Synthesis, characterization, and antitumor evaluation of a kaempferol–cobalt(II) complex targeting TMPRSS2 gene in lung cancer cells

Background : Transmembrane serine protease 2 ( TMPRSS2 ) has been distinguished as a tumor suppressor in lung adenocarcinoma, and its reduced expression has been associated with disease progression. Aim : To estimate the effects of a kaempferol–metal complex on lung cancer cells and assess its influence on TMPRSS2 gene expression in comparison with standard kaempferol. Materials and methods : A kaempferol–cobalt(II) complex was synthesized, and the cytotoxicity of the complex against A549 lung cancer cells was estimated using an MTT assay. The mRNA expression of the TMPRSS2 gene was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Results : A molecular docking study revealed that the kaempferol–cobalt(II) complex displays better binding affinity toward TMPRSS2 compared with free kaempferol and selective cytotoxicity, with an IC 50 value of 58.21 µg/mL. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that treatment with the kaempferol–cobalt(II) complex significantly elevated TMPRSS2 gene expression (7.3-fold). Conclusion : Cobalt(II) complexation may be considered a promising candidate for further anticancer investigation.