Chemical and biological aspects of Cu2+ interactions with peptides and aminoglycosides

An octamolybdate-metal organic framework hybrid for the efficient adsorption of histidine-rich proteins

Incorporation of octamolybdate (Mo₈O₂₆) into the metal–organic framework, MIL-101(Cr), produces a novel hybrid. The covalent interactions of the Mo₈O₂₆ moiety in the hybrid with the N-terminal site and the multi-metal binding site of proteins offer favorable adsorption performance towards histidine-rich proteins.

Inhibition of aminoglycoside 6'-N-acetyltransferase type Ib-mediated amikacin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae by zinc and copper pyrithione

The in vitro activity of the aminoglycoside 6'-N-acetyltransferase type Ib [AAC(6')-Ib] was inhibited by CuCl2 with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.8 μM. The growth of an amikacin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain isolated from a neonate with meningitis was inhibited when amikacin was supplemented by the addition of Zn(2+) or Cu(2+) in complex with the ionophore pyrithione. Coordination complexes between cations and ionophores could be developed for their use, in combination with aminoglycosides, to treat resistant infections.

Copper(II) complexes as catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of o-phenylenediamine to 2,3-diaminophenazine

Two new mononuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu (L) (NO3)2] (1) and [Cu (L) Br2] (2) where (L=bis(1-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)ether) are synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, UV-Visible, IR spectroscopy, EPR and cyclic voltammetry. The complexes exhibit different coordination structures; the E1/2 value of the complex (1) is found to be relatively more cathodic than that of complex (2). X-band EPR spectra at low temperature in DMF supports a tetragonally distorted complex (1) while complex (2) shows three different g values suggesting a rhombic geometry. These complexes were utilized as a catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of o-phenylenediamine to 2,3-diaminophenazine assisted by molecular oxygen. The initial rate of reaction is dependent on the concentration of Cu(II) complex as well as substrate, and was found to be higher for the nitrate bound complex, while presence of acetate anion acts as a mild inhibitor of the reaction, as it is likely to pick up protons generated during the course of reaction. The inhibition suggests that the generated protons are further required in another important catalytic step.

Zinc(ii) and cadmium(ii) complexes of N-terminally free peptides containing two separate cysteinyl binding sites

The novel synthesized cysteine peptides form stable zinc(ii) and cadmium(ii) complexes; the specific sequence makes possible metal induced amide deprotonation.

Copper(ii) complexes of terminally free alloferon mutants containing two histidyl binding sites inside peptide chain structure and stability

The characterization of Cu(ii) complexes with alloferon 1 mutants H1A/H12A, H1A/H9A and H1A/H6A by potentiometry, CD, UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopic techniques, and ESI-MS spectrometry is reported.

Copper-peptide complex structure and reactivity when found in conserved His-X(aa)-His sequences

Oxygen-activating copper proteins may possess His-X(aa)-His chelating sequences at their active sites and additionally exhibit imidiazole group δN vs εN tautomeric preferences. As shown here, such variations strongly affect copper ion's coordination geometry, redox behavior, and oxidative reactivity. Copper(I) complexes bound to either δ-HGH or ε-HGH tripeptides were synthesized and characterized. Structural investigations using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and solution conductivity measurements reveal that δ-HGH forms the Cu(I) dimer complex [{Cu(I)(δ-HGH)}2](2+) (1) while ε-HGH binds Cu(I) to give the monomeric complex [Cu(I)(ε-HGH)](+) (2). Only 2 exhibits any reactivity, forming a strong CO adduct, [Cu(I)(ε-HGH)(CO)](+), with properties closely matching those of the copper monooxygenase PHM. Also, 2 is reactive toward O2 or H2O2, giving a new type of O2-adduct or Cu(II)-OOH complex, respectively.

