The discovery of efficient new metallodrugs with minimal side effects is urgently needed in cancer medicine. Associate Professor Andrew Kellett and Dr Creina Slator, Dublin City University, Ireland, have employed ‘click chemistry’ to generate new copper DNA molecular scissors with anticancer and gene editing properties. Their molecules have coordinated metal centres and mimic the action of natural products that cause DNA strand cutting, thereby disrupting the DNA-mediated growth of cancer cells. The researchers have successfully synthesised a group of these compounds and described their mode of action, with a view to generate new therapies.

Natural products have historically served as the major source of therapeutic drugs. However, the evolution of preparative chemistry has helped to address limitations associated with the isolation and laborious extraction of bioactive therapeutic agents. Within cancer treatment, some of the most successful therapeutic strategies involve the synthesis of DNA targeted drugs that circumvent drug-resistance pathways. Discoveries of new cancer metallodrugs – compounds whose properties and mode of action are dependent on the chemistry of a particular metal ion – appear promising not only for overcoming resistance factors, but also for treating cancers where limited treatment options exist.

Dr Creina Slator and Associate Professor Andrew Kellett of Dublin City University, Ireland, investigate copper complexes that can initiate cancer cell death by an oxidative mechanism causing DNA damage. The team’s work focuses on the design of inorganic, metal-based compounds that act as molecular scissors for DNA excision in cancer therapy and other diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

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