Reduction of a platinum(iv) prodrug model by sulfur containing biological reductants: computational mechanistic elucidation

Abstract

A Pt^IV prodrug needs to be reduced to Pt^II by a biomolecule in order to show efficacy. Among biomolecules, those containing an L-Cys residue have the highest potential to be involved in reduction. Tautomerisation from HSCH₂CH(NH₃⁺)CO₂⁻ to the unusual zwitterion form ⁻SCH₂CH(NH₃⁺)CO₂H is the prerequisite for L-Cys to become a potent reductant at a low pH.