Polyoxometalate HIV-1 protease inhibitors. A new mode of protease inhibition

Bridging the gap between solution and solid state studies in polyoxometalate chemistry: discovery of a family of [V1M17]-based cages encapsulating two {VVO4} moieties

A family of polyoxometalates with the composition [H2V3M17O62](6-) features a Dawson-like architecture containing two tetrahedral {VVO4} templates rather than main group hetero-anions ({PO4} or {SO4} etc.) typically associated with classical heteropolyacids, situated within a mixed-metal {MVI17VIVO54} cage and these clusters were first discovered using mass spectrometry.

Optical spectroscopy following the incorporation of a rare-earth containing (Eu) polyoxometalate into a sol-gel derived media

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are an emerging class of materials which can be considered as inorganic complexes with distinct structural and optical characteristics. To be suitable in biomedical applications such as imaging, the materials may need to be embedded in a suitable host material, which may affect the optical properties of the emitting polyoxometalate. Here, we demonstrate that POMs can successfully be included into a sol-gel derived silica matrix. We report on the effects of one such potential host on the luminescence excitation and emission spectra, as well as the POM luminescence decay times. It appears that the POMs do not interact with the bulk oxide of the matrix, but are retained within the hosts' internal pore structure.

Molecular interaction and energy transfer between human serum albumin and polyoxometalates

As a step toward the elucidation of the mechanistic pathways governing the known bioactivity of polyoxometalates (POMs), two representative molecules of this class of chemicals, the wheel-shaped [NaP(5)W(30)O(110)]14- (P(5)W(30)) and the Keggin-type anion [H(2)W(12)O(40)]6- (H(2)W(12)), are shown, by two independent techniques, to interact with the fatty-acid-free human serum albumin (HSA). The excited-state lifetime of the single tryptophan molecule of this protein is dramatically decreased by the binding. The quenching mechanism is found to constitute the first example of energy transfer between HSA and POMs. Such molecular recognition is believed to be a key step for subsequent evolution of the systems. Circular dichroism (CD) was used to assess the structural effects of POM binding on HSA and to confirm the interaction revealed by fluorescence studies. CD experiments showed that the two POMs have different effects on the secondary structure of the protein. Binding P(5)W(30) partially unfolds the protein whereas H(2)W(12) has no remarkable effect on the structure of the protein.

Exploiting the multifunctionality of organocations in the assembly of hybrid polyoxometalate clusters and networks

Assembly of an unprecedented [(P(V)Mn(II)W(VI)(11)O(39))2{P(V)O(4)}](13-) and a [P(2)Mn(4)W(18)O(68)](10-) cluster have been observed and structurally characterised and cryospray mass spectroscopic ionization (CSI) has been used to observe one of the very reactive building blocks linking solid state with solution studies.

Studies on the interactions of Ti-containing polyoxometalates (POMs) with SARS-CoV 3CLpro by molecular modeling

Ti-containing alpha-Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) have been proved with properties of both anti-tumor and anti-HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The potential anti-SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) activity of the POMs [alpha-PTi(2)W(10)O(40)](7-) isomers was investigated in this paper by molecular modeling method. The SARS 3c like protease, namely the SARS 3CL(pro) is the key function protease for virus replication as well as transcription and thus can be taken as one of the key targets for anti-SARS drug design. Affinity/Insight II was used to explore possible binding locations for POMs/3CL(pro) interaction. Charges in the POMs were obtained from density-functional theory (DFT) method. The results show that POMs bind with 3CL(pro) in the active site region with high affinity; POMs are more prone to bind with 3CL(pro) than with some organic compounds; for the POMs/3CL(pro)complex, the OTi(2) in POMs is the vital element for electrostatic interaction, and the electrostatic binding energy is strong enough to keep the complex stable.

