A cyclometalated iridium(III) complex that inhibits the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells

• Published in: Inorganic chemistry communications 2016-05, Vol.67, p.40-43
• Main Authors: Wang, Jinquan, Hou, Xiaojuan, Zhao, Zizhuo, Bo, Huaben, Chen, Qizhu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anticancer; Antimetastasis; Invasion; Iridium(III) complex; Migration
• ISSN: 1387-7003; 1879-0259
• DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2016.02.018

A cyclometalated iridium(III) complex, [Ir(ppy)2(PCN)]Cl (Ir1, ppy=2-phenylpyridine, PCN=2-(4-cyanophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f] [1,10] phenanthroline), was synthesized and characterized in the present study. Ir1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Ir1 down-regulated the phosphorylation of AKT/ERK signal pathways. According to confocal fluorescence microscopy analysis, Ir1 was primarily localized within the mitochondria and induced apoptosis through an intrinsic mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Thus, Ir1 exhibited both antimetastatic and antineoplastic properties, indicating that Ir1 may be a viable drug candidate in antimetastasis and anticancer therapies. A novel cyclometalated iridium(III) complex exhibited both antimetastatic and antineoplastic properties by inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. [Display omitted] •A novel cyclometalated iridium(III) complex Ir1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.•Ir1 exhibited both antimetastatic and antineoplastic properties.