The unfolded protein response-glutathione metabolism axis: A novel target of a cycloruthenated complexes bypassing tumor resistance mechanisms.

Platinum-based drugs remain the reference treatment for gastric cancer (GC). However, the frequency of resistance, due to mutations in TP53 or alterations in the energy and redox metabolisms, impairs the efficacy of current treatments, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic options. Here, we show that a cycloruthenated compound targeting the redox metabolism, RDC11, induces higher cytotoxicity than oxaliplatin in GC cells and is more potent in reducing tumor growth in vivo. Detailed investigations into the mode of action of RDC11 indicated that it targets the glutathione (GSH) metabolism, which is an important drug resistance mechanism. We demonstrate that cycloruthenated complexes regulate the expression of enzymes of the transsulfuration pathway via the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and its effector ATF4. Furthermore, RDC11 induces the expression of SLC7A11 encoding for the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT. These effects lead to a lower cellular GSH content and elevated oxygen reactive species production, causing the activation of a caspase-independent apoptosis. Altogether, this study provides the first evidence that cycloruthenated complexes target the GSH metabolism, neutralizing thereby a major resistance mechanism towards platinum-based chemotherapies and anticancer immune response.

Targeting of the intracellular redox balance by metal complexes towards anticancer therapy.

The development of cancers is often linked to the alteration of essential redox processes, and therefore, oxidoreductases involved in such mechanisms can be considered as attractive molecular targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies. On the other hand, for more than two decades, transition metals derivatives have been leading the research on drugs as alternatives to platinum-based treatments. The success of such compounds is particularly due to their attractive redox kinetics properties, favorable oxidation states, as well as routes of action different to interactions with DNA, in which redox interactions are crucial. For instance, the activity of oxidoreductases such as PHD2 (prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein) which can regulate angiogenesis in tumors, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) related to glycolysis, and enzymes, such as catalases, SOD (superoxide dismutase), TRX (thioredoxin) or GSH (glutathione) involved in controlling oxidative stress, can be altered by metal effectors. In this review, we wish to discuss recent results on how transition metal complexes have been rationally designed to impact on redox processes, in search for effective and more specific cancer treatments.

Preparation and Characterization of Strongly Sulfonated Acid Block and Random Copolymer Membranes for Acetic Acid Esterification with 2-Propanol.

In this paper, we report the synthesis of block and random copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), with different AMPS feed ratios. These solution-processable copolymers with strongly sulfonated acid groups resulted in membranes with tunable ion exchange (IEC) and water absorption capacities. AFM images confirmed the microphase separation of PAMPS-b-PMMA-1:1 block copolymer membrane, annealed under the appropriate conditions. The resulting copolymers from the random combination of a 1:1 molar ratio of AMPS and MMA monomers are effective at enhancing the esterification conversion of acetic acid, when compared with a reaction catalyzed by PAMPS-b-PMMA block copolymers and the previously studied catalytic membranes. With the PAMPS-co-PMMA-1:1 membrane, the esterification reaction using acetic acid achieved 85% isopropyl acetate. These results are closely correlated with the increase in IEC (2.63 mmol H+g-1) and the relationship between weight loss (20.3%) and swelling degree (68%) in 2-propanol.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and In Vitro and In Silico Antifungal Evaluation of Azo-Azomethine Pyrazoles (PhN2(PhOH)CHN(C3N2(CH3)3)PhR, R = H or NO2).

The azo-azomethine imines, R1-N=N-R2-CH=N-R3, are a class of active pharmacological ligands that have been prominent antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumor agents. In this study, four new azo-azomethines, R1 = Ph, R2 = phenol, and R3 = pyrazol-Ph-R' (R = H or NO2), have been synthesized, structurally characterized using X-ray, IR, NMR and UV-Vis techniques, and their antifungal activity evaluated against certified strains of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The antifungal tests revealed a high to moderate inhibitory activity towards both strains, which is regulated as a function of both the presence and the location of the nitro group in the aromatic ring of the series. These biological assays were further complemented with molecular docking studies against three different molecular targets from each fungus strain. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations were performed on the two best molecular docking results for each fungus strain. Better affinity for active sites for nitro compounds at the "meta" and "para" positions was found, making them promising building blocks for the development of new Schiff bases with high antifungal activity.

Recent Advances on O-Ethoxycarbonyl and O-Acyl Protected Cyanohydrins.

