A ferrocene-containing nucleoside analogue targets DNA replication in pancreatic cancer cells. (PubMed, Metallomics)
In the current study we demonstrate that an organometallic nucleoside analogue, the ferronucleoside 1-(S,Rp), is cytotoxic in a panel of PDAC cell lines including gemcitabine-resistant MIAPaCa2, with IC50 values comparable to cisplatin. Studies in p53 deficient cell lines showed activation of CDKN1A (p21) and GADD45A by 1-(S, Rp) was at least partially independent of p53. In conclusion, because of its potency and activity in gemcitabine resistant cells, 1-(S, Rp) is a promising candidate molecule for development of new treatments for PDAC.