DNA recognition site of anticancer tinidazole copper(ii) complexes

This paper describes the recognition process of tetrahedral [CuII(tnz)2X2] (X = Cl, Br) complexes by a DNA chain, analyzing the specific interaction between the DNA bases and backbone with the metal and the tinidazole (tnz) ligand. We identified the coordination of the copper metal center with one or two phosphates as the first recognition site for the tinidazole copper(II) complexes, while the ligands present partial intercalation into the minor groove. Also, we discuss a novel trigonal copper(I) tnz bromide complex, obtained by reducing the previously reported [Cu(tnz)2Br2]. This complex sheds light on the mechanism of action of tnz metal complexes as one of the most stable DNA-complex adducts depicts a trigonal geometry around the copper ion.