Deubiquitinases as potential anti-cancer targets for gold(III) complexes

A panel of [Au-III((CN)-N-boolean AND)(R2NCS2)](+) ((HCN)-N-boolean AND = 2-phenylpyridine) complexes displayed significant deubiquitinases (DUBs) inhibitory activity; one of these complexes showed selective in vitro cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cells correlated to high cellular uptake of gold, and induced cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and anti-angiogenic property that could be related to DUB inhibitory activity.