Interactions of metal-metal-bonded antitumor active complexes with DNA fragments and DNA.

This Account summarizes the DNA binding properties of anticancer active dinuclear Rh, Re, and Ru compounds. The combined results of NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and various biochemical tools provide incontrovertible evidence that dinuclear complexes are favorably poised to bind to purine nucleobases, DNA fragments, and double-stranded DNA. Moreover, direct DNA photocleavage in vitro is effected by dirhodium compounds in the presence of electron acceptors in solution or directly attached to the dirhodium core. This research has provided valuable insight in the interactions of dinuclear compounds with DNA, knowledge that is an excellent backdrop for rational design of promising dinuclear drugs.