Biological Chemistry

This research primarily focuses on the interactions between transition metal complexes and DNA. This work aims at understanding the principles of DNA recognition, with the ultimate goal of being able to design compounds that can control gene expression - the next great target now that most of the human genome has been sequenced. We study the interactions of inert dinuclear ruthenium complexes with DNA and RNA. Dinuclear ruthenium complexes, rather than the more often studied mononuclear complexes, offer many advantages. Dinuclear complexes bind selectively at DNA and RNA non-duplex sites, e.g. bulges and hairpin-loops, where shape, size, functionality and charge govern selectivity and affinity.

In addition, we are also involved in the development of a new, and very promising, class of anti-cancer drug – multinuclear platinum complexes. We design and synthesise new complexes, determine their biological activity and examine their binding to DNA by NMR spectroscopy. In addition, we are exploring the possibility of reducing the toxicity and degradation by plasma proteins of multinuclear platinum complexes by encapsulating them in cucurbituril, an open-ended barrel shaped host molecule.

Members of the Biological Chemistry Research Group

Academic Staff:

Assoc. Prof. Grant Collins (g.collins@adfa.edu.au) BSc, PhD ANU, MRACI, CChem

Research Assistant:

Dr Damian Buck (d.buck@adfa.edu.au) BSc, PhD ANU

Research Students:

Najia Adnan - Research Topic - Analysis of DNA binging of Pixantrone

Linta Peter Chalissery - Research Topic - Supramolecular chemistry

Michelle Pisani - Research Topic – Dinuclear ruthenium (II) complexes as DNA-binding drugs

Yunjie Zhao - Research Topic - Cucurbit[n]uril as a drug delivery technology

Research Collaborators:

Prof. Richard Keene (James Cook University, Townsville)
Dr Nial Wheate (University of Strathclyde)
Assoc. Prof. Janice Aldrich-Wright (University of Western Sydney)