Exploring the antitumor potential of metal-based compounds containing Schiff bases

Since their discovery in 1864, Schiff bases and their transition metal complexes continue to be an area of tremendous research activity due to their fascinating properties [1]. Several Schiff base derivatives have exhibited anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, making them promising candidates for drug development [1]. Herein, the effect on tumor cell lines of a range of metal complexes bearing Schiff bases will be discussed. This includes coordination and cyclopalladated compounds bearing oximes and thiosemicarbazones derived from privileged scaffolds for drug discovery, such as tetralone, cinnamaldehyde, and vanillin [2-3]. Additionally, studies on developing organelle-targeted complexes that can accumulate in subcellular regions and initiate cell death by damaging specific organelles will be presented. For example, the incorporation of a 4-(2-ethyl)morpholine moiety into the molecular backbone of Schiff bases gives the complex lysosome-targeting properties, which might result in the lysosomal membrane permeabilization and the release of cathepsins into the cytosol.