Transition metal complexes with oligopeptides: single crystals and crystal structures

The coordination chemistry of short chain peptides with transition metals is described in terms of the available crystal structures. Despite their high interest as synthetic models for metalloproteins and as building blocks for molecular materials based on the tuneable properties of oligopeptides, single crystal X-ray diffraction studies are scarce. A perusal of the most relevant results in this field allows us to define the main characteristics of oligopeptide-metal interactions, the fundamental problems for the crystallization of these complexes, and some hints to identify future promising approaches to advance the development of metallopeptide chemistry.

Insight into the coordination and the binding sites of Cu(2+) by the histidyl-6-tag using experimental and computational tools

His-tags are specific sequences containing six to nine subsequent histydyl residues, and they are used for purification of recombinant proteins by use of IMAC chromatography. Such polyhistydyl tags, often used in molecular biology, can be also found in nature. Proteins containing histidine-rich domains play a critical role in many life functions in both prokaryote and eukaryote organisms. Binding mode and the thermodynamic properties of the system depend on the specific metal ion and the histidine sequence. Despite the wide application of the His-tag for purification of proteins, little is known about the properties of metal-binding to such tag domains. This inspired us to undertake detailed studies on the coordination of Cu(2+) ion to hexa-His-tag. Experiments were performed using the potentiometric, UV-visible, CD, and EPR techniques. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied. The experimental studies have shown that the Cu(2+) ion binds most likely to two imidazoles and one, two, or three amide nitrogens, depending on the pH. The structures and stabilities of the complexes for the Cu(2+)-Ac-(His)6-NH2 system using experimental and computational tools were established. Polymorphic binding states are suggested, with a possibility of the formation of α-helix structure induced by metal ion coordination. Metal ion is bound to various pairs of imidazole moieties derived from the tag with different efficiencies. The coordination sphere around the metal ion is completed by molecules of water. Finally, the Cu(2+) binding by Ac-(His)6-NH2 is much more efficient compared to other multihistidine protein domains.

The specificity of interaction of Zn(2+), Ni(2+) and Cu(2+) ions with the histidine-rich domain of the TjZNT1 ZIP family transporter

The Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP) family contributes to the metal homeostasis by regulating the transport of divalent metal cations such as Fe(2+), Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Cd(2+) and sometimes even Cu(2+). Most ZIP members have a long variable loop between transmembrane domains (TMDs) III and IV; this region is predicted to be located in the cytoplasm and is postulated to be the metal ion binding site. In this study, we looked at the thermodynamic behavior and coordination chemistry of Zn(2+), Ni(2+) and Cu(2+) complexes with the histidine-rich domain, Ac-(185)RAHAAHHRHSH(195)-NH2 (HRD), from the yeast TjZNT1 protein, located between TMDs III and IV. The sequence is conserved also in higher species like Thlaspi japonicum. The stability of complexes increases in the series Ni(2+) < Zn(2+)≪ Cu(2+). The geometry of complexes is very different for each metal and in the case of Zn(2+) complexes, high specificity in binding is observed. Moreover, the stability of HRD-Cu(2+) complexes was compared with the five His residues containing peptide from Hpn protein (Helicobacter pylori). The results suggest a high ability of HRD in the binding of all three studied metals.

Anti-inflammatory effects of tobramycin and a copper-tobramycin complex with superoxide dismutase-like activity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is characterized by accumulations of neutrophils in the airway and T cells in bronchial tissue, with activation of platelets in the circulation. CF patients are routinely treated with systemic or inhaled tobramycin for airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Clinical trials have indicated an anti-inflammatory effect of tobramycin beyond its bactericidal activity. Here, we investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of tobramycin in vitro and consider if these relate to the ability of tobramycin to bind copper, which is elevated in blood and sputum in CF.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A copper-tobramycin complex was synthesized. The effect of tobramycin and copper-tobramycin on neutrophil activation and migration of T cells and neutrophils across human lung microvascular endothelial cells in response to thrombin-activated platelets were investigated in vitro. Tobramycin uptake was detected by immunocytochemistry. Intracellular reactive oxygen species were detected using the fluorescent indicator, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA). Neutrophil superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and neutrophil elastase activity were measured using specific substrates. Copper was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

