FETPY: a Diiron(I) Thio-Carbyne Complex with Prominent Anticancer Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

J Med Chem. 2024 May 9;67(9):7553-7568. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00377. Epub 2024 Apr 19.

Abstract

FETPY, an organo-diiron(I) complex, showed strong cytotoxicity across a panel of human and mouse cancer cell lines, combined with an outstanding selectivity compared to nonmalignant cells. Enhanced iron uptake in aggressive, low-differentiated cell lines, caused membrane lipid peroxidation, which resulted in ferroptosis in human ovarian cancer cells. FETPY induced significant morphological changes in murine B16-F1 and B16-F10 melanoma cells, leading to senescence and/or trans-differentiation into Schwann-like cells, thus significantly reducing their tumorigenic potential. Additionally, FETPY substantially suppressed tumor growth in low- and high-grade syngeneic melanoma models when administered in a therapeutic regimen. FETPY is featured by satisfactory water solubility (millimolar range), an amphiphilic character (Log Pow = -0.17), and excellent stability in a biological medium (DMEM). These important requisites for drug development are rarely met in iron complexes investigated so far as possible anticancer agents. Overall, FETPY holds promise as a safe and potent targeted antitumor agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Coordination Complexes / chemical synthesis
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry
  • Coordination Complexes / pharmacology
  • Coordination Complexes / therapeutic use
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Melanoma, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL