摘要 |
This invention concerns a coordination complex of the formula (R)2-M-(Y)2 wherein M comprises a suitable transition metal, e.g. cobalt or ruthenium, R comprises 1,10-phenanthroline or a substituted derivative thereof, Y comprises a labile ligand, e.g. chloride, tartrate, malonate or ascorbate ion and R and Y are bonded to M by coordination bonds. A complex of this invention may be used for covalently labeling DNA with a complex of the formula (R)2-M, wherein R and M are as previously defined. A complex of this invention which contains cobalt may also be used in a method for nicking DNA by effecting single-stranded scission of at least one phosphodiester bond of the DNA with ultraviolet radiation. A complex of this invention is further useful in a method for killing tumor cells. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of tumor cells in a subject may be prepared containing an effective anti-tumor amount of a complex of this invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such a composition may be used for treating a subject afflicted with tumor cells so as to cause regression of the tumor cells.
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