KEY RESULTS

Tobramycin and copper-tobramycin were taken up by endothelial cells via a heparan sulphate-dependent mechanism and significantly inhibited T-cell and neutrophil transendothelial migration respectively. Copper-tobramycin has intracellular and extracellular superoxide dismutase-like activity. Neutrophil elastase inhibition by α1-antitrypsin is enhanced in the presence of copper-tobramycin. Tobramycin and copper-tobramycin are equally effective anti-pseudomonal antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Anti-inflammatory effects of tobramycin in vivo may relate to the spontaneous formation of a copper-tobramycin complex, implying that copper-tobramycin may be more effective therapy.

Copper(II) coordination properties of decapeptides containing three His residues: the impact of cyclization and Asp residue coordination

Two decapeptides containing three His and two Pro-Gly β-turn inducer units (C-Asn, cyclic) and three His and a single Pro-Gly unit (O-Asn, open) have been synthesized. A detailed potentiometric study showed that while O-Asn binds up to 3 equiv. of Cu(2+) ions, C-Asn only coordinates two before precipitation occurred. Nonetheless, at a 1 : 1 Cu(2+)/peptide ratio both peptides form a major [CuHL](3+) species and spectroscopic studies (UV-Vis, CD and EPR) revealed a very similar copper(ii) complex where the metal ion is coordinated solely by the imidazole rings of the His residues adopting a square planar or square pyramidal geometry. The corrected stability constants of the protonated species (log K(CuH(O-Asn)) = 8.17 and log K(CuH(C-Asn)) = 9.11) indicate that the cyclic peptide binds Cu(2+) with higher affinity and this value represents the highest value reported so far for this type of coordination. Additionally, the calculated value of the effective stability constant, K(eff), showed that C-Asn has a higher affinity for Cu(2+) at all pH values not only at a 1 : 1 ratio but even at a 2 : 1 ratio. The replacement of the asparagine residue by an aspartic amino acid increases the Cu(2+) affinity of the aspartic counterparts, C-Asp and O-Asp, which at a 1 : 1 Cu(2+)/peptide ratio also form a major species, [CuHL](2+) in these cases, with Cu(2+) coordinated to the three histidine residues and one aspartic residue. These data show how cyclization and coordination to the aspartic residue increase the binding strength and preclude the coordination of the amide nitrogen up to higher pH values, stabilizing therefore, the species where Cu(2+) is solely coordinated by the side chain functionalities.

Macrocyclization of the ATCUN motif controls metal binding and catalysis

We report the design, synthesis, and characterization of macrocyclic analogues of the amino-terminal copper and nickel binding (ATCUN) motif. These macrocycles have altered pH transitions for metal binding, and unlike linear ATCUN motifs, the optimal cyclic peptide 1 binds Cu(II) selectively over Ni(II) at physiological pH. UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy showed that cyclic peptide 1 can coordinate Cu(II) or Ni(II) in a square planar geometry. Metal binding titration and ESI-MS data revealed a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Macrocyclization allows for coordination of Cu(II) or Ni(II) as in linear ATCUN motifs, but with enhanced DNA cleavage by the Cu(II)-1 complex relative to linear analogues. The Cu(II)-1 complex was also capable of producing diffusible hydroxyl radicals, which is unique among ATCUN motifs and most other common copper(II) chelators.

Interactions of disulfide-constrained cyclic tetrapeptides with Cu(2+)

