Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Amide Coupling Reaction for the Synthesis of Bispyridine-based Ligands and Their Complexation to Platinum as Dinuclear Anticancer Agents
Published on: May 28, 2014
Mechanistic insights into antitumor effects of new dinuclear cis Pt(II) complexes containing aromatic linkers
Lenka Zerzankova1, Hana Kostrhunova, Marie Vojtiskova
1Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, CZ-61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
The primary objective was to understand more deeply the molecular mechanism underlying different antitumor effects of dinuclear Pt(II) complexes containing aromatic linkers of different length, {[cis-Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl](2)(4,4'-methylenedianiline)}(2+) (1) and {[cis-Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl](2)(alpha,alpha'-diamino-p-xylene)}(2+) (2). These complexes belong to a new generation of promising polynuclear platinum drugs resistant to decomposition by sulfur nucleophiles which hampers clinical use of bifunctional polynuclear trans Pt(II) complexes hitherto tested. Results obtained with the aid of methods of molecular biophysics and pharmacology reveal differences and new details of DNA modifications by 1 and 2 and recognition of these modifications by cellular components. The results indicate that the unique properties of DNA interstrand cross-links of this class of polynuclear platinum complexes and recognition of these cross-links may play a prevalent role in antitumor effects of these metallodrugs. Moreover, the results show for the first time a strong specific recognition and binding of high-mobility-group-domain proteins, which are known to modulate antitumor effects of clinically used platinum drugs, to DNA modified by a polynuclear platinum complex.
Related Concept Videos
Stereoisomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula.
Transition metal complexes often exist as geometric isomers, in which the same atoms are connected through the same types of bonds but with differences in their orientation in space. Coordination complexes with two different ligands in the cis and trans positions from a ligand of interest form isomers. For example, the octahedral [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+ ion has two isomers (Figure 1) In the cis...
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Valence Bond Theory
Aromatic Hydrocarbon Cations: Structural Overview
Removing one hydrogen from the intervening CH2 group with both...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...

