Photo-induced DNA cleavage and cytotoxicity of a ruthenium(II) arene anticancer complex

The Ru(II) arene anticancer complex, after irradiation by UVA and visible light, induces efficient cleavage of double-helical DNA also in the cancer cells. Concomitantly the irradiation markedly enhances toxicity of the Ru(II) complex in cancer cells. The mechanism of DNA photocleavage involves a direct attack of ruthenated guanine residues.130