Interactions between metallointercalators and DNA have been of interest for quite some time due to their potential utility as DNA probes or chemotherapeutic agents. Many ruthenium polypyridyl complexes have been reported to function as DNA photocleavers. We have developed a family of ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes derivative of Ru(bpy)2(dppz)2+ where the dppz liagnd has been extended to a pteridine. All of the Ru(bpy)2(pteridine)2+ complexes exhibit a similar ability to intercalate into DNA, but none have the ability to photocleave DNA alone.  However, we have observed that DNA photocleavage ability is exhibited by certain Ru(bpy)2(pteridine)2+ complexes after experiencing a pteridine ring scission reaction.  We present three examples of ring-cleavage in Ru(bpy)2(pteridine)2+ complexes that yield powerful DNA photocleavage.  In addition, we discovered the ability of the biological coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), to induce DNA photocleavage by non-photocleaving Ru-L-pteridine complexes.  Furthermore, the NADH-induced photocleavage by Ru(bpy)2(pteridine)2+ complexes is effected under both aerobic as well as anaerobic environments.  Syntheses and characterization data for new complexes will be presented and evidence illustrating photocleavage abilities is shown using the pB322 plasmid DNA monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Turning on DNA photocleavage by Ru(bpy)<sub>2</sub>(pteridine)<sup>2+</sup> complexes

244th National Meeting (2012)

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Turning on DNA photocleavage by Ru(bpy)2(pteridine)2+ complexes

Turning on DNA photocleavage by Ru(bpy)₂(pteridine)²⁺ complexes