dichlorodicarbonyl(4-hydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)

RuCl2(CO)2L(4-OH) is a ruthenium-based carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM) that has been investigated for its potential as an anticancer therapeutic. The complex consists of a ruthenium(II) center coordinated to two chloride ligands, two carbonyl groups, and a 4-hydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine ligand. It acts as a CO donor, releasing carbon monoxide to exert biological effects such as anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that RuCl2(CO)2L(4-OH) exhibits significant cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines, including HeLa (cervical cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer). The compound's mechanism of action involves the induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, characterized by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activation of caspases 3 and 9. The hydroxy group on the bipyridine ligand is thought to modulate the complex's solubility and biological efficacy compared to unsubstituted analogs.

Other names

dichlorodicarbonyl(4-hydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)[RuCl2(CO)2(4-OH-bpy)]Ru-OH-bpy