Engineering porosity in a chiral heteropolyoxometalate-based framework: the supramolecular effect of benzenetricarboxylic acid

A chiral heteropolyoxometalate-based framework, synthesised using a planar aromatic tri-acid included as a guest, contains partially filled 1D channels and exhibits reversible water sorption capabilities.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the Sulfite-Based Polyoxometalate Cluster Redox Series: α- and β-[Mo18O54(SO3)2]4−/5−/6−

The synthesis, isolation and structural characterization of the sulfite polyoxomolybdate clusters alpha-(D(3h))(C(20)H(44)N)(4){alpha-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)]}CH(3)CN and beta-(D(3d))(C(20)H(44)N)(4){beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)]}CH(3)CN is presented. Voltammetric studies in acetonitrile (0.1 M Hx(4)NClO(4), Hx(4)N=tetra-n-hexylammonium) reveal the presence of an extensive series of six one-electron reduction processes for both isomers. Under conditions of bulk electrolysis, the initial [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](4-/5-) and [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-/6-) processes produce stable [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-) and [Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](6-) species, respectively, and the same reduced species may be produced by photochemical reduction. Spectroelectrochemical data imply that retention of structural form results upon reduction, so that both alpha and beta isomers are available at each of the 4-, 5-, and 6-redox levels. However, the alpha isomer is the thermodynamically favored species in both the one- and two-electron-reduced states, with beta-->alpha isomerization being detected in both cases on long time scales (days). EPR spectra also imply that increasing localization of the unpaired electron occurs over the alpha- and beta-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(3))(2)](5-) frameworks as the temperature approaches 2 K where the EPR spectra show orthorhombic symmetry with different g and hyperfine values for the alpha and beta isomers. Theoretical studies support the observation that it is easier to reduce the alpha cluster than the beta form and also provide insight into the driving force for beta-->alpha isomerization in the reduced state. Data are compared with that obtained for the well studied alpha-[Mo(18)O(54)(SO(4))(2))](4-) sulfate cluster.

Ultra-high resolution crystal structure of HIV-1 protease mutant reveals two binding sites for clinical inhibitor TMC114

TMC114 (darunavir) is a promising clinical inhibitor of HIV-1 protease (PR) for treatment of drug resistant HIV/AIDS. We report the ultra-high 0.84 A resolution crystal structure of the TMC114 complex with PR containing the drug-resistant mutation V32I (PR(V32I)), and the 1.22 A resolution structure of a complex with PR(M46L). These structures show TMC114 bound at two distinct sites, one in the active-site cavity and the second on the surface of one of the flexible flaps in the PR dimer. Remarkably, TMC114 binds at these two sites simultaneously in two diastereomers related by inversion of the sulfonamide nitrogen. Moreover, the flap site is shaped to accommodate the diastereomer with the S-enantiomeric nitrogen rather than the one with the R-enantiomeric nitrogen. The existence of the second binding site and two diastereomers suggest a mechanism for the high effectiveness of TMC114 on drug-resistant HIV and the potential design of new inhibitors.

Inorganic crown: the host–guest chemistry of a high nuclearity ‘Celtic-ring’ isopolyoxotungstate [H12W36O120]12−

A range of complexes based on the high-nuclearity [W36] isopolyoxotungstate cluster, [H12W36O120]12-, with a triangular topology has been isolated by using the organic cation, protonated triethanolamine. In analogy to an 18-crown-6 crown ether with six oxygen donors on a ring, the cluster can form alkali and alkaline earth metal complexes [M within W36] (M = K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+, Sr2+ and Ba2+, 1-6, respectively). Compounds 1-6 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy. Comparisons between the structures of 1-6 and 18-crown-6 as well as the symmetry directing influence of the organo-cations in the isolation of the overall cluster architecture are discussed.

