A convenient method for the cleavage of the D-mannosyl-L-gulose disaccharide from bleomycin-A2

In order to elucidate the biological role of the sugar residue of the antitumor drug bleomycin, this was deglycosylated by beta-elimination under mild alkaline conditions, and by solvolysis with hydrogen fluoride. The latter procedure proved to be better because it led to the complete deglycosylation without modification of the peptide, thus allowing further biological investigations of this component.

DNA-binding and DNA-cleaving properties of a synthetic model AGAGLU related to the antitumour drugs AMSA and bleomycin

We have previously described two synthetic models gathering a simplified model of the complexing part of Bleomycin (Blm) and the intercalating moiety of m-AMSA. These molecules, namely AGGA and AGAMGA, do not seem able to cleave DNA as Blm does. The present work is devoted to the study of a new derivative, AGAGLU, which includes in its structure a judiciously chosen connector between the two parts of the molecule. This compound, the chelating and DNA-binding properties of which are described here, has been shown to induce single-strand breakage of duplex DNA in a high level.

Synthesis and conformation of the amino-terminal hexapeptide of histone H2B from gonads of the starfish Asterias rubens

This paper describes the synthesis and the physico-chemical characterization of N-(di-CH3)-L-Pro-L-Pro-L-Lys-L-Pro-L-Ser-Gly-OH by conventional methods of peptide chemistry. This peptide corresponds to the amino-terminal moiety of histone H2B from gonads of the starfish Asterias rubens.

Complexation of copper(II) by a peptide hybrid of bleomycin and amsacrine. Circular dichroism and electron spin resonance studies

A model incorporating the metal chelating moiety of bleomycin and an anilinoacridine ring able to intercalate in DNA has been synthesized. The copper(II) complex of that molecule has been studied using circular dichroism and electron spin resonance by comparison with bleomycin. The introduction of the anilinoacridine ring involves a modification in the geometry of the complex. A distortion of the square-pyramidal form (type II complex) gives rise to a type I complex in which the metallic atom is drawn out of the plane of the four square-planar ligands and displaced slightly towards the fifth ligand.

Chelating, DNA-binding and DNA-cleaving properties of a synthetic model for bleomycin

We have previously described a simplified model of the complexing part of bleomycin, namely methyl 2-(2-aminoethyl)-aminomethyl-pyridine-6-carboxyl-histidinate (AMPHIS), and disubstituted bithiazoles structurally related to the 'tripeptide S' moiety of bleomycin. The present work is devoted to the study of a new derivative, [3-[2-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-aminomethyl-pyridine-6-carboxyl-histidyl-3 -aminobutyryl-glycyl]-2',4-bithiazole-4-carboxamido]-propyl]- dimethylsulphonium iodide (AMBI-A2), which includes both AMPHIS and a judiciously chosen synthetic bithiazole. This compound, the synthesis of which is described here, has been shown to mimic the chelating and binding properties of the parent drug bleomycin A2, but to cleave DNA at higher concentration.

Design of two metal-chelating, DNA-binding models: molecular combinations of bleomycin and amsacrine anti-tumour drugs

In the course of studies on bleomycin, we recently showed that the bithiazole ring is a poor intercalator into DNA. Therefore we have designed new models, replacing this heterocyclic moiety by an anilinoacridine ring in order to increase the affinity for DNA. This work presents results obtained for two model compounds showing (i) that the anilinoacridine nucleus leads to a good stabilization of the DNA helix, and (ii) that the presence of a bulky group near the complexing part of bleomycin is essential to the activation of molecular oxygen.

Molecular interaction between bleomycin and amsacrine in the presence of cupric ions

The antineoplastic activity of m-AMSA [4'-(9-acridinylamino)-methanesulfon-m-anisidide] has been related to its ability to produce oxygenated free radical during its oxidation to a quinonimine form, in the presence of cupric ions. It has been demonstrated here that the rate of the oxidation is greatly increased by the addition of bleomycin (Blm), another antitumor agent, which is able to complex metallic ions. The catalytic role of Blm has been established on the basis of kinetics measurements and the occurrence of an intermediary ternary complex Blm-m-AMSA-Cu(II) has been demonstrated by circular dichroism and polarography experiments.

Is the bithiazole moiety of bleomycin a classical intercalator?

Bleomycin is a widespread anticancerous drug, the biological activity of which having been extensively studied. Its metal ion-chelating portion has been shown to cleave DNA whereas the role of the bithiazole moiety is still questionable. In order to elucidate this problem some 2', 4-disubstituted bithiazoles structurally related to the "tripeptide S" moiety of bleomycin were synthesized and their interaction with DNA was studied using delta Tm, fluorescence, EPR and viscometry techniques. The results of delta Tm and fluorescence quenching determinations were in favour of a binding of the bithiazole part by an intercalation process. Nevertheless, the use of the spin-label probes indicated only a partial intercalation of the ring between the base-pairs. Moreover, viscometry data which clearly exhibited a slight decrease of DNA length in the presence of bithiazole derivative led to the proposal of a binding model involving a partial insertion of a thiazole ring which wedges in between the bases at a bending point of DNA.

5-Cinnamoyl-6-aminouracil derivatives as novel anticancer agents. Synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure-activity relationships

A biological evaluation in the series of 5-cinnamoyl-6-aminouracils has been undertaken. These compounds have been found to be in an extended planar conformation fitting well with a possible stacking interaction between the nucleic bases of DNA; thus an eventual anticancer activity by intercalation could be hoped. 1,3-Dimethyl-5-cinnamoyl-6-aminouracil was found to be active when administered ip against ip-implanted P388 leukemia in vivo (percent T/C = 124). Two other compounds, 1,3-dimethyl-5-cinnamoyl-6-[(2-morpholinoethyl)amino]uracil and 1,3-dimethyl-5-cinnamoyl-6-[(2-piperidinoethyl)amino]uracil, bearing a hydrophilic side chain on the 6-amino group, have exhibited cytoxic activity in vitro against L1210 leukemia. Structure-activity relationships have been determined from these results and from studies of biological interactions with DNA.

Copper(II)- and iron(II)-complexes of methyl 2-(2-aminoethyl)-aminomethyl-pyridine-6-carboxyl-histidinate (AMPHIS), a peptide mimicking the metal-chelating moiety of bleomycin. An ESR investigation

Methyl 2-(2-aminoethyl)-aminomethyl-pyridine-6-carboxyl-histidinate (AMPHIS), a synthetic analogue of the chelating part of bleomycin (BLM), has been studied for its metal binding properties. Electron spin resonance parameters of AMPHIS-Cu(II) and BLM-Cu(II) have been found to be closely similar likewise spectra of oxygen radicals spin-adducts induced by AMPHIS-Fe(II)-O2 and BLM-Fe(II)-O2 systems. Thus, AMPHIS could constitute a very useful tool for the study of BLM mode of action.

Design of a new DNA-polyintercalating drug, a bisacridinyl peptidic analogue of Triostin A

The synthesis of a new bifunctional compound in which two aminoacridine chromophores are linked by the bicyclic depsipeptidic backbone of des-N-tetramethylTriostin A is described. The molecule, bis-[(9-acridinyl)-D-seryl-L-alanyl-L-cysteinyl-L-valine] dilactone disulphide, structurally analogous to the antibiotic anti-tumour drug Triostin A, is shown to possess a high affinity to DNA and to act as a bis-intercalator on the basis of spectroscopic, viscosimetric and thermal-denaturation studies. This model constitutes the first attempt of a synergic association between a peptidic moiety that mimics a naturally occurring drug and aminoacridine, the two parts themselves each exhibiting a high affinity for the DNA target.

Preferential binding to delta-receptors of the enkephalin-like tetrapeptide Tyr-Ile-Phe-Val. Electrophysiological and conformation studies

The technique of microiontophoresis was used to study the effects of leucine-enkephalin [( Leu]enkephalin) and the tetrapeptide Tyr-Ile-Phe-Val on spontaneous and evoked activity of guinea-pig hypothalamic neurons. The inhibitory effects of the tetrapeptide were similar to those of [Leu]enkephalin on some neurons. However, in other cases, [Leu]enkephalin was inhibitory whereas Tyr-Ile-Phe-Val was without effect. These data and the fact that naloxone caused a different antagonism of inhibitory effects by these two peptides suggest the existence of two types of opiate receptors on some hypothalamic neurons and that Tyr-Ile-Phe-Val preferentially binds to delta-receptors. Conformational features of Tyr-Ile-Phe-Val have been established by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and were found to be in accordance with the above considerations. The peptide has a peculiar folded conformation called gamma-turn. Due to the restricted flexibility of this structure, the aromatic moieties (Tyr and Phe) and the hydrophobic (Val) or hydrophilic (terminal NH2 and CO2H) parts are positioned in a specific spatial relationship which can be related to an optimal binding to delta-receptors.

