Abstract

We have synthesized and characterized five copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L1)(alanine)(NO3)]·2H2O (1), [Cu(L1)(methionine)(H2O)]NO3·4H2O (2), [Cu(L2)(glycine)] NO3·3H2O (3), [Cu(L2)(alanine)Cl]·2H2O (4) and [Cu(L3)(phenylalanine)Br] (5), (L1 = 3-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1, 10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenol; L2 = 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1Himidazo[4,5-f][1, 10]phenanthroline; L3 = 4-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1, 10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenol). Antiproliferative activity was examined using MTT assay against seven human cancer cells. Complexes 1 and 3 induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. We also have investigated the potential anti-stemness properties in which the proportion of breast cancer stem cells in MDA-MB-231 cells (CD44 + CD24– cell subpopulation) were significantly reduced by 1 and 3. Furthermore, they decrease the size and mammospheres formed, inhibit tumor cell migration, and reverse epithelial–mesenchymal transition progression, as well as induce a reduction in expression of stemness markers, Nanog, and Sox-2 proteins. The copper(II) complexes may possess potential in treating TNBC with stem cell-like properties.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.