113Cd NMR spectroscopy of coordination compounds and proteins

Mercury-199 NMR Studies of Thiacrown and Related Macrocyclic Complexes: The Crystal Structures of [Hg(18S6)](PF6)2 and [Hg(9N3)2](ClO4)2

We wish to report the first measurements of (199)Hg NMR chemical shift data for a series of homoleptic Hg(II) complexes with thiacrown ligands and related aza and mixed thia/aza macrocycles. In mercury(II) complexes containing trithiacrown through hexathiacrown ligands, we observed (199)Hg NMR chemical shifts in the range of -298 to -1400 ppm. Upfield chemical shifts in these NMR spectra are seen whenever (a) the number of thioether sulfur donors in the complex is decreased, (b) a thioether sulfur donor is replaced by a secondary nitrogen donor, and (c) the size of the macrocycle ring increases without a change in the nature or number of the donor atoms. Changes in noncoordinating anions, such as hexafluorophosphate and perchlorate, have little effect on the (199)Hg chemical shift. For several complexes, we observed (3)J((199)Hg-(1)H) coupling in the range of 50-100 Hz, the first example of proton-mercury coupling through a C-S thioether bond. Also, we obtained unusual upfield (13)C NMR chemical shifts for methylene resonances in several of the thiacrown complexes which correspond to distortions within the five- and six-membered chelate rings bound to the mercury ion. We report the X-ray crystal structure of the complex [Hg(18S6)](PF(6))(2) (18S6 = 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiacyclooctadecane). The molecule crystallizes in the rare trigonal space group Pm1 with hexakis(thioether) coordination around the Hg(II) center confirming previous X-ray photoemission spectroscopic data on the compound. The lack of an observable (199)Hg NMR signal for the complex is the result of the identical length (2.689(2) Angstroms) of all six Hg-S bonds. We additionally report the X-ray structure of the complex [Hg(9N3)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (9N3 = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane) which shows hexakis(amine) coordination of the 9N3 to form a distorted trigonal prismatic structure. Solution dissociation of the one of the 9N3 ligands from the mercury ion is confirmed by multinuclear NMR experiments. For six-coordinate macrocyclic Hg(II) complexes, N6 donor sets have a preference for trigonal prisms while S6 donor sets favor octahedral structures.

113Cd NMR and Fluorescence Studies of Multiple Binding Mechanisms of Cd(II) by the Suwannee River Fulvic Acid

The binding of Cd (II) by the fulvic acid from a Suwannee River (FA) was investigated at various pH values and reactants ratios by 113Cd NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The NMR results provided evidences that the FA-Cd interactions occur through a variety of binding modes and mechanisms. Different kinds of organically bound Cd-species were detected in the 1.8-10.8 pH range depending on the FA/Cd ratios. Labile complexes (amenable to Cd-aminoacidic and Cd-hydroxy interactions or outer-sphere complexes) were observed at low pH and FA/Cd levels while stronger interactions (of carboxylate-type or inner-sphere complexation) took place as the pH and/or the FA concentration were increased. At pH ca. 6 insoluble FA-Cd adducts were primarily produced but, at relatively large FA concentration, only soluble complexes, stable in the whole pH 1.8-10.8 range, were formed. A complementary analysis, by fluorescence spectroscopy, provided clear evidences of FA-Cd association/aggregation phenomena. While no noticeable effects occurred with soluble samples, the formation of insoluble adducts led to significant enhancements of the emission fluorescence spectra. Although other explanations could not be excluded, this result was accounted for by modifications of the optical properties of the ligand itself due to sedimentation of the heavier components. Fluorescence enhancement was also observed on samples before the effective precipitation and interpreted as spectroscopic evidence of the onset of aggregation phenomena.

Structural models for the interaction of Cd(II) with DNA: trans-[Cd(9-RGH-N7)2(H2O)4]2+

Reactions of Cd(NO(3))(2) with the model nucleobases 9-alkylguanine in water at neutral pH, give the compounds trans-[Cd(9-RGH-N7)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](NO(3))(2)(R=Me, Et), with the 9-alkylguanine ligands bound to the metal cation at the N(7) position. The X-ray structures of both compounds are reported. The six-coordinate Cd(II) complexes consist of a highly regular octahedral geometry in which the two 9-alkylguanine ligands are in a trans position to each other and approximately collinear with the metal cation. In addition, the networks of both compounds show interesting features. Thus, intramolecular H-bonds between O(6) and a coordinated water molecule are present, and self-association of guanines via H-bonding of N(3)-H...N(2) take place, leading to a 1D supramolecular polymeric ribbon. Density functional theory calculations have been applied to both compounds in order to study the stability of N(7) metalated guanine-guanine associations by comparing experimental and theoretical results. The potential relevance with regard to possible Cd(II)-DNA cross-links is briefly discussed.