The purpose of this work is to characterize the interactions of two disulfide-constrained cyclic tetrapeptides [c(Ac-Cys-Pro-Phe-Cys-NH(2)), SS1; c(Ac-Cys-Pro-Gly-Cys-NH(2)), SS2] with Cu(2+) ions in order to facilitate the design of cyclic peptides as sensors for metal ions. The Cu(2+)-peptide complex cations at m/z 569.1315 for Cu(2+)-SS1 and m/z 479.0815 for Cu(2+)-SS2 were detected by mass spectrometry. The gas-phase fragmentation of the Cu(2+)-peptide complexes was studied by collision-induced dissociation and suggests the atoms involved in the coordination. Cu(2+) ion binds to a single SS1 or SS2 with K (d(app)) of 0.57 ± 0.02 and 0.55 ± 0.01 μM, respectively. Isothermal titration calorimetry data indicate both enthalpic and entropic contributions for the binding of Cu(2+) ion to SS1 and SS2. The characteristic wavenumber of 947 cm(-1) and the changes at 1,664 and 1,530 cm(-1) in the infrared spectrum suggest that the sulfydryl of cysteine, the carbonyl group, and amide II are involved in the coordination of Cu(2+). The X-ray absorption near-edge structure signal from the Cu(2+)-peptide complex corresponds to the four-coordination structure. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure and electron paramagnetic resonance results demonstrate the Cu(2+) ion is in an S/N/2O coordination environment, and is a distinct type II copper center. Theoretical calculations further demonstrate that Cu(2+) ion binds to SS1 or SS2 in a slightly distorted tetragonal geometry with an S/N/2O environment and the minimum potential energy.

Harnessing the flexibility of peptidic scaffolds to control their copper(II)-coordination properties: a potentiometric and spectroscopic study

Designing small peptides that are capable of binding Cu(2+) ions mainly through the side-chain functionalities is a hard task because the amide nitrogen atoms strongly compete for Cu(2+) ion coordination. However, the design of such peptides is important for obtaining biomimetic small systems of metalloenyzmes as well as for the development of artificial systems. With this in mind, a cyclic decapeptide, C-Asp, which contained three His residues and one Asp residue, and its linear derivative, O-Asp, were synthesized. The C-Asp peptide has two Pro-Gly β-turn-inducer units and, as a result of cyclization, and as shown by CD spectroscopy, its backbone is constrained into a more defined conformation than O-Asp, which is linear and contains a single Pro-Gly unit. A detailed potentiometric, mass spectrometric, and spectroscopic study (UV/Vis, CD, and EPR spectroscopy) showed that at a 1:1 Cu(2+)/peptide ratio, both peptides formed a major [CuHL](2+) species in the pH range 5.0-7.5 (C-Asp) and 5.5-7.0 (O-Asp). The corrected stability constants of the protonated species (log K*(CuH(O-Asp))=9.28 and log K*(CuH(C-Asp))=10.79) indicate that the cyclic peptide binds Cu(2+) ions with higher affinity. In addition, the calculated value of K(eff) shows that this higher affinity for Cu(2+) ions prevails at all pH values, not only for a 1:1 ratio but even for a 2:1 ratio. The spectroscopic data of both [CuHL](2+) species are consistent with the exclusive coordination of Cu(2+) ions by the side-chain functionalities of the three His residues and the Asp residue in a square-planar or square-pyramidal geometry. Nonetheless, although these data show that, upon metal coordination, both peptides adopt a similar fold, the larger conformational constraints that are present in the cyclic scaffold results in different behaviour for both [CuHL](2+) species. CD and NMR analysis revealed the formation of a more rigid structure and a slower Cu(2+)-exchange rate for [CuH(C-Asp)](2+) compared to [CuH(O-Asp](2+). This detailed comparative study shows that cyclization has a remarkable effect on the Cu(2+)-coordination properties of the C-Asp peptide, which binds Cu(2+) ions with higher affinity at all pH values, stabilizes the [CuHL](2+) species in a wider pH range, and has a slower Cu(2+)-exchange rate compared to O-Asp.

