Copper(II) and manganese(III) complexes of N′-[(2-hydroxy phenyl) carbonothioyl] pyridine-2-carbohydrazide: novel therapeutic agents for cancer

c-Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase which plays a significant role in the growth mediated signaling pathway impacting cellular proliferation, differentiation, mobility, survival and transformation. Myristoylation of pp60c-src leads to its membrane association and activation, a process catalyzed by N-myristoyltransferase (NMT). We have shown earlier increased NMT activity in the early stages of colon cancer. A novel sulfur nitrogen donor ligand and its Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes have been prepared and characterized using various physicochemical analyses. These Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes showed cytotoxicity against the colon cancer cell line HT29. The IC50 for Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes were 12.2 and 16.1 μM, respectively. HT29 cells treated with Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes induced apoptosis and inhibited endogenous NMT activity. Furthermore, they induced higher levels of hsc70 and inhibited the expression of c-Src. Inhibition of endogenous NMT activity by metal complexes was demonstrated for the first time. This study also suggested that NMT activity is crucial for cell survival and demonstrated that cessation in activity results in apoptosis. These metal complexes may prove to be novel therapeutic agents for cancer targeting NMT.