A Cu(II) complex targeting the translocator protein: in vitro and in vivo antitumor potential and mechanistic insights

A new Cu-based anticancer metallodrug which targets the translocator protein is reported. [CuBr2(TZ6)] elicits a remarkable in vitro cytotoxicity in sensitive and multidrug resistant cell lines and induces a 98% reduction of tumor mass in a murine tumor model. Target binding was studied by experimental and computational methods.