This book examines Au (I III) complexes that selectively attack and inhibit zinc finger
proteins (ZnFs) for potential therapeutic use. The author explores gold(I)-phosphine gold(III)
complexes with N^N and C^N donors as inhibitors of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) in
comparison to the human transcription factor Sp1. To determine the coordination sphere of the
gold adducts formed by interaction with ZnFs two innovative approaches are used based on
Travelling-Wave Ion Mobility coupled with Mass Spectrometry (TWIM-MS) and X-ray Absorption
Spectroscopy. Both approaches are proven to yield valuable structural information regarding the
coordination sphere of gold in the adducts. In addition the organometallic compound [Au
(bnpy)Cl2] is evaluated. The system is shown to be capable of inhibiting ZnFs by means of C-S
coupling.