Dynamics and Metal Exchange Properties of C4C4 RING Domains from CNOT4 and the p44 Subunit of TFIIH

Zinc fingers are small structured protein domains that require the coordination of zinc for a stable tertiary fold. Together with FYVE and PHD, the RING domain forms a distinct class of zinc-binding domains, where two zinc ions are ligated in a cross-braced manner, with the first and third pairs of ligands coordinating one zinc ion, while the second and fourth pairs ligate the other zinc ion. To investigate the relationship between the stability and dynamic behaviour of the domains and the stability of the metal-binding site, we studied metal exchange for the C4C4 RING domains of CNOT4 and the p44 subunit of TFIIH. We found that Zn(2+)-Cd(2+) exchange is different between the two metal-binding sites in the C4C4 RING domains of the two proteins. In order to understand the origins of these distinct exchange rates, we studied the backbone dynamics of both domains in the presence of zinc and of cadmium by NMR spectroscopy. The differential stability of the two metal-binding sites in the RING domains, as reflected by the different metal exchange rates, can be explained by a combination of accessibility and an electrostatic ion interaction model. A greater backbone flexibility for the p44 RING domain as compared to CNOT4 may be related to the distinct types of protein-protein interactions in which the two C4C4 RING domains are involved.

A synthetic, structural, and113Cd NMR study of cadmium complexes of 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thionate, including the structures of Cd(C3H4NS2)2, (Cd(C3H4NS2)2(C5H5N)3·C5H5N, and (Ph4P)2[I2Cd(µ-C3H4NS2)2CdI2]

The crystallization of cadmium bis(1,3-thiazolidine-2-thionate), Cd(C3H4NS2)2(1), is reported. Freshly prepared 1 reacts with Ph4P+X–in a 1:2 ratio to give (Ph4P)2[Cd2(C3H4NS2)2X4] (X = I (4) or Br (5)). Crystallization of 1 from pyridine produces a solvate 7, which loses pyridine readily. X-ray analyses show that 1 has a polymeric sheet structure in which the C3H4NS2–ligands act as bidentate bridges through N and the exocyclic S and the Cd has a CdN2S2kernel; 5 is isomorphous with 4, which contains a dimeric anion again with bridging through the N and exocyclic S of the heterocyclic ligands; and 7 is Cd(C3H4NS2)2(C5H5N)3·C5H5N, containing trigonal bipyramidal Cd(C3H4NS2)2(C5H5N)3molecules, in which the C3H4NS2–ligands, both of which are monodentate and in equatorial positions, occur as a unique combination of S- and N-bound. Cadmium-113 NMR data for 1 in pyridine solution and solid-state CP-MAS113Cd data for 1, 7, bis(pyridinium-4-thiolate)cadmium, and tetrakis(pyridinium-2-thiolate)cadmium nitrate are reported and discussed. The compound 1 has chemical and NMR spectroscopic properties that make it a useful standard for solid-state CP-MAS113Cd NMR spectroscopy. Key words: cadmium, 1,3-thiazolidine-2-thionate, X-ray analysis, solid-state113Cd NMR,113Cd NMR standard compound.

Cadmium Amido Alkoxide and Alkoxide Precursors for the Synthesis of Nanocrystalline CdE (E = S, Se, Te)

The synthesis and characterization of a family of alternative precursors for the production of CdE nanoparticles (E = S, Se, and Te) is reported. The reaction of Cd(NR2)2 where NR2 = N(SiMe3)2 with n HOR led to the isolation of the following: n = 1 [Cd(mu-OCH2CMe3)(NR2)(py)]2 (1, py = pyridine), Cd[(mu-OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)2Cd(NR2)(py)]2 (2), [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CHMe2)(2)-2,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (3), [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (4), [Cd(mu-OC6H2(NH2)(3)-2,4,6)(NR2)(py)]2 (5), and n = 2 [Cd(mu-OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)(OC6H3(Me)(2)-2,6)(py)2]2 (6), and [Cd(mu-OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(OC6H3(CMe3)(2)-2,6)(THF)]2 (7). For all but 2, the X-ray crystal structures were solved as discrete dinuclear units bridged by alkoxide ligands and either terminal -NR2 or -OR ligands depending on the stoichiometry of the initial reaction. For 2, a trinuclear species was isolated using four mu-OR and two terminal -NR2 ligands. The coordination of the Cd metal center varied from 3 to 5 where the higher coordination numbers were achieved by binding Lewis basic solvents for the less sterically demanding ligands. These complexes were further characterized in solution by 1H, 13C, and 113Cd NMR along with solid-state 113Cd NMR spectroscopy. The utility of these complexes as "alternative precursors" for the controlled preparation of nanocrystalline CdS, CdSe, and CdTe was explored. To synthesize CdE nanocrystals, select species from this family of compounds were individually heated in a coordinating solvent (trioctylphosphine oxide) and then injected with the appropriate chalcogenide stock solution. Transmission electron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the resultant particles.

