Terpyridine Glycoconjugates and Their Metal Complexes: Antiproliferative Activity and Proteasome Inhibition

Metal terpyridine complexes have gained substantial interest in many application fields, such as catalysis and supramolecular chemistry. In recent years, the biological activity of terpyridine and its metal complexes has aroused considerable regard. On this basis, we synthesised new terpyridine derivatives of trehalose and glucose to improve the water solubility of terpyridine ligands and target them in cancer cells through glucose transporters. Glucose derivative and its copper(II) and iron(II) complexes showed antiproliferative activity. Interestingly, trehalose residue reduced the cytotoxicity of terpyridine. Moreover, we tested the ability of parent terpyridine ligands and their copper complexes to inhibit proteasome activity as an antineoplastic mechanism.

Automated summary

Metal terpyridine complexes have attracted significant interest in various fields, and the biological activity of terpyridine and its metal complexes has received considerable attention. To improve their water solubility and target them in cancer cells, we synthesized new terpyridine derivatives of trehalose and glucose. The glucose derivative and its copper(II) and iron(II) complexes exhibited antiproliferative activity, while the trehalose residue reduced the cytotoxicity. Additionally, we evaluated the ability of the parent terpyridine ligands and their copper complexes to inhibit proteasome activity as an antineoplastic mechanism.