2053ISSN -2296 # 2019 International Union of Crystallography studied as potential therapeutic agents (Youngs et al, 2012;Liu & Gust, 2016;Oehninger et al, 2013;Teyssot et al, 2009). Recently, several NHC-based transitionmetal (Pd, Pt, and Ag) complexes containing structurally different N-atom substitutions have been prepared and ISSN 2053ISSN -2296 # 2019 International Union of Crystallography studied as potential therapeutic agents (Youngs et al, 2012;Liu & Gust, 2016;Oehninger et al, 2013;Teyssot et al, 2009).…”

Recent developments in the nanostructured materials functionalized with ruthenium complexes for targeted drug delivery to tumors

“…5,6 There is confirmation to suggest that Ru complexes might directly interfere with specific proteins involved in signal transduction pathways, compared to any other metal complexes including iron complexes, and alter cell adhesion and migration processes. 7 In addition, the redox potential between the different oxidation states of Ru facilitates the body to catalyze oxidation and reduction reactions depending on the physiological environment. Among the other metal complexes, Ru complexes have different geometries, which allow for the design of compounds with a specific cellular target.…”

“…In addition, the anticancer effects of Ru complexes depend largely on the ligand involved, characteristics of the complexes, and the presence of uncoordinated sites in the coordination sphere of the metal center. 7,18 As such, much effort has been directed toward exploring the tumor-inhibiting properties of various Ru complexes. 18 As listed in Table 2, although a large number of Ru complexes have shown great promise as potential antitumor agents, only three complexes, NAMI-A, KP1019, and NKP1339 (Table 3), have entered clinical trials.…”

On the binding modes of metal NHC complexes with DNA secondary structures: implications for therapy and imaging

“…21,26 Other enzymatic targets of anticancer metal NHC-based complexes are glutathione reductase (GR), deubiquitinase (DUB), cyclooxygenase (COX) and cathepsin B, respectively. 24 Readers are directed to further references to cover the implication and modes of actions of metal NHCs as antimicrobial drugs. 23 Interestingly, the cyclophane NHC-based Au(I) complex comprising an ortho-substituted xylylene scaffold (Figure 1) in addition to be a cytotoxic agent, is luminescent, most likely as a result of short Au(I) … Au(I) contacts (< 3 Å) induced by the cyclophane ligand framework.…”

“…ROS production, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and caspase activation) may be responsible for triggering apoptosis in cancer cells and this is on the one hand caused by the interaction of such metal-based drug candidates with proteins. 24,25 For example, selected gold(I) NHC complexes are assumed to induce apoptosis by inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). 26 The latter is a seleno-enzyme that is overexpressed in several cancer cells and plays an important regulatory role in the cellular redox-balance.…”