Ethoxycarbonyl cyanohydrins and O-acyl cyanohydrins are examples of O-protected cyanohydrins in which the protecting group presents an electrophilic center, contributing to additional reaction pathways. The first section of this review describes recent advances on the synthesis of O-ethoxycarbonyl and O-acyl protected cyanohydrins. Reactions using KCN or alkyl cyanoformates as the cyanide ion source are described, as well as organic and transition metal catalysis used in their preparation, including asymmetric cyanation. In a second part, transformations, and synthetic applications of O-ethoxycarbonyl/acyl cyanohydrins are presented. A variety of structures has been obtained starting from such protected cyanohydrins and, in particular, the synthesis of oxazoles, 1,4-diketones, 1,3-diketones, 2-vinyl-2-cyclopentenones through various methods are discussed.

Cyclometalated Osmium Compounds and beyond: Synthesis, Properties, Applications.

The synthesis of cyclometalated osmium complexes is usually more complicated than of other transition metals such as Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, where cyclometalation reactions readily occur via direct activation of C-H bonds. It differs also from their ruthenium analogs. Cyclometalation for osmium usually occurs under more severe conditions, in polar solvents, using specific precursors, stronger acids, or bases. Such requirements expand reaction mechanisms to electrophilic activation, transmetalation, and oxidative addition, often involving C-H bond activations. Osmacycles exhibit specific applications in homogeneous catalysis, photophysics, bioelectrocatalysis and are studied as anticancer agents. This review describes major synthetic pathways to osmacycles and related compounds and discusses their practical applications.

Synthesis of Poly(2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulfonic Acid) and its Block Copolymers with Methyl Methacrylate and 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate by Quasiliving Radical Polymerization Catalyzed by a Cyclometalated Ruthenium(II) Complex.

The first example of quasiliving radical polymerization and copolymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) without previous protection of its strong acid groups catalyzed by [Ru(o-C6H4-2-py)(phen)(MeCN)2]PF6 complex is reported. Nuclear magnetic resonance (RMN) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) confirmed the diblock structure of the sulfonated copolymers. The poly(2-acryloamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PAMPS-b-PMMA) and poly(2-acryloamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid)-b-poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PAMPS-b-PHEMA) copolymers obtained are highly soluble in organic solvents and present good film-forming ability. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the copolymer membranes is reported. PAMPS-b-PHEMA presents the highest IEC value (3.35 mmol H+/g), but previous crosslinking of the membrane was necessary to prevent it from dissolving in aqueous solution. PAMPS-b-PMMA exhibited IEC values in the range of 0.58-1.21 mmol H+/g and it was soluble in methanol and dichloromethane and insoluble in water. These results are well correlated with both the increase in molar composition of PAMPS and the second block included in the copolymer. Thus, the proper combination of PAMPS block copolymer with hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomers will allow fine-tuning of the physical properties of the materials and may lead to many potential applications, such as polyelectrolyte membrane fuel cells or catalytic membranes for biodiesel production.

Light activation of cyclometalated ruthenium complexes drives towards caspase 3 dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.

Polypyridyl ruthenium complexes have been intensively investigated for their remarkable antiproliferative properties and some are currently being tested in clinical trials. Here, we investigated the impact of illumination on the biological properties of a series of new cyclometalated ruthenium compounds with increased π-conjugation. We determined that various of these complexes display a bivalent biological activity as they are highly cytotoxic by themselves in absence of light while their cytotoxicity can significantly be elevated towards an IC50 in the nanomolar range upon illumination. In particular, we showed that these complexes are particularly active (IC50 < 1 µM) on two gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, KATO III) that are resistant towards cisplatin (IC50 > 25 µM). As expected, light activation leads to increased production of singlet oxygen species in vitro and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in vivo. Importantly, we established that light exposure shifts the mode of action of the complexes towards activation of a caspase 3-dependent apoptosis that correlates with increased DNA damage. Altogether, this study characterizes novel ruthenium complexes with dual activity that can be tuned towards different mode of action in order to bypass cancer cell resistance mechanisms.

A redox ruthenium compound directly targets PHD2 and inhibits the HIF1 pathway to reduce tumor angiogenesis independently of p53.

