Ni-Tripeptide complexes to Decipher Key Parameters for Superoxide Dismutase Activity

Cellular reactive oxygen species levels must be regulated to avoid certain diseases, especially those associated with oxidative stress. One approach to antioxidant development is to model natural enzymes involved in ROS scavenging. We report Ni complexes with tripeptides derived from the ATCUN motif that mimics the active site of nickel superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide radical. A series of mononuclear NiII complexes was investigated, wherein the coordination sphere was varied from N3S to N2S2. The complexes were characterized in water, and all display a superoxide dismutase activity.