Prevent Spread of Cancer with Copper Molecules

Prevent Spread of Cancer with Copper Molecules

Chemists at Bielefeld University have developed a copper-containing molecule, which binds specifically to DNA and prevents the spread of cancer. The first results show that these molecules kill cancer cells faster than cisplatin, a widely used and often given anticancer drug in chemotherapy.

At the time of developing this antitumor agent, Professor Dr. Thorsten Glaser and his team work closely with biochemists and physicists. The design of this new agency is a basic study. "How and whether this copper complex will actually be given to cancer patients is something that medical research should determine in the coming years," says the chemist.

Since the late 1970s, doctors have used cisplatin to treat cancer. In lung cancer and testicular cancer, this drug promotes healing. However, cisplatin can not work for all types of cancer. Cisplatin is also one of the most common anticancer drugs that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. "Therefore we want to develop alternative agents that will work differently, have fewer side effects and also treat other types of cancer," says Thorsten Glaser, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Bielefeld University.

"In addition, we want an agent that will treat cancer that has become resistant to cisplatin through its use in previous treatments," Glaser continued.

Glaser and his team used methods from chemistry to produce new molecules that were not found in nature and complete them with certain properties.

Cisplatin attacks the DNA of cancer cells. DNA consists of nucleotide bases, phosphates and sugars. New molecules developed by researchers attack phosphates in DNA, while cisplatin binds to a nucleotide base. "We do this by integrating two copper metal ions in a molecule that specifically binds to the phosphate." As soon as the ions bind to the phosphate, the DNA of the cancer cell changes. This disrupts cellular processes, preventing cancer cells from multiplying and leading to the destruction of cancer cells.

"Just like a key that only works on certain padlocks, our molecules just bind to phosphates and block them," says Glaser. A bit like a horseshoe end, there are two copper metal ions that stand out from this new molecule. The gap between the two horseshoe ends corresponds exactly to the distance between the phosphates inside the DNA, so that they can bond together. "Since the two phosphates bind together, bond strength becomes greater and this is what increases effectiveness," he explained.

Scientists at Bielefeld University have developed procedures for the manufacture of new molecules. They have proven that the copper agent they developed can bind to DNA and change it. In addition, they have also studied whether and how well these anticancer agents prevent the spread of DNA and cancer cells. Replication of the genome inside the cell takes place in a manner similar to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Researchers have confirmed that the copper complex used can stop this chain reaction.

Finally, scientists have applied this agent to cancer cells. They were then given cell culture material containing cancer cells. "As a result, copper complexes are more effective than cisplatin. The highest number of cancer cell deaths at 10 micromolar concentrations, with cisplatin, you need 20 micromolars, "says Glaser

While conducting research on new agents, Professor Glaser and his team worked with Professor Dr. Dario Anselmetti (Biophysics and Nanoscience) and Professor Dr. Gabriele Fischer von Mollard (Biochemistry), both also from Bielefeld University. Fellow Dario Anselmetti uses atomic force microscopes to produce images that confirm that copper complexes bind to DNA. Gabriele Fischer von Mollard's team tested how cancer cell culture responds to the new agent.

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