Copper coordination to native N-terminally modified versus full-length amyloid-β: second-sphere effects determine the species present at physiological pH

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by senile plaques in which metallic ions (copper, zinc, and iron) are colocalized with amyloid-β peptides of different sequences in aggregated forms. In addition to the full-length peptides (Aβ1-40/42), N-terminally truncated Aβ3-40/42 forms and their pyroglutamate counterparts, Aβp3-40/42, have been proposed to play key features in the aggregation process, leading to the senile plaques. Furthermore, they have been shown to be more toxic than the full-length Aβ, which made them central targets for therapeutic approaches. In order to better disentangle the possible role of metallic ions in the aggregation process, copper(II) coordination to the full-length amyloid peptides has been extensively studied in the last years. However, regarding the N-terminally modified forms at position 3, very little is known. Therefore, copper(I) and copper(II) coordination to those peptides have been investigated in the present report using a variety of complementary techniques and as a function of pH. Copper(I) coordination is not affected by the N-terminal modifications. In contrast, copper(II) coordination is different from that previously reported for the full-length peptide. In the case of the pyroglutamate form, this is due to preclusion of N-terminal amine binding. In the case of the N-terminally truncated form, alteration in copper(II) coordination is caused by second-sphere effects that impact the first binding shell and the pH-dependent repartition of the various [Cu(peptide)] complexes. Such second-sphere effects are anticipated to apply to a variety of metal ions and peptides, and their importance on changing the first binding shell has not been fully recognized yet.

Amino acid-based tweezers: the role of turn-like conformation in the binding of copper(II)

The importance of turn-like peptide conformation for the copper(II) binding has been revealed by the synthesis of simple amino acid-based tweezers and the study of their interaction with copper(II). Amino acids Phe, Leu, Val, Ala and Gly were bridged through their C-terminuses with conformationally constrained motif, cis enediyne moiety ((Z)-octa-4-en-2,6-diyne-1,8-diamine). The interaction of prepared diamine ligands with copper(II) was studied by means of potentiometric titrations, UV-visible and EPR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques. All ligands interact efficiently with copper(II) and form complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry differing in the protonation state of the ligand. LCu(2+) species were found predominant at pH<6.5, with log K* ranging from -8.06 to -6.65, while at higher pH deprotonation occurred, giving rise to LH(-1)Cu(+) complexes or LH(-2)Cu complex for the phenylalanine-related ligand. An additional species, LH(-3)Cu(-) were found at pH>9 for the valine- and alanine-related ligands, respectively. Comparing stability of studied complexes with those reported in previous work revealed that ligands effectively emulate properties of copper(II) binding peptides. Based on the results obtained in this work it can be concluded that structural rigidity significantly enhances coordination properties of the ligand, thus conforming importance of the turn-like peptide conformation for the copper(II) binding.

Novel short-chain analogues of somatostatin as ligands for Cu(II) ions. Role of the metal ion binding on the spatial structure of the ligand

In this paper we present the studies on coordination abilities of two short-chain analogues of somatostatin with free N-terminal and protected amino group towards copper (II) ions. The octreotide is the most popular analogue of the somatostatin (peptide hormone) used in medicine. Somatostatin analogues are used in diagnosis and treatment of the neuroendocrine tumors. Both analyzed analogues are characterized by the presence of two His instead of Cys residues in characteristic fragment of native peptide. We characterize coordination abilities of the ligands using potentiometric and spectroscopic methods. His-analogues of somatostatin are effective ligands for copper (II) ions. Both peptides are able to form the complexes with the cyclic structure.

Reactions and structural characterization of gold(III) complexes with amino acids, peptides and proteins

The present review article highlights recent findings in the field of gold(III) complexes with amino acids, peptides and proteins. The first section of this article provides an overview of the gold(III) reactions with amino acids, such as glycine, alanine, histidine, cysteine and methionine. The second part of the review is mainly focused on the results achieved in the mechanistic studies of the reactions between gold(III) and different peptides and structural characterization of gold(III)-peptide complexes as the final products in these reactions. The last section of this article deals with the reactions of gold(III) complexes with proteins as primary targets for cytotoxic gold compounds. Systematic summaries of these results contribute to the future development of gold(III) complexes as potential antitumor agents and also have importance in relation to the severe toxicity of gold-based drugs.

