Exploring the Anticancer Activity of Tamoxifen-Based Metal Complexes Targeting Mitochondria

Two new ‘hybrid’ metallodrugs of Au(III) (AuTAML) and Cu(II) (CuTAML) were designed featuring a tamoxifen-derived pharmacophore to ideally synergize the anticancer activity of both the metal center and the organic ligand. The compounds have antiproliferative effects against human MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells. Molecular dynamics studies suggest that the compounds retain the binding activity to estrogen receptor (ERα). In vitro and in silico studies showed that the Au(III) derivative is an inhibitor of the seleno-enzyme thioredoxin reductase, while the Cu(II) complex may act as an oxidant of different intracellular thiols. In breast cancer cells treated with the compounds, a redox imbalance characterized by a decrease in total thiols and increased reactive oxygen species production was detected. Despite their different reactivities and cytotoxic potencies, a great capacity of the metal complexes to induce mitochondrial damage was observed as shown by their effects on mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, and morphology.