Speciation of precious metal anti-cancer complexes by NMR spectroscopy

Drug Discov Today Technol. 2015 Sep:16:7-15. doi: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2015.08.002. Epub 2015 Sep 11.

Abstract

Understanding the mechanism of action of anti-cancer agents is of paramount importance for drug development. NMR spectroscopy can provide insights into the kinetics and thermodynamics of the binding of metallodrugs to biomolecules. NMR is most sensitive for highly abundant I=1/2 nuclei with large magnetic moments. Polarization transfer can enhance NMR signals of insensitive nuclei at physiologically-relevant concentrations. This paper reviews NMR methods for speciation of precious metal anti-cancer complexes, including platinum-group and gold-based anti-cancer agents. Examples of NMR studies involving interactions with DNA and proteins in particular are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry*
  • Coordination Complexes / therapeutic use
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Gold / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Metals, Heavy / chemistry*
  • Metals, Heavy / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Platinum / chemistry
  • Platinum / therapeutic use
  • Rhodium / chemistry
  • Rhodium / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Coordination Complexes
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Platinum
  • Gold
  • Rhodium