DNA-binding, photocleavage and anti-cancer activity of tin(IV) corrole

A new tin(IV) corrole, 5,10,15-tris(4-methoxycarbonylphenyl) corrole tin(IV) (1-Sn) was synthesized and characterized. The DNA binding, photocleavage and anti-cancer activity were studied and compared with its free-base. The interaction of 1-Sn and its free-base 1 with calf thymus DNA had been investigated by spectroscopic methods, viscosity measurements and molecular docking analysis. The results revealed that 1-Sn and 1 could interact with calf thymus DNA via an outside groove binding mode. Furthermore, although 1 displayed no photonuclease activity, 1-Sn exhibited good photonuclease activity as indicated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and superoxide anion might be the active intermediate for the DNA scission. Finally, 1 was nontoxic but 1-Sn displayed cytotoxicity towards A549 tumor cell lines.