Targeting specific tumor metabolic needs represents an actively investigated therapeutic strategy to bypass tumor resistance mechanisms. In this study, we describe an original approach to impact the cancer metabolism by exploiting the redox properties of a ruthenium organometallic compound. This organometallic complex induced p53-independent cytotoxicity and reduced size and vascularization of patients-derived tumor explants that are resistant to platinum drugs. At the molecular level, the ruthenium complex altered redox enzyme activities and the intracellular redox state by increasing the NAD+/NADH ratio and ROS levels. Pathway analysis pointed to HIF-1 as a top deregulated metabolite pathway. Unlike cisplatin, treatment with the ruthenium complex decreased HIF1A protein levels and expression of HIF1A target genes. The rapid downregulation of HIF1A protein levels involved a direct interaction of the ruthenium compound with the redox enzyme PHD2, a HIF1A master regulator. HIF1A inhibition led to decreased angiogenesis in patient-derived xenografted using fragments of primary human colon tumors. Altogether, our results show that a ruthenium compound impacts metabolic pathways acting as anticancer agents in colon cancer via an original mechanism of action that affects redox enzymes differently than platinum-based drugs.

Impact of cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes on lactate dehydrogenase activity and cytotoxicity in gastric and colon cancer cells.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a redox enzyme often overexpressed in cancer cells allowing their survival in stressful metabolic tumor environment. Ruthenium(II) complexes have been shown to impact on the activity of purified horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase but the physiological relevance remains unclear. In this study we investigated how ruthenium complexes impact on the activity of LDH in vitro and in cancer cells and performed a comparative study using polypyridine ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (1) and its structurally related cyclometalated 2-phenylpyridinato counterpart [Ru(phpy)(bpy)2]+ (2) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, phpyH=2-phenylpyridine). We show that the cytotoxicity in gastric and colon cancer cells induced by 2 is significantly higher compared to 1. The kinetic inhibition mechanisms on purified LDH and the corresponding inhibition constants Ki or i0.5 values were calculated. Though complexes 1 and 2 are structurally very similar (one Ru-C bond in 2 replaces one Ru-N bond in 1), their inhibition modes are different. Cyclometalated complex 2 behaves exclusively as a non-competitive inhibitor of LDH from rabbit muscle (LDHrm), strongly suggesting that 2 does not interact with LDH in the vicinities of either lactate/pyruvate or NAD+/NADH binding sites. Sites of interaction of 1 and 2 with LDHrm were revealed theoretically through computational molecular docking. Inhibition of LDH activity by 2 was confirmed in cancer cells. Altogether, these results revealed an inhibition of LDH activity by ruthenium complex through a direct interaction structurally tuned by a Ru-C bond.

Further Insight into the Lability of MeCN Ligands of Cytotoxic Cycloruthenated Compounds: Evidence for the Antisymbiotic Effect Trans to the Carbon Atom at the Ru Center.

The two MeCN ligands in [Ru(2-C6H4-2'-Py-κC,N)(Phen, trans-C)(MeCN)2]PF6 (1), both trans to a sp(2) hybridized N atom, cannot be substituted by any other ligand. In contrast, the isomerized derivative [Ru(2-C6H4-2'-Py-κC,N)(Phen, cis-C)(MeCN)2]PF6 (2), in which one MeCN ligand is now trans to the C atom of the phenyl ring orthometalated to Ru, leads to fast and quantitative substitution reactions with several monodentate ligands. With PPh3, 2 affords [Ru(2-C6H4-2'-Py-κC,N)(Phen, cis-C)(PPh3)(MeCN)]PF6 (3), in which PPh3 is trans to the C σ bound to Ru. Compound 3 is not kinetically stable, because, under thermodynamic control, it leads to 4, in which the PPh3 is trans to a N atom of the Phen ligand. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) can also substitute a MeCN ligand in 2, leading to 5, in which DMSO is coordinated to Ru via its S atom trans to the N atom of the Phen ligand, the isomer under thermodynamic control being the only compound observed. We also found evidence for the fast to very fast substitution of MeCN in 2 by water or a chloride anion by studying the electronic spectra of 2 in the presence of water or NBu4Cl, respectively. An isomerization related to that observed between 3 and 4 is also found for the known monophosphine derivative [Ru(2-C6H4-2'-Py-κC,N)(PPh3, trans-C)(MeCN)3]PF6 (10), in which the PPh3 is located trans to the C of the cyclometalated 2-phenylpyridine, since, upon treatment by refluxing MeCN, it leads to its isomer 11, [Ru(2-C6H4-2'-Py-κC,N)(PPh3, cis-C)(MeCN)3]PF6. Further substitutions are also observed on 11, whereby N^N chelates (N^N = 2,2'-bipyridine and phenanthroline) substitute two MeCN ligands, affording [Ru(2-C6H4-2'-Py-κC,N)(PPh3, cis-C)(N^N)(MeCN)]PF6 (12a and 12b). Altogether, the behavior of the obtained complexes by ligand substitution reactions can be rationalized by an antisymbiotic effect on the Ru center, trans to the C atom of the cyclometalated unit, leading to compounds having the least nucleophilic ligand trans to C whenever an isomerization, involving either a monodentate or a bidentate ligand, is possible.

