A novel naturally occurring tripyrrole with potential nuclease and anti-tumour properties

The DNA targeting and membrane damaging activities of a novel tripyrrole 1 obtained as a red pigment from the Micrococcus sp. were investigated. It was found that compound 1 binds with DNA efficiently and facilitates copper-mediated DNA cleavage as well as peroxidation of membrane lipids by a process that does not require any external reducing agent. Compound 1 also showed impressive cytotoxicity to both mouse and human tumour cell lines. The membrane damaging ability of compound 1 might be vital in its nuclease and cytotoxicity properties. Interestingly, compared to the various DNA cleaving agents, compound 1 showed a preferential binding with the G–C rich domain.

The natural tripyrrole 1 shows intercalative DNA binding with high G-C specificity and a Cu(II)-dependent nuclease and lipid damaging abilities. The prooxidant activity also assists in its cytoxicity to tumour cell lines.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide