Mitochondria-targeted half-sandwich rutheniumII diimine complexes: anticancer and antimetastasis via ROS-mediated signalling

Abstract

Herein we present half-sandwich Ru^II diimine complexes that combine anticancer and antimetastasis activity into one molecule. Two half-sandwich Ru^II diimine complexes [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(N^N)Cl]PF₆ have been synthesized and characterized. Ru^II complexes show antiproliferative activity against a wide range of cancer cell lines in vitro. In addition, they exhibit no cross-resistance with cisplatin. The complexes target mitochondria, damage mitochondrial integrity, and induce mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Further studies show that the complexes can induce activation of caspase 3/PARP. Interestingly, the complexes finally lead to apoptosis and impede cell migration in cancer cells via ROS-mediated signalling.