A bifunctional organometallic ruthenium drug with multiple modes of inducing apoptosis

J Biol Inorg Chem. 2011 Jun;16(5):715-24. doi: 10.1007/s00775-011-0772-0. Epub 2011 Mar 25.

Abstract

The organometallic glutathione S-transferase inhibitor ruthenium(II) (ethacrynic acid-η(6)-benzylamide)(1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) dichloride, termed ethaRAPTA, has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in the cisplatin-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Probing the molecular basis of this activity suggests that the complex triggers multiple pathways toward apoptosis, including those involving endonuclease G, caspases, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, which could provide a therapy for multi-drug-resistant tumors. Furthermore, the induction of heat shock protein 70 expression enhances selectivity of the complex for tumor cells, reducing the general toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cisplatin / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Female
  • Glutathione Transferase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Organometallic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Ruthenium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Ruthenium Compounds / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Ruthenium Compounds
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • Cisplatin