Solid-State and Solution-State Coordination Chemistry of the Zinc Triad with the Mixed N,S Donor Ligand Bis(2-methylpyridyl) Sulfide

The binding of group 12 metal ions to bis(2-methylpyridyl) sulfide (1) was investigated by X-ray crystallography and NMR. Seven structures of the chloride and perchlorate salts of Hg(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) with 1 are reported. Hg(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2), Cd(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2), and Zn(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN form mononuclear, six-coordinate species in the solid state with 1 binding in a tridentate coordination mode. Hg(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2) has a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination geometry while Cd(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2) and Zn(1)(2)(ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN have distorted octahedral geometries. With chloride anions, the 1:1 metal to ligand complexes Hg(1)Cl(2), [Cd(1)Cl(2)](2), and Zn(1)Cl(2) are formed. A bidentate binding mode that lacks thioether coordination is observed for 1 in the four-coordinate, distorted tetrahedral complexes Zn(1)Cl(2) and Hg(1)Cl(2). [Cd(1)Cl(2)](2) is dimeric with a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and a tridentate 1. Hg(1)Cl(2) is comprised of pairs of loosely associated monomers and Zn(1)Cl(2) is monomeric. In addition, Hg(2)(1)Cl(4) is formed with alternating chloride and thioether bridges. The distorted square pyramidal Hg(II) centers result in a supramolecular zigzagging chain in the solid state. The solution (1)H NMR spectra of [Hg(1)(2)](2+) and [Hg(1)(NCCH(3))(x)()](2+) reveal (3)(-)(5)J((199)Hg(1)H) due to slow ligand exchange found in these thioether complexes. Implications for use of Hg(II) as a metallobioprobe are discussed.

Control of metal coordination number in de novo designed peptides through subtle sequence modifications

Substitution of an alanine for leucine (shown in light blue) in the hydrophobic interior of designed three-stranded coiled coils allows for the control of metal ion coordination number and geometry. The influence of this perturbation by a noncoordinating residue can be monitored by the dramatic impact on the 113Cd NMR spectrum. The structural effect occurs even when the residue substitution is as much as 7 A from the metal binding site.

A Potentiometric and 113Cd NMR Study of Cadmium Complexation by Natural Organic Matter at Two Different Magnetic Field Strengths

The binding of cadmium to Suwannee River natural organic matter (NOM) has been investigated across a broad range of Cd/C ratios (0.00056-0.0056) and pH values (3.5-11) by (113)Cd NMR spectroscopy at two magnetic field strengths (B(0) = 9.4 and 11.7 T). Caused by the very peculiar and highly complex nature of the Cd-NOM exchanging system, these (113)Cd NMR spectra are characterized by a pH- and concentration-dependent superposition of slow, intermediate, and fast chemical exchange. The complex interplay of solution chemistry and chemical exchange requires a thorough mapping of this Cd-NOM chemically exchanging system through NMR acquisition at two magnetic field strengths and a systematic variation of Cd/C ratios and pH values. The interpretation of (113)Cd NMR spectra is greatly facilitated and constrained by simultaneous measurements of pH and pCd, which allows a model-independent calculation of organically bound Cd(2+) under all experimental conditions. Within the range of chemical conditions applied in this study, (113)Cd NMR spectrometric evidence is consistent with coordination of cadmium by oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur ligands in NOM. Under all experimental conditions, cadmium is primarily coordinated to oxygen; however, several lines of evidence point to the participation of nitrogen ligands, even in acidic solutions where nitrogen ligands are primarily bound to protons. Under alkaline conditions, up to one-third of cadmium may be coordinated to nitrogen, and a small, but unquantifiable, percentage of cadmium is coordinated to sulfur ligands, as evidenced by far-low-field (113)Cd NMR resonances.

Domain architectures and characterization of an RNA-binding protein, TLS

Translocated in liposarcoma (TLS) is an important protein component of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the splicing of pre-mRNA and the export of fully processed mRNA to the cytoplasm. We examined the domain organization of human TLS by a combined approach using limited proteolysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy. We found that the RNA recognition motif (RRM) and zinc finger-like domains exclusively form protease-resistant core structures within the isolated TLS protein fragments, while the remaining regions, including the Arg-Gly-Gly repeats, appear to be completely unstructured. Thus, TLS contains the unstructured N-terminal half followed by the RRM and zinc finger-like domains, which are connected to each other by a flexible linker. We also carried out NMR analyses to obtain more detailed insights into the individual RRM and zinc finger-like domains. The 113Cd NMR analysis of the zinc finger-like domain verified that zinc is coordinated with four cysteines in the C4 type scheme. We also investigated the interaction of each domain with an oligo-RNA containing the GGUG sequence, which appears to be critical for the TLS function in splicing. The backbone amide NMR chemical shift perturbation analyses indicated that the zinc finger domain binds GGUG-containing RNA with a dissociation constant of about 1.0 x 10(-5) m, whereas the RRM domain showed no observable interaction with this RNA. This surprising result implies that the zinc finger domain plays a more predominant role in RNA recognition than the RRM domain.

Versatile Chelating Behavior of Benzil Bis(thiosemicarbazone) in Zinc, Cadmium, and Nickel Complexes

Reactions of benzil bis(thiosemicarbazone), LH(6), with M(NO(3))(2).nH(2)O (M = Zn, Cd, and Ni), in the presence of LiOH.H(2)O, show the versatile behavior of this molecule. The structure of the ligand, with the thiosemicarbazone moieties on opposite sides of the carbon backbone, changes to form complexes by acting as a chelating molecule. Complexes of these metal ions with empirical formula [MLH(4)] were obtained, although they show different molecular structures depending on their coordinating preferences. The zinc complex is the first example of a crystalline coordination polymer in which a bis(thiosemicarbazone) acts as bridging ligand, through a nitrogen atom, giving a 1D polymeric structure. The coordination sphere is formed by the imine nitrogen and sulfur atoms, and the remaining position, in a square-based pyramid, is occupied by an amine group of another ligand. The cadmium derivative shows the same geometry around the metal ion but consists of a dinuclear structure with sulfur atoms acting as a bridge between the metal ions. However, in the nickel complex LH(6) acts as a N(2)S(2) ligand yielding a planar structure for the nickel atom. The ligand and its complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, microanalysis, mass spectrometry, IR, (1)H, and (13)C NMR spectroscopies and for the cadmium complex by (113)Cd NMR in solution and in the solid state.

