DNA interaction studies of a cobalt(III) complex containing β–amino alcohol ligand by spectroscopic and molecular docking methods

Abstract

In the present research, the feasibility of a Cobalt(III) complex containing β–amino alcohol ligands for affinity with the target calf thymus DNA is demonstrated. In the title complex, [Co(C11H15N2O2)2]Cl, the Co(III) atom is six-coordinated with four N atoms and two O atoms from (2-[(E)-({2-[(2-Hydroxyethyl) amino]ethyl}imino)methyl]phenol) ligand (L). To investigate the molecular interaction between the synthesized complex and DNA, some multi-spectroscopic approaches associated with molecular docking were employed in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4). The results indicated that the Co(III) complex proved to be a minor groove binder with a preference for the A-T region, which was substantiated by displacement studies with Hoechst33258 and Methylene blue (MB) as minor groove binder and intercalator. In addition, the results of the molecular docking study revealed that the Co(III) complex approached the gap between the DNA minor grooves near the spot where the Hoechst was. Furthermore, the results of the cytotoxicity and apoptosis tests for the MCF-7 cell line were also indicative of the positive effects of the complex on controlling the growth and viability of breast cancer. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma