An anti-glioblastoma gold(i)–NHC complex distorts mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetics to induce tumor growth inhibition

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal brain cancer subtype, often advanced by the time of initial diagnosis. Existing treatment modalities including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation have been stymied by recurrence, metastasis, drug resistance and brain targetability. Here, we report a geometrically distinct Au(i) complex ligated by N^N-bidentate ligands and supported by a N-heterocyclic ligand that modulates mitochondrial morphology to inhibit GBM in vitro and in vivo. This work benefits from the facile preparation of anti-GBM Au(i)-NHC complexes.