First principle calculations of 113Cd chemical shifts for proteins and model systems

113Cd isotropic NMR shieldings are calculated for a number of metal ion binding sites in proteins, using the GIAO-B3LYP and GIAO-HF methods with the uncontracted (19s15p9d4f) polarized basis set of Kellö and Sadlej on cadmium and 6-31G(d) on the ligands. The results compare favorably with experimental data, indicating that first principle calculations are a useful tool for structural interpretation of (113)Cd chemical shift data from metal ion containing proteins. The effect of different ligand types (thiolate, imidazole, water, and monodentate carboxylate), coordination number, and deviations of the coordination geometry from ideal structures is evaluated. In particular, the ligand type and coordination number are important factors, but also changes in cadmium-ligand bond lengths may cause significant changes of the chemical shift.

Cadmium complexes of the tripodal [Te(N-t-Bu)3]2– dianion and the HgCl2 adduct of a tellurium diimide dimer

The reactions of CdCl2 or HgCl2 with {Li2[Te(N-t-Bu)3]}2 in n-hexane–THF give rise to two distinctly different types of product. In the former case the complexes [Li(THF)x][(CdCl)3{Te(N-t-Bu)3}2] (7a (x = 4), 7b (x = 3)) are obtained. The tetrasolvated complex 7a is a solvent-separated ion pair. The trisolvated complex 7b is a contact ion pair in which the fourth coordination site at the Li+ centre is occupied by one of the Cl ligands of the anion. The polycyclic anion in 7a and 7b is comprised of two tripodal [Te(N-t-Bu)3]2– dianions that exhibit different coordination modes to the three CdCl+ units. One ligand is N,N′-chelated to all three metal centres, and each nitrogen atom bridges two Cd atoms, whereas the other is bonded in a tris-N-monodentate fashion in 7b. In 7a there is an additional weak Cd-N interaction. The reaction of HgCl2 with {Li2[Te(N-t-Bu)3]}2 produces the adduct [t-BuNTe(µ-N-t-Bu)2TeN-t-Bu]HgCl2 (8), in which the dimeric tellurium diimide ligand in its cis(exo,exo) configuration is N,N′-chelated to mercury. Polymeric strands parallel to the b axis are formed by weak Te•••Cl interactions (3.5248(16) Å, 3.5876(15) Å) involving both Cl atoms, but only one Te atom of the ligand. Key words: imido ligands, cadmium, mercury, tellurium.

Reactivity of 2-Pyridinecarboxylic Esters with Cadmium(II) Halides: Study of 113Cd NMR Solid State Spectra and Crystal Structures of Hexacoordinated Complexes [CdI2(C5H4NCOOMe)2] and [CdI2(C5H4NCOOPrn)2]

The series of complexes [CdX(2)(C(5)H(4)NCOOR)] (X = Cl or Br; R = Me, Et, Pr(n)() or Pr(i)()) and [CdX(2)(C(5)H(4)NCOOR)(2)] (X = I; R = Me, Et, Pr(n)(), or Pr(i)()) have been obtained by the addition reaction of esters of 2-pyridinecarboxylic acid to cadmium(II) halides. X-ray crystal structures of two complexes [CdI(2)(C(5)H(4)NCOOR)(2)], R = Me (10) and R = Pr(n)() (12), have been determined. In both cases, the structure consists of discrete neutral monomeric units where the cadmium atom has a distorted octahedral coordination with CdI(2)N(2)O(2) core, two halides being in cis disposition. Structural information is compared with that deduced from (113)Cd CPMAS NMR experiments. Chemical shift anisotropies are discussed in terms of distortions produced in cadmium octahedra. The orientation of the principal axes of (113)Cd shielding tensor is also analyzed and related to the disposition of ligands in the structures of two analyzed compounds.

Interaction of Cd and Zn with biologically important ligands characterized using solid-state NMR and ab initio calculations

For the first time, coordination geometry and structure of metal binding sites in biologically relevant systems are studied using chemical shift parameters obtained from solid-state NMR experiments and quantum chemical calculations. It is also the first extensive report looking at metal-imidazole interaction in the solid state. The principal values of the (113)Cd chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensor in crystalline cadmium histidinate and two different cadmium formates (hydrate and anhydrate) were experimentally measured to understand the effect of coordination number and geometry on (113)Cd CSA. Further, (13)C and (15)N chemical shifts have also been experimentally determined to examine the influence of cadmium on the chemical shifts of (15)N and (13)C nuclei present near the metal site in the cadmium-histidine complex. These values were then compared with the chemical shift values obtained from the isostructural bis(histidinato)zinc(II) complex as well as from the unbound histidine. The results show that the isotropic chemical shift values of the carboxyl carbons shift downfield and those of amino and imidazolic nitrogens shift upfield in the metal (Zn,Cd)-histidine complexes relative to the values of the unbound histidine sample. These shifts are in correspondence with the anticipated values based on the crystal structure. Ab initio calculations on the cadmium histidinate molecule show good agreement with the (113)Cd CSA tensors determined from solid-state NMR experiments on powder samples. (15)N chemical shifts for other model complexes, namely, zinc glycinate and zinc hexaimidazole chloride, are also considered to comprehend the effect of zinc binding on (15)N chemical shifts.

