Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

An In Vitro Enzymatic Assay to Measure Transcription Inhibition by Gallium(III) and H3 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corroles
Published on: March 18, 2015
Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and DNA interactions of new monodentate ruthenium(II) complexes containing terphenyl
Tijana Bugarcic1, Olga Nováková, Anna Halámiková
1School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
We have compared the cancer cell cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and DNA binding properties of the isomeric terphenyl complexes [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(en)Cl](+), where the arene is ortho- (2), meta- (3), or para-terphenyl (1) (o-, m-, or p-terp). Complex 1, the X-ray crystal structure of which confirms that it has the classical "piano-stool" geometry, has a similar potency to cisplatin but is not cross-resistant and has a much higher activity than 2 or 3. The extent of Ru uptake into A2780 or A2780cis cells does not correlate with potency. Complex 1 binds to DNA rapidly and quantitatively, preferentially to guanine residues, and causes significant DNA unwinding. Circular and linear dichroism, competitive binding experiments with ethidium bromide, DNA melting, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic data are consistent with combined intercalative and monofunctional (coordination) binding mode of complex 1. This unusual DNA binding mode may therefore make a major contribution to the high potency of complex 1.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
EDTA: Chemistry and Properties
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Phase II Reactions: Miscellaneous Conjugation Reactions
A key example involves the conjugation of cyanide ions, which impair cellular respiration and alter hemoglobin into non-oxygen-carrying cyanmethemoglobin. To neutralize this threat, a sulfur atom from thiosulphate is transferred to the cyanide ion, catalyzed by the enzyme rhodanese, resulting in an inactive compound called thiocyanate. The production of...
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
EDTA: Auxiliary Complexing Reagents
Complexometric Titration: Ligands

