Silver Clusters of Five Atoms as Highly Selective Antitumoral Agents Through Irreversible Oxidation of Thiols

Low atomicity clusters present properties dependent on the size, due to quantum confinement, with well-defined electronic structures and high stability. Here it is shown that Ag5 catalyze complete oxidation of sulfur S+6. catalytic activity increases different oxidant species in order O2 ? H2O2 < OH•. Selective thiols cysteine residues glutathione thioredoxin primary mechanism human cells have maintain redox homeostasis. Contingent upon concentration, catalyzes irreversible thioredoxin, triggering apoptosis. Modification intracellular environment a more oxidized state mimic conditions within cancer through expression an activated oncogene (HRASG12V) or ARID1A mutation, sensitizes mediated While cancers evolve evade treatments designed target pathways genetic mutations drive them, they cannot treatment takes advantage aberrant homeostasis, which essential for tumor progression metastasis. has antitumor mice orthotopic lung tumors reducing burden affected lymphatic nodes. The findings suggest unique chemistry may lead new redox-based approaches therapy.