Characterization of metal centers in bioinorganic complexes using ab initio calculations of 113Cd chemical shifts

Determination of (113)Cd chemical shift is of significant interest in NMR characterization of metal porphyrins, metal-histidine interactions, and other metal-ligand interactions in many bioinorganic complexes and metalloproteins. In this study, we present a detailed account of a number of quantum chemical investigations aimed at relating isotropic and anisotropic (113)Cd chemical shifts to the structure of several biologically relevant complexes with discrete and polymeric structures. Calculated and experimentally determined chemical shift values are compared to correlate the variation of the chemical shift values with the structural changes around the metal center. Our results infer that the density functional theory using the Sadlej basis set on the cadmium atom is a suitable method for estimating cadmium shielding values to a reasonable accuracy.

Chemistry of a binuclear cadmium(II) hydroxide complex: formation from water, CO(2) reactivity, and comparison to a zinc analog

Treatment of the bmnpa (N,N-bis-2-(methylthio)ethyl-N-((6-neopentylamino-2-pyridyl)methyl)amine) ligand with equimolar amounts of Cd(ClO(4))(2).5H(2)O and Me(4)NOH.5H(2)O in CH(3)CN yielded the binuclear cadmium hydroxide complex [((bmnpa)Cd)(2)(mu-OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN (1). Complex 1 may also be prepared (a) by treatment of a CH(3)CN solution of (bmnpa)Cd(ClO(4))(2) (2) with 1 equiv of n-BuLi, followed by treatment with water or (b) from 2 in the presence of 1 equiv each of water and NEt(3). The hydroxide derivative 1 is not produced from 2 and water in the absence of an added base. Complex 1 possesses a binuclear structure in the solid state with hydrogen-bonding and CH/pi interactions involving the bmnpa ligand. The overall structural features of 1 differ from the halide derivative [((bmnpa)Cd)(2)(mu-Cl)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (3), particularly in that the Cd(2)(mu-OH)(2) core of 1 is symmetric whereas the Cd(2)(mu-Cl)(2) core of 3 is asymmetric. In acetonitrile solution, 1 behaves as a 1:2 electrolyte and retains a binuclear structure and secondary hydrogen-bonding and CH/pi interactions, whereas 3 is a 1:1 electrolyte, indicating formation of a mononuclear [(bmnpa)CdCl]ClO(4) species in solution. Treatment of 1 with CO(2) in anhydrous CH(3)CN yields the bridging carbonate complex [((bmnpa)Cd)(2)(mu-CO(3))](ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN (4). Treatment of a chemically similar zinc hydroxide complex, [((benpa)Zn)(2)(mu-OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (benpa = N,N-bis-2-(ethylthio)ethyl-N-((6-neopentylamino-2-pyridyl)methyl)amine, with CO(2) also results in the formation of a carbonate derivative, [((benpa)Zn)(2)(mu-CO(3))](ClO(4))(2) (5), albeit the coordination mode of the bridging carbonate moiety is different. Treatment of 4 with added water results in no reaction, whereas 5 under identical conditions will undergo reaction to yield the zinc hydroxide complex [((benpa)Zn)(2)(mu-OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2).

Comparison of the binding of cadmium(II), mercury(II), and arsenic(III) to the de novo designed peptides TRI L12C and TRI L16C

Designed alpha-helical peptides of the TRI family with a general sequence Ac-G(LKALEEK)(4)G-CONH(2) were used as model systems for the study of metal-protein interactions. Variants containing cysteine residues in positions 12 (TRI L12C) and 16 (TRI L16C) were used for the metal binding studies. Cd(II) binding was investigated, and the results were compared with previous and current work on Hg(II) and As(III) binding. The metal peptide assemblies were studied with the use of UV, CD, EXAFS, (113)Cd NMR, and (111m)Cd perturbed angular correlation spectroscopy. The metalated peptide aggregates exhibited pH-dependent behavior. At high pH values, Cd(II) was bound to the three sulfurs of the three-stranded alpha-helical coiled coils. A mixture of two species was observed, including Cd(II) in a trigonal planar geometry. The complexes have UV bands at 231 nm (20 600 M(-1) cm(-1)) for TRI L12C and 232 nm (22 600 M(-1) cm(-1)) for TRI L16C, an average Cd-S bond length of 2.49 A for both cases, and a (113)Cd NMR chemical shift at 619 ppm (Cd(II)(TRI L12C)(3)(-)) or 625 ppm (Cd(II)(TRI-L16C)(3)(-)). Nuclear quadrupole interactions show that two different Cd species are present for both peptides. One species with omega(0) = 0.45 rad/ns and low eta is attributed to a trigonal planar Cd-(Cys)(3) site. The other, with a smaller omega(0), is attributed to a four-coordinate Cd(Cys)(3)(H(2)O) species. At low pH, no metal binding was observed. Hg(II) binding to TRI L12C was also found to be pH dependent, and a 3:1 sulfur-to-mercury(II) species was observed at pH 9.4. These metal peptide complexes provide insight into heavy metal binding and metalloregulatory proteins such as MerR or CadC.