A glance at the reactivity of osma(II)cycles [Os(C-N)x(bpy)3-x](m+) (x=0-3) Covering a 1.8 V potential range toward peroxidase through Monte Carlo Simulations ((-)C-N=o-2-phenylpyridinato, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine).

Three cyclometalated and one coordination compounds [Os(C-N)x(bpy)3-x](m) (x/m=0/2+ (4); 1/1+ (3); 2/1+ (2); 3/0 (1); (-)C-N=2-phenylpyridinato, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) with drastically different reduction potentials have been used for analyzing the second-order rate constants for one-electron, metal-based osmium(II) to osmium(III) oxidation of the complexes by compound I (k2) and compound II (k3) of horseradish peroxidase. Previously unknown k2 and k3 have been determined by digital simulation of cyclic voltammograms measured in phosphate buffer of pH7.6 and 21 ± 1°C. Osmium(II) species derived from osmium(III) complexes 1 and 2 were generated electrochemically in situ. Under the conditions used the reduction potentials for the Os(III/II) feature equal -0.90, -0.095, 0.23 and 0.85V versus NHE (normal hydrogen electrode) for 1-4, respectively. The rate constants k2 equal ~5 × 10(7), 6 × 10(8), 2 × 10(6) and 1 × 10(5)M(-1)s(-1) and the rate constants k3 equal ~9 × 10(6), 4× 10(7), 1 ×10(6) and 1 × 10(5)M(-1)s(-1) for complexes 1-4, respectively. Both rate constants k2 and k3 first increase with increasing the reaction driving force on going from 4 to 2 but then both decrease on going to complex 1 though the reaction driving force is the highest in this case. The system described has been explored theoretically using docking Monte Carlo simulations.

2-Phenylpyridine ruthenacycles as effectors of glucose oxidase activity: inhibition by Ru(II) and activation by Ru(III).

Cyclometalated Ru(II) derivatives of 2-phenylpyridine (Hphpy) [Ru(phpy)(bpy)2]Cl (1a) and [Ru(phpy)(phen)2]Cl (1b) (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine, phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) behave as noncompetitive inhibitors of glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger in the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of D-glucose by O2 into the corresponding lactone at pH 5.0 and 25 °C. The enzymatic activity has been measured by monitoring the O2 consumption. The inhibition constants K i are 0.036 and 0.017 M for 1a and 1b, respectively, indicating that 1b inhibits the enzymatic activity more efficiently than 1a. The well-known coordination compound [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 (2) behaves, in contrast, as a competitive inhibitor, with K i = 0.018 M under the same conditions. The monophasic consumption of O2 in the case of 1a, 1b, and 2 is replaced by a distinct two-phase kinetics in the presence of the cyclometalated Ru(III) compound [Ru(phpy)(bpy)2]Cl2 (3), which was obtained from 1a in the presence of a large excess of H2O2 and the iron TAML activator. Interestingly, the rates of the first and the second phases are influenced by 3 in a different way. The rate of the first phase is noticeably higher in the presence of Ru(III), although the dependence is nonmonotonic and maximal acceleration is observed at the lowest loadings of 3. The rate of the second phase decreases monotonically on increasing the concentration of the ruthenium complex in solution. The nonmonotonic action of 3 was confirmed by using the doubly cyclometalated Ru(III) derivative [Ru(phpy)2(bpy)]Cl. The diverse rate variations induced by 3 accounted for acceleration by Ru(III) of the O2 reduction by the reduced form of glucose oxidase during the first phase, which ceases after the enzymatic reduction of Ru(III) to the Ru(II) species, the latter behaving similarly to 1a as the inhibitor of the enzyme.

