Synthesis of non-platinum transition metal complexes with N,O donor chelating ligand for application against cancer with higher efficacy and selectivity is currently an important research field. We assessed The anti-cancer effects of a mixed ligand Ni(II) complex on human breast and lung cancer cell lines in the current investigation. Mononuclear mixed ligand octahedral Ni(II) complex [NiIIL(NO3)(MeOH)] complex(1), with tri-dentate phenol-based ligand 2,4-dichloro-6-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol (HL) along with methanol and nitrate as ancillary ligand was prepared. Piperazine moiety of the ligand exists as boat conformation in this complex as revealed from single crystal X-ray study. UV -visible spectrum of complex (1) exhibits three distinct d-d bands due to spin-allowed 3A2g→3T1g(P), 3A2g→3T1g(F) and 3A2g→3T2g(F) transitions as expected octahedral d8 system. Complex (1) through transactivation of p53 and its pro-apoptotic downstream targets induce apoptotic cell death in mouse and human cancer cells such as mcf-7, A549 and MDA-MB-231 in dose dependent manner. Furthermore, complex (1) was able to slow the migratory rate of MDA-MB-231 cells' in vitro as well as epithelia -mesenchymal transition (EMT), the key step for metastatic transition and malignancy. Over all our results suggest complex (1) as potential agent in anti-tumor treatment regimen both as cytotoxic and anti-metastatic agent against malignant neoplasia.
Keywords: Flexible tri-dentate ligand; Metal-organic frameworks; Mixed ligand Ni(II) complex; antitumor agents; apoptosis.
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