67Zn solid-state and single-crystal NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure of zinc formate dihydrate

The crystal structure, quadrupole coupling parameters, and the orientation of the electric field gradient tensors for each site of zinc formate dihydrate have been determined. There are two distinct sites in the asymmetric unit: one containing four in-plane waters with two bridging formats, the other containing six bridging formates. The solid-state NMR lineshapes have been assigned to their respective sites by using isotopic labeling and cross-polarization methods. The hydrated site corresponds to the lineshape having a quadrupole coupling constant (Cq) of 9.6 MHz and the anhydrous site has a Cq of 6.2 MHz. The absence of chemical shielding contributions to the observed lineshapes has been verified with a high-field solid-state NMR experiment performed at 18.8 T.

Examination of cadmium(II) complexation by the Suwannee River fulvic acid using 113Cd NMR relaxation measurements

Aquatic and terrestrial fulvic acids are environmentally important because they affect the bioavailability and transport of metal ions. Prior studies demonstrated that Cd(ll) binds to the oxygen containing functional groups of fulvic acids. The complexation of Cd(II) is further investigated in this study using 113Cd NMR relaxation measurements for solutions of the Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA). Spin-lattice (T1) and spin-spin (T2) relaxation times are measured over a range of Cd(II):SRFA ratios. The results clearly indicate two types of Cd(II) binding sites for the SRFA. A series of model ligands was also examined to gain further understanding of the two types of binding motifs present in the fulvic acid. The results for a model compound containing several carboxylate functionalities in near proximity correspond very closely to the results obtained for the strong binding sites of the Cd(II)-SRFA complexes.

113Cd-NMR and fluorescence studies of the interactions between Cd(II) and extracellular organic matter released by Selenastrum capricornutum

113Cd NMR spectra were measured in solution for a series of adducts between the extracellular organic matter (EOM) of the green alga Selenastrum capricornutum and cadmium(II). From the results it appears that EOM forms complexes with Cd(II), which are in a fast exchange in NMR time scale. Thus the observed shift is the molar average of limit values for the exchanging free and bound cadmium species. Definite support for this dynamic stems from an extensive 113Cd NMR equilibrium analysis. Although in principle a multiple binding mode cannot be excluded, our 113Cd NMR findings and the consideration that carbohydrates are the prevailing constituents of algal releasing in stationary growth phase led us to suggest a carbohydrate type coordination. This hypothesis is also supported by NMR studies on model compounds. However, this is probably an oversimplified view of the binding which does not properly account for the fluorescence results. Fluorescence spectroscopy provided further evidence of the EOM binding process also allowing a discrimination between the fluorophoric groups involved. The addition of Cd(II) affected both fluorescence intensity and peak position in the "humic-like" band (between 340 and 400 nm Ex). Finally, the 113Cd NMR and synchronous fluorescence measurements showed a linear correlation between 113Cd chemical shifts and EOM concentration (as fluorescence intensity at 340 and 360 nm). NMR and fluorescence data suggest the existence of structurally different binding sites (carbohydrate-like and humic-like) which appear somehow related. Further, they definitely put in evidence the EOM-Cd interaction together with the specific organic components mostly involved.

A general strategy for the NMR observation of half-integer quadrupolar nuclei in dilute environments

A general strategy for the observation of low gamma half-integer quadrupolar nuclides in biological systems is presented. The methodology combines low-temperature (4-100 K) techniques with cross-polarization (CP) experiments while employing a so-called Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill spin-echo sequence (CPMG). This combined approach is termed CP/QCPMG. Also discussed are data processing issues that are unique to the induced signals that result from the QCPMG pulse sequence. Central to this strategy is the development of a stable low-temperature (4 to 250 K) NMR double-resonance probe. The probe is robust enough to handle multiple contact experiments and long acquisition periods with 1H decoupling. This approach is illustrated with low-temperature solid-state 67Zn and 25Mg NMR CP/QCPMG experiments on model compounds. The conclusion reached is that the strategy affords sufficient sensitivity to examine Zn2+ and/or Mg2+ binding sites in metalloproteins.

Measurement of cadmium(II) and calcium(II) complexation by fulvic acids using 113Cd NMR

Aquatic and terrestrial fulvic acids are environmentally important in pollution transport because they affect the bioavailability and transport of metal ions. The complexation of the metal ions, Cd(II) and Ca(II), with several fulvic acids is examined in this study using 113Cd NMR. Our results indicate that Cd(II) predominately binds to the oxygen containing functional groups of the fulvic acids. A single 113Cd NMR resonance is observed in NMR spectra of Cd(II)-fulvic acid solutions indicating fast exchange between free and complexed cadmium species. An average association equilibrium constant, K(Cd), is determined from NMR spectra measured for the titration of fulvic acid with Cd(II). The K(Cd) values determined for the four fulvic acids studied range between 1.2 and 3.5 x 10(3) M(-1). Competitive binding between Ca(II) and Cd(II) is used to indirectly determine an average association equilibrium constant, K(Ca), for Ca(II) with each fulvic acid. Overall K(Ca) values range from 4.6 to 7.8 x 10(2) M(-1).