The impact of isomers of hemiaminal-1,2,4-triazole conjugates differently substituted in the phenyl ring and their Cu2+ complexes on the catalytic activity of the antigenomic delta ribozyme

The ability of four stable hemiaminals differently substituted in the phenyl ring and their complexes with Cu(2+) ions to inhibit catalytic cleavage of the antigenomic delta ribozyme was compared. The hemiaminals were novel chiral derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole [i.e. (2,4-dinitrophenyl)(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylamino) methanol (2,4-dnbald), (2-nitrophenyl)(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylamino) methanol (2-nbald), (3-nitrophenyl)(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylamino) methanol (3-nbald) and (4-nitrophenyl)(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylamino) methanol (4-nbald)]. The complexes of nbalds with Cu(2+) were characterized using UV and EPR methods and additionally, the formation of 2,4-dnbald-Cu(2+) complex with CuL(2) stoichiometry was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The data suggest that there are two ways in which nbalds and their Cu(2+) complexes can influence catalytic cleavage of antigenomic delta ribozyme. The coordinated Cu(2+) ions may play the role of new cationic ligands increasing the affinity of the complexes to the ribozyme. Such situation occurs in the case of 2- and 2,4-nbald. Their Cu(2+) complexes decrease ribozyme cleavage rates twice more efficiently than uncomplexed compounds. Moreover, the Cu(2+) complexes displace the catalytic divalent metal ions from their strong binding sites located in the ribozyme J4/2 region as shown by the Pb(2+)-induced cleavage approach. On the other hand, 3- and 4-nbald inhibit catalysis more strongly as compared to 2-nbald and 2,4-dnbald but the ribozyme cleavage rates are changed only slightly upon Cu(2+) complexation. The mechanism of ribozyme inhibition by interfering with the formation of a correct ribozyme tertiary structure seems to operate in this case.

Histidine-rich branched peptides as Cu(II) and Zn(II) chelators with potential therapeutic application in Alzheimer's disease

Two histidine-rich branched peptides with one lysine as a branching unit have been designed and synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Their complex formation with Cu(II) and Zn(II) as well as their ability to attenuate the metal-ion induced amyloid aggregation has been characterized. Both peptides can keep Cu(II) and Zn(II) in complexed forms at pH 7.4 and can bind two equivalents of metal ions in solutions with excess metal. The stoichiometry, stability and structure of the complexes formed have been determined by pH potentiometry, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, circular dichroism, EPR and NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS. Both mono- and bimetallic species have been detected over the whole pH range studied. The basic binding mode is either a tridentate {N(amino), N(amide), N(im)} or a histamine-type of coordination which is complemented by the binding of far imidazole or amino groups leading to macrochelate formation. The peptides were able to prevent Cu(II)-induced Aβ(1-40) aggregation but could not effectively compete for Zn(II) in vitro. Our results suggest that branched peptides containing potential metal-binding sites may be suitable metal chelators for reducing the risk of amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease.

Influence of charge and structure on the coordination chemistry of copper aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides are a family of molecules based on a 2-deoxystreptamine ring that is functionalized with a variety of sugar units that contain vicinal amine and hydroxyl functionality. These positively-charged amines promote selective high affinity binding to bacterial 16 s rRNA with resultant antibacterial activity. Aminoglycosides have also been shown to selectively target a variety of therapeutically relevant RNA motifs, and in combination with copper to promote irreversible degradation of the RNA target. The presence of multiple hydroxyl and amine groups on multiple rings creates many potential copper coordination sites. However, only a small subset of these sites actually bind copper, which have not been clearly defined experimentally, Herein we describe a more extensive structural characterization of the complexes of six aminoglycosides (kanamycin A, kanamycin B, neomycin B, neamine, tobramycin and paromomycin) that provide insights on the factors contributing to the coordination selectivity of aminoglycosides toward divalent copper. The presence of vicinal ligand donors capable of chelating the copper ion appears to be a prerequisite for stable metal binding, with charge density providing further tuning of the K(D). A possible role for metal coordination in antibacterial activity is also considered.