Conformation of physalaemin

The conformational and spatial configuration of the biologically active undecapeptide physalaemin was studied using 350-MHz1H NMR. The NMR analyses suggested the existence of a strong hydrogen bond between the amide proton of the Phe7 and a carbonyl group in the N-terminal moiety, most likely the Pro4 one. Other bondings were postulated, involving the side-chain amine of Lys6 and the side-chain amide of Asn5 and respectively the side-chain carboxyl of Asp3 and the terminal amide carbonyl of Met-NH2. Thus unlike its shorter peptidic fragments, physalaemin exhibited a stable molecular structure in solution, giving some insight into the conformation required for interaction at the biological receptor of tachykinins.

Subcellular distribution of nitroxide spin-labelled 9-aminoacridine in living KB cells

A spin-labelled derivative of 9-aminoacridine, the AATEMPO, was studied with respect to its localization in KB cells in vivo. It was found that both nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs were targets for this intercalating dye. The observed speed of intercalation and the absence of a blocked signal in cellular membranes suggested that no receptor -or carrier- proteins were implied in the penetration process. No changes in cell membrane fluidity were observed following the administration of m-AMSA, the unlabelled structural analog, to the living cells, which seemed to exclude the plasma membrane as a possible site of action of 9-aminoacridines. Side effects of phenol/chloroform mixtures and high-salt concentrations on the intercalation phenomenon were also described.

Interaction of 4-(9-acridinylamino)aniline and derivatives with DNA. Influence of a lysylglycyl side chain on the binding parameters

N-[4-(9-Acridinylamino)-3-methoxyphenyl]methanesulfonamide, an antitumor drug which has been tested in clinical trials, is known to bind to DNA by the intercalation of its 9-aminoacridine moiety between DNA base pairs and its anilino side chain would then be located in the narrow groove. The intercalatice binding of the drug has been studied here, using ESR through competition with a spin-labelled 9-aminoacridine. In addition the affinity parameters of the parent compound 4-(9-acridinylamino)aniline and a new peptidic derivative, 4-(9-acridinylamino)-N-(lysylglycyl)aniline, have been evaluated by the same technique. Thus the influence of the side chains structures on the dissociation constant values was determined. The results reported here suggest that the affinity of this drug to DNA could be increased by the introduction of a lysyl residue.

Identification of calcium palmitate in gallstones by infra-red spectroscopy

Crystallographic studies have shown that calcium palmitate was the fourth most frequent crystalline constituent of gallstones, but it has never been detected using an infra-red technique. This report demonstrates that IR spectroscopy represents an accurate and easy method for detection of this compound in gallstones. First, palmitic acid has been unequivocally identified from gallstones after chloroformic extraction in an acidic medium, on the basis of 1H NMR and mass spectra. Secondly, the characteristic bonds of pure calcium palmitate have been well established (2920, 2850, 1575, 1540, 1470, 1430, 1412, 1110, 710 cm-1) enabling the identification of this compound isolated or in association with other components of calculi.

Structure-neuromuscular blocking activity relationships of ketophosphonium salts

Three ketophosphonium salts containing a morpholino group were prepared and evaluated for their neuromuscular blocking effect. Solution and crystal conformations were studied. An attempt was made to explain, in structural terms, different activity levels in connection with the interatomic distances.

On the mechanism of the tetrahydropteridine cofactor oxidation in aerobic and H2O2-peroxydase media

It is commonly postulated that the enzymatic hydroxylation of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan involves the concomitant oxidation of a tetrahydropteridinic cofactor to an unstable quinonoid product, converted to the initial compound under the catalytic action of dihydropteridine reductase. We now report UV, NMR, mass spectrum and spectroscopic studies of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydropteridine oxidation process either by atmospheric O2 or by the H2O2-peroxidase system. No quinonoid form was visualized and, moreover, the spectral characteristics of UV absorbance spectra, initially reported as specific for the quinonoid form, are related to other oxidation products whose formation is explained here.