title: Approaches to the design of catalytic metallodrugs.
abstract: Metal ions are known to act as catalytic centres in metallo-enzymes. On the other hand, low-molecular-weight metal complexes are widely used as catalysts in chemical systems. However, small catalysts do not have a large protein ligand to provide substrate selectivity and minimize catalyst poisoning. Despite the challenges that the lack of a protein ligand might pose, some success in the use of metal catalysts for biochemical transformations has been reported. Here, we present a brief overview of such reports, especially involving catalytic reactions in cells. Examples include C-C bond formation, deprotection and functional group modification, degradation of biomolecules, and redox modulation. We discuss four classes of catalytic redox modulators: photosensitizers, superoxide dismutase mimics, thiol oxidants, and transfer hydrogenation catalysts. Catalytic metallodrugs offer the prospect of low-dose therapy and a challenging new design strategy for future exploration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: Joan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Soldevila-Barreda
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. Electronic address: P.J.Sadler@warwick.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Sadler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002384:Catalysis; D056831:Coordination Complexes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
chemical_list: D056831:Coordination Complexes