Many cytotoxic metal complexes interact with or damage DNA. While this provides for effective cell killing, the non-selective mechanism leads to potential off-target effects. A promising approach is to develop compounds capable of targeting and damaging key biological molecules, such as specific nucleic acid structures or sequences. Alternatively, selective agents can be developed to inactivate functionally important proteins. We are using coordination chemistry for the design of compounds to target different nucleic acids or proteins within the cell, depending on the compounds’ ligands, structure and charge. The potential to develop agents that target various essential cellular processes will be explored, with opportunities to either report on or alter biological function.

Targeting specific nucleic acid structures and proteins with ruthenium complexes

251st National Meeting (2016)

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