For more than a century, the anti-diabetic properties of vanadium-containing complexes have been studied, but the setback when the compound in phase 2 clinical trials went off patent has recently been counter-acted by the anti-cancer activities of oncolytic viruses. Indeed, combination of desirable properties for chemotherapy, i.e., strong cytotoxicity, anti-metastatic activities and relatively low systemic toxicity is taking over where previous studies discontinued. The Crans group has been investigating several different classes of vanadium compounds, their coordination chemistry, kinetic, and thermodynamic properties as well as how they interact with interfaces. Many of these studies were carried out with undergraduates, and it has been a fertile ground to train students. The vanadium systems are so versatile because the compounds are very reactive, there are spectroscopic handles (<sup>51</sup>V NMR spectroscopy and EPR spectroscopy), and the phosphate-vanadate analogy prone for multiple investigations of relevance to biology and medicine. New systems such as catecholate systems and old vanadium systems such as dipicolinate and peptide based systems are described; highlighting the opportunities that science provides in mentorship of students and their careers.

From anti-diabetic to anti-cancer compounds: Conducting research while working with undergraduates

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.