TAML activator-based amperometric analytical devices as alternatives to peroxidase biosensors.

The ferric TAML catalysts [Fe{C(6)H(2)-1,2-( NCOCMe(2)NCO)(2)CMe(2)}(OH(2))](-) (1) with counterions Na(+) (a) and PPh(4)(+) (b) function similar to horseradish peroxidase in the mediated electron transfer relays, which constitute a basis for amperometric biosensors. The mediators are mono- and bis-cyclometalated Ru and Os compounds of the type of [M(C∼N)(x)(N∼N)(3-x)](m+) with x = 1 and 2 (N∼N = 2,2'-bipyridine, (-)C∼N = 2-phenylpyridinato). Cyclic voltammograms of the Ru and Os compounds are not affected by 1a though cathodic currents increase drastically in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The reduction potentials of [M(C∼N)(x)(N∼N)(3-x)](m+) complexes vary with both the nature of metal (Ru or Os) and the number of cyclometalated ligands x (1 or 2) and therefore the potential of working electrode can be set in the range of from -0.1 to +0.6 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE). A prototype of a biosensor for H(2)O(2) is described, in which the 1b catalyst and [Os(C∼N)(2)(N∼N)](+) mediator were coimmobilized on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode using a polymeric coating.

Uncoupling charge movement from channel opening in voltage-gated potassium channels by ruthenium complexes.

The Kv2.1 channel generates a delayed-rectifier current in neurons and is responsible for modulation of neuronal spike frequency and membrane repolarization in pancreatic ß-cells and cardiomyocytes. As with other tetrameric voltage-activated K(+)-channels, it has been proposed that each of the four Kv2.1 voltage-sensing domains activates independently upon depolarization, leading to a final concerted transition that causes channel opening. The mechanism by which voltage-sensor activation is coupled to the gating of the pore is still not understood. Here we show that the carbon-monoxide releasing molecule 2 (CORM-2) is an allosteric inhibitor of the Kv2.1 channel and that its inhibitory properties derive from the CORM-2 ability to largely reduce the voltage dependence of the opening transition, uncoupling voltage-sensor activation from the concerted opening transition. We additionally demonstrate that CORM-2 modulates Shaker K(+)-channels in a similar manner. Our data suggest that the mechanism of inhibition by CORM-2 may be common to voltage-activated channels and that this compound should be a useful tool for understanding the mechanisms of electromechanical coupling.

Cyclometalated [Os(C-N)x(N-N)(3-x)]m+ mimetics of tris(2,2'-bipyridine)osmium(II): covering a 2 V potential range by known (x = 0, 1) and new (x = 2, 3) species (C-N = o-2-phenylpyridinato).

Electrochemical studies of [Os(C-N)(x)(N-N)(3-x)](m+) (1) consisting of known Os(II) species with x = 0 (a) and 1 (b) and crystallographically characterized new Os(III) bis- and tris-metalacycles with x = 2 (c) and 3 (d) (N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine, (-)C-N = 2-phenylpyridinato) revealed a Nernstian behavior in MeCN. A stepwise replacement of neutral N-N ligands by three anionic C-N donors covers a 2 V potential range from -1 to +1 V vs. Ag/AgCl for the Os(III)/Os(II) feature.

Di-µ(2)-chlorido-bis-[chlorido(η-hexa-methyl-benzene)ruthenium(II)].

Dimeric mol-ecules of the title compound, [Ru(2)Cl(4)(C(12)H(18))(2)], are located on a crystallographic centre of inversion with one mol-ecule in the asymmetric unit. The hexa-methyl-benzene rings are in an η(6)-coordination to the ruthenium centres, which are bridged by two chloride ligands. In addition, the ruthenium centres are bonded to another chloride ligand. The aromatic rings and the Ru(2)Cl(2) four-membered ring enclose a dihedral angle of 55.85 (6)°.

Di-µ(2)-bromido-bis-[bromido(η-1,2,4,5-tetra-methyl-benzene)ruthenium(II)].

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ru(2)Br(4)(C(10)H(14))(2)], contains one half of the centrosymmetric mol-ecule. Each Ru center is coordinated by tetra-methyl-benzene ring in a η(6)-coordination mode, and one terminal and two bridging bromine atoms. The aromatic rings and the Ru(2)Br(2) four-membered ring form a dihedral angle of 55.99 (8)°. In the crystal structure, weak inter-molecular C-H⋯Br inter-actions link mol-ecules into chains propagated in [001].