NMR identification of heavy metal-binding sites in a synthetic zinc finger peptide: toxicological implications for the interactions of xenobiotic metals with zinc finger proteins

Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are toxic and interfere with protein metal-binding sites. The Cys(2)/His(2) zinc finger is a structural motif required for sequence-specific DNA binding and is present in zinc finger transcription factors (ZFP): Sp1, Egr-1, and TFIIIA. Neurotoxic studies have shown that heavy metals directly inhibit the DNA binding of ZFP and result in adverse cellular effects. Recently, we demonstrated the ability of heavy metals to alter the DNA binding of a synthetic Cys(2)/His(2) finger peptide (Razmiafshari and Zawia, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 166, 1-12, 2000). To determine the precise site of interactions between heavy metals and this protein domain, Pb, Hg, Cd, and Ca were reconstituted with the synthetic apopeptide and studied by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. In the presence of Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb, but not Ca, distinct peptide NMR signal changes in the aliphatic region were observed and attributed to metal-cystiene interactions. However, chemical shifts indicative of metal-histidine binding were elicited by all the metals in the peptide's aromatic region. Chemical shift assignments and sequential connectivity were established in the presence and absence of Zn, Pb, and Ca through TOCSY and NOESY spectra. Cysteine and histidine residues showed a distinct change in their amide and beta resonances in the presence of Zn and Pb, suggesting the metal-ligand binding sites were near these residues. However, Ca led to no significant spectral changes in these regions, suggesting that it is not actively involved in the binding site. These studies reveal this structure as a mediator of metal-induced alterations in protein function.

Computational modeling of a binding conformation of the intermediate L-histidinal to histidinol dehydrogenase

Histidinol dehydrogenase (HDH) is one of the enzymes involved in the L-histidine biosynthesis pathway. HDH is a dimer that contains one Zn2+ ion in each identical subunit. In this study, we predicted a possible binding conformation of the intermediate L-histidinal, which is experimentally not known, using a computational modeling method and three potent HDH inhibitors whose structures are similar to that of L-histidinal. At first, a set of the most probable active conformations of the potent inhibitors was determined using two different pharmacophore mapping techniques, the active analogue approach and the distance comparison method. From the most probable active conformations of the three potent inhibitors, the common parts of the L-histidinal structure were extracted and refined by energy minimization to obtain the binding conformation of L-histidinal. This predicted conformation of L-histidinal agrees with an experimentally determined conformation of L-histidine in a single crystal, suggesting that it is an experimentally acceptable conformation. The capability in this conformation to coordinate a Zn2+ ion was examined by comparing the spatial relative geometry of its functional groups with those of ligands that coordinate with a Zn2+ ion in Zn proteins of the Protein Data Bank. This comparison supported our predicted conformation.

Bis(mercaptoimidazolyl)(pyrazolyl)hydroborato complexes of zinc, cadmium, and cobalt: structural evidence for the enhanced tendency of zinc in biological systems to adopt tetrahedral M[S4] coordination

The bis(2-mercapto-1-methylimidazolyl)(pyrazolyl)hydroborato derivatives [pzBmMe]2Zn, [pzBmMe]2Co, and [pzBmMe]2Cd have been isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Despite their common [pzBmMe]2M composition, each of these complexes adopts a different structure. Thus, (i) the zinc complex exhibits a tetrahedral Zn[S4] structure in which only the sulfur donors coordinate to zinc, (ii) the cobalt complex exhibits a trigonal-bipyramidal Co[S3NH] structure in which one of the pyrazolyl groups and one of the B-H groups coordinate to cobalt, and (iii) the cadmium complex exhibits a six-coordinate Cd[S4H2] structure in which both B-H groups interact with the cadmium center. These comparisons emphasize that zinc has a greater preference for tetrahedral M[S4] coordination than does either cobalt or cadmium, an observation that is in accord with the prevalent role of zinc in the structural sites of enzymes.

Phosphotriesterase: an enzyme in search of its natural substrate

The bacterial PTE is able to catalyze the hydrolysis of a wide range of organophosphate nerve agents. The active site has been shown to consist of a unique binuclear metal center that has evolved to deliver hydroxide to the site of bond cleavage. The reaction rate for the hydrolysis of activated substrates such as paraoxon is limited by product release or an associated protein conformational change.

