Event Title
Analyzing the Effects of Novel Platinum and Ruthenium Complexes on MDCK and HeLa Cells
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Karin Melkonian
Major/Area of Research
Biology
Description
Platinum complexes, such as cisplatin, are well known for exhibiting anticancer activity in a variety of tumors. These complexes have exhibited cytotoxic properties and have been shown to interfere with DNA repair mechanisms, leading to cell death. These drugs, however, have many unfortunate side effects. Ruthenium complexes have also been shown to exhibit anticancer activity. These complexes act similarly to platinum complexes, but exhibit less toxicity. This is due to ruthenium complexes being able to mimic iron and exploit the body’s method of transferring iron. In addition, these complexes are not toxic until they interact with the unique chemically reducing environment that cancer cells create. In this study, tissue culture of MDCK and HeLa cells were utilized in order to observe the effects of novel ruthenium complexes on both cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Cells will be examined microscopically for cytopathogenic effects and LD50’s will be determined using a cell viability (MTT) assay.
Analyzing the Effects of Novel Platinum and Ruthenium Complexes on MDCK and HeLa Cells
Platinum complexes, such as cisplatin, are well known for exhibiting anticancer activity in a variety of tumors. These complexes have exhibited cytotoxic properties and have been shown to interfere with DNA repair mechanisms, leading to cell death. These drugs, however, have many unfortunate side effects. Ruthenium complexes have also been shown to exhibit anticancer activity. These complexes act similarly to platinum complexes, but exhibit less toxicity. This is due to ruthenium complexes being able to mimic iron and exploit the body’s method of transferring iron. In addition, these complexes are not toxic until they interact with the unique chemically reducing environment that cancer cells create. In this study, tissue culture of MDCK and HeLa cells were utilized in order to observe the effects of novel ruthenium complexes on both cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Cells will be examined microscopically for cytopathogenic effects and LD50’s will be determined using a cell viability (MTT) assay.