Easy access to bio-inspired osmium(II) complexes through electrophilic intramolecular C(sp2)-H bond cyclometalation.

Mild electrophilic C(sp2)-H cyclometalation of 2-phenylpyridine and N,N-dimethylbenzylamine by the chloro-bridged osmium(II) dimer [OsCl(micro-Cl)(eta6-C6H6)]2 in acetonitrile affords cyclometalated pseudotetrahedral OsII complexes [Os(C approximately N)(eta6-C6H6)(NCMe)]PF6 (C approximately N=o-C6H4py-kappa C,N (2) and o-C6H4CH2NMe2-kappa C,N (5), respectively) in good to excellent yields. The cyclometalation reactions are super sensitive to the nature of an external base. Sodium hydroxide is essential for cyclometalation of 2-phenylpyridine, but NaOH retards metalation of N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, the tertiary amine being self-sufficient as a base. Further reactions of compounds 2 and 5 with 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridine (N approximately N) lead to the substitution of the eta6-bound benzene to produce octahedral species [Os(C approximately N)(N approximately N)(NCMe)2]PF6 or [Os(C approximately N)(N approximately N)2]PF6 in MeCN or MeOH as solvent, respectively. The cis configuration of the MeCN ligands in [Os(C approximately N)(phen)(NCMe)2]PF6 has been confirmed by an X-ray crystallographic study. Electrochemical investigation of the octahedral osma(II)cycles by cyclic voltammetry showed a pseudoreversible MIII/II redox feature at (-50)-(+109) and 190-300 mV versus Ag/AgCl in water and MeCN, respectively. As a possible application of the compounds, a rapid electron exchange between the reduced active site of glucose oxidase enzyme from Aspergillus niger and the electrochemically generated OsIII species has been demonstrated. The corresponding second-order rate constants cover the range (0.7-4.8)x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) at 25 degrees C and pH 7.

Redox mediation and photomechanical oscillations involving photosensitive cyclometalated Ru(II) complexes, glucose oxidase, and peroxidase.

Intact photosensitive cyclometalated RuII derivatives of 2-phenylpyridine or N,N-dimethylbenzylamine cis-[Ru-(C approximately N)(LL)X2]PF6 [C approximately N = o-C6H4-py or o-C6H4CH2NMe2; LL = 1,10-phenanththroline (phen), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), or 4,4'-Me2-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy); X = MeCN or pyridine (py)] are efficient mediators of glucose oxidase (GO) from Aspergillus niger and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Their redox potentials in an aqueous buffer are in the range 0.15-0.35 V versus SCE, and the rate constants for the oxidation GO(red) (where red indicates reduced) by the electrochemically generated RuIII species equal (1.7-2.5) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) at pH 7 and 25 degrees C. The redox potentials of all complexes decrease cathodically by 0.4-0.6 V upon irradiation by visible light because of the photoinduced solvolysis of acetonitrile or py ligands. These in situ generated species display an even better mediating performance with HRP, although their behavior toward GO is different. The loading of a ruthenium unit into the protein interior brings about large catalytic currents in a self-assembled system GO-Ru-D-glucose. The estimated rate constant for intramolecular electron transfer from FADH2 of the active site at RuIII, k(intra), equals 4.4 x 10(3) s(-1). This suggests that the distance between the redox partners is around 19 A. The value of 21 A was obtained through the docking analysis of a possible closest-to-FAD localization of a Ru-containing fragment derived from the irradiated complex cis-[Ru(o-C6H4-py)-(phen)(MeCN)2]PF6. The operational stability of the GO-Ru assemblies depends on the nature of complex used, the highest being observed for cis-[Ru(o-C6H4-py)(Me2-bpy)(MeCN)2]PF6 (2). UV-vis studies of interaction of 2 with GO revealed photomechanical oscillations in the system GO-Ru-D-glucose. When irradiated complex 2 is mixed with GO and D-glucose, the absorbance at 510 nm increases because of the enzymatic reduction of RuIII to RuII. The absorbance drops rapidly and then increases as in the first cycle after shaking the reaction solution. Many cycles are possible, and the rate of absorbance increase does not depend on a cycle number. A plausible mechanism of the oscillations is presented.