Soft metal ions, Cd(II) and Hg(II), induce triple-stranded alpha-helical assembly and folding of a de novo designed peptide in their trigonal geometries

We previously reported the de novo design of an amphiphilic peptide [YGG(IEKKIEA)4] that forms a native-like, parallel triple-stranded coiled coil. Starting from this peptide, we sought to regulate the assembly of the peptide by a metal ion. The replacement of the Ile18 and Ile22 residues with Ala and Cys residues, respectively, in the hydrophobic positions disrupted of the triple-stranded alpha-helix structure. The addition of Cd(II), however, resulted in the reconstitution of the triple-stranded alpha-helix bundle, as revealed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and sedimentation equilibrium analysis. By titration with metal ions and monitoring the change in the intensity of the CD spectra at 222 nm, the dissociation constant Kd was determined to be 1.5 +/- 0.8 microM for Cd(II). The triple-stranded complex formed by the 113Cd(II) ion showed a single 113Cd NMR resonance at 572 ppm whose chemical shift was not affected by the presence of Cl- ions. The 113Cd NMR resonance was connected with the betaH protons of the cysteine residue by 1H-113Cd heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation spectroscopy. These NMR results indicate that the three cysteine residues are coordinated to the cadmium ion in a trigonal-planar complex. Hg(II) also induced the assembly of the peptide into a triple-stranded alpha-helical bundle below the Hg(II)/peptide ratio of 1/3. With excess Hg(II), however, the alpha-helicity of the peptide was decreased, with the change of the Hg(II) coordination state from three to two. Combining this construct with other functional domains should facilitate the production of artificial proteins with functions controlled by metal ions.

Exploring the calcium-binding site in photosystem II membranes by solid-state (113)Cd NMR

Calcium (Ca(2+)) is an essential cofactor for photosynthetic oxygen evolution. Although the involvement of Ca(2+) at the oxidizing side of photosystem II of plants has been known for a long time, its ligand interactions and mode of action have remained unclear. In the study presented here, (113)Cd magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy is used to probe the Ca(2+)-binding site in the water-oxidizing complex of (113)Cd(2+)-substituted PS2. A single NMR signal 142 ppm downfield from Cd(ClO(4))(2).2H(2)O was recorded from Cd(2+) present at the Ca(2+)-binding site. The anisotropy of the signal is small, as indicated by the absence of spinning side bands. The signal intensity is at its maximum at a temperature of -60 degrees C. The line width of the proton signal in a WISE (wide-line separation) two-dimensional (1)H-(113)Cd NMR experiment demonstrates that the signal arises from Cd(2+) in a solid and magnetically undisturbed environment. The chemical shift, the small anisotropy, and the narrow line of the (113)Cd NMR signal provide convincing evidence for a 6-fold coordination, which is achieved partially by oxygen and partially by nitrogen or chlorine atoms in otherwise a symmetric octahedral environment. The absence of a (113)Cd signal below -70 degrees C suggests that the Ca(2+)-binding site is close enough to the tetramanganese cluster to be affected by its electron spin state. To our knowledge, this is the first report for the application of solid-state NMR in the study of the membrane-bound PS2 protein complex.

Solution multinuclear (31P,111Cd,77Se) magnetic resonance studies of cadmium complexes of heterocyclic aromatic thiones and the structure of [tetrakis(2(1H)-pyridinethione)cadmium] nitrate, [Cd(C5H5NS)4](NO3)2

The complex salts CdL4(O3SCF3)2 (L = 2(1H)-pyridinethione (Py2SH), 4(1H)-pyridinethione (Py4SH), or 2(1H)-quinolinethione (Q2SH)) have been synthesized by the stoichiometric reaction of Cd(O3SCF3)2 and the appropriate thione. Both ambient-temperature 13C and reduced-temperature 111Cd NMR of CdL4(O3SCF3)2 in solution are consistent with L being bound through sulfur. Reduced-temperature NMR (31P, 77Se, 111Cd, as appropriate) of mixtures of CdL4(O3SCF3)2 and Cd(EPCy3)4(O3SCF3)2 (E = Se, Cy = c-C6H11) and of Cd(EPCy3)4(O3SCF3)2 (E = S, Se) and L in solution provides evidence for various [CdLn(EPCy3)4-n]2+. Similarly, reduced-temperature metal NMR of [CdL4]2+ and [CdL'4]2+ (L, L' = Py2SH, Py4SH, Q2SH; L not equal L') in solution shows the formation of [CdLnL'4-n]2+. Thus it has been demonstrated that at reduced temperature [CdL4]2+ is intact in solution and exchange of L is slow on the timescale of the metal chemical shift differences. From the NMR studies of Cd(EPCy3)4(O3SCF3)2 (E = S, Se):L mixtures, the binding preferences are found to be L > EPCy3 in solution. Similarly, from the reduced temperature metal NMR spectra of mixtures where L and L' compete for Cd(II) in solution, the binding preferences are Py4SH > Py2SH > Q2SH. The structure of Cd(Py2SH)4(NO3)2 (4) has been determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Colorless crystals of 4 are tetragonal, I4(1)/acd with 8 molecules per unit cell of dimensions a = 18.660(3), c = 15.215(3) Å. The structure is comprised of recognizable NO3- anions and [Cd(Py2SH)4]2+ cations. In the cations, which have S4 symmetry, the ligands are S-bound. A network of NH···O hydrogen bonds links the cations and anions.Key words: aromatic heterocyclic thiones, cadmium complexes, phosphine chalcogenides, 111Cd, 31P, 77Se NMR, X-ray crystallography.