Issue 11, 2018

Cyclometallated Au(iii) dithiocarbamate complexes: synthesis, anticancer evaluation and mechanistic studies

Abstract

A series of cationic mixed cyclometallated (C^N)Au(III) dithiocarbamate complexes has been synthesized in good yields [HC^N = 2-(p-t-butylphenyl)pyridine]. The crystal structure of [(C^N)AuS2CNEt2]PF6 (3) has been determined. The cytotoxic properties of the new complexes have been evaluated in vitro against a panel of human cancer cell lines and healthy cells and compared with a neutral mixed (C^C)Au(III) dithiocarbamate complex (C^C = 4,4′-di-t-butylbiphenyl-2,2′-diyl). The complexes appeared to be susceptible to reduction by glutathione but were stable in the presence of N-acetyl cysteine. The potential mechanism of action of this class of compounds has been investigated by measuring the intracellular uptake of some selected complexes, by determining their interactions with higher order DNA structures, and by assessing the ability to inhibit thioredoxin reductase. The complexes proved unable to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species. The investigations add to the picture of the possible mode of action of this class of complexes.

Graphical abstract: Cyclometallated Au(iii) dithiocarbamate complexes: synthesis, anticancer evaluation and mechanistic studies

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Aug 2018
Accepted
18 Sep 2018
First published
18 Sep 2018

Metallomics, 2018,10, 1655-1666

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