Impact of N-heteroaromatic N-termini in Cu(ii) ATCUN metallopeptides on their biorelevant redox activity

Cu(ii) complexes with ATCUN peptide ligands have been investigated for their ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation and oxidative DNA degradation abilities. The biological activity of most ATCUN complexes such as Cu-GGH (Gly-Gly-His) is, however, low. Tuning the redox chemistry by incorporation of N-heteroaromatics reinstates ROS production which leads to efficient DNA cleavage.

Automated summary

Cu(ii) complexes with ATCUN peptide ligands were investigated for their ROS generation and oxidative DNA degradation abilities. However, the biological activity of most ATCUN complexes such as Cu-GGH (Gly-Gly-His) is low. Tuning the redox chemistry by incorporating N-heteroaromatics reinstates ROS production, leading to efficient DNA cleavage.