Synthesis and characterisation of a novel tubulin-directed DO3A–colchicine conjugate with potential theranostic features

Abstract

Colchicine is a known tubulin binding agent enabling necrosis in tumors. A novel tubulin-directed DO3A–colchicine conjugate and its Gd(III) complex were prepared from <i>N</i>-deacetylcolchicine, coupling alkaloid and polyaza-alicyclic functions via a peptide coupling methodology. The longitudinal proton relaxivity of the Gd(III) complex in water at 4.7 T is 2.86 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ and a similar efficacy as colchicine towards ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro.