Australia: University of Western Sydney: Biologically Active Drugs by Design Group
Aldrich-Wright Group;
Keywords: anticancer, metallointercalators, biological activity, NMR, platinum
Significant contributions have been made to the investigation of metal complex-DNA interactions. Work initiated at WSU has demonstrated by 1H NMR, that both Δ- and -Λ[Ru(2,9-phenMe2)2(dpq/dppz)]2+ bind to the oligonucleotide d(GTCGAC)2 by intercalation within the minor groove. These were the first NMR experiments to do so and this finding, while controversial, is significant because the differences in binding of these simple molecules must be well understood if sequence-selective binding by metal complexes is to be realised. The work has influenced researchers to re-investigate the DNA interactions of metallointercalators with a less prejudiced view about the nature and extent of intercalation. The findings of this research were confirmed by X-ray structure analysis for more than one complex of this type in Nature Chemistry in 2012.
Ongoing research and innovative complex design at WSU has resulted in the discovery of a new class of platinum compounds that differ significantly in their mode of action from current clinically used anticancer platinum compound. Antibacterial agents that are more effective against biofilms, than currently used, have also been identified.
Other research conducted at by Janice's group at Western Sydney University has resulted in the discovery of a new group of platinum-based compounds. This new group of compounds are water-soluble and in preliminary testing against cancer cells lines and are showing a very high level of activity.