From nonpeptide toward noncarbon protease inhibitors: metallacarboranes as specific and potent inhibitors of HIV protease

HIV protease (PR) represents a prime target for rational drug design, and protease inhibitors (PI) are powerful antiviral drugs. Most of the current PIs are pseudopeptide compounds with limited bioavailability and stability, and their use is compromised by high costs, side effects, and development of resistant strains. In our search for novel PI structures, we have identified a group of inorganic compounds, icosahedral metallacarboranes, as candidates for a novel class of nonpeptidic PIs. Here, we report the potent, specific, and selective competitive inhibition of HIV PR by substituted metallacarboranes. The most active compound, sodium hydrogen butylimino bis-8,8-[5-(3-oxa-pentoxy)-3-cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide)]di-ate, exhibited a K(i) value of 2.2 nM and a submicromolar EC(50) in antiviral tests, showed no toxicity in tissue culture, weakly inhibited human cathepsin D and pepsin, and was inactive against trypsin, papain, and amylase. The structure of the parent cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide) in complex with HIV PR was determined at 2.15 A resolution by protein crystallography and represents the first carborane-protein complex structure determined. It shows the following mode of PR inhibition: two molecules of the parent compound bind to the hydrophobic pockets in the flap-proximal region of the S3 and S3' subsites of PR. We suggest, therefore, that these compounds block flap closure in addition to filling the corresponding binding pockets as conventional PIs. This type of binding and inhibition, chemical and biological stability, low toxicity, and the possibility to introduce various modifications make boron clusters attractive pharmacophores for potent and specific enzyme inhibition.

The Synthesis of Silica Nanospheres Doped with Polyoxometalates

The hetero-polyoxometalate (POM) Na13[Eu(SiMoW10O39)2] displayed enhanced luminescence when coordinated to compounds with a common amine functionality. The POM was then doped into silica spheres and was found to be confined to the particle core when added with an amine-based polymer.

Water-soluble benzoheterocycle triosmium clusters as potential inhibitors of telomerase enzyme

We have studied the ability of several bioorganometallic clusters [(mu-H)Os(3)(CO)(9)(L)(mu(3)-eta(2)-(Q-H))], where L = [P(C(6)H(4)SO(3)Na)(3)] or [P(OCH(2)CH(2)NMe(3)I)(3)], and Q = quinoline, 3-aminoquinoline, quinoxaline or phenanthridine, of inhibiting telomerase, a crucial enzyme for cancer progression. In general, quinolines have shown interesting biological properties, especially in inhibiting enzymes. For example, the 2,3,7-trichloro-5-nitroquinoxaline (TNQX) exhibited strong anti-telomerase activity in vitro. Among the quinoline-clusters under study, only the negatively charged ones (by virtue of the sulfonated phosphines) exhibited good anti-telomerasic activity on semi-purified enzyme in a cell-free assay, while they were ineffective in vitro on Taq, a different DNA-polymerase. On the contrary, the treatment of breast cancer MCF-7 cell line did not evidence any activity of these clusters, suggesting a low aptitude for crossing cell membrane. Furthermore, all clusters exhibited non-specific, acute cytotoxicy, probably due to accumulation on cell membranes by virtue of their amphiphilic character. A detailed study of Os uptake and accumulation in MCF-7 cells supported this hypothesis.

New liposome-encapsulated-polyoxometalates: synthesis and antitumoral activity

Liposome-encapsulated polyoxometalates (abbreviated as LEP): incorporating K(6)SiW(11)TiO(40) {(SiW(11)Ti) LEP} have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, and IR, UV-Vis, and NMR spectroscopy. The particle sizes of these complexes ranged from 15 to 60 nm. The polyoxometalate retained the parent structure after encapsulation by the liposome. Based upon in vitro measurements with KB and HeLa cancer cells, the liposome-encapsulation enhances cell-membrane penetration, and the stability and antitumoral activity of the polyoxometalate. The toxicity of the polyoxometalate was reduced when LEPs were employed against HL-60 tumors in vivo.

Controllable Growth of Chains and Grids from Polyoxomolybdate Building Blocks Linked by Silver(I) Dimers

Molecular growth processes utilizing a beta-octamolybdate synthon and {Ag2} dimers are described and the directing influence of "encapsulating" cations and coordinating solvent is also demonstrated. The growth of two 1D chains, (nBu4N)2n[Ag2Mo8O26]n (1) and (nBu4N)2n[Ag2Mo8O26(CH3CN)2]n (2), is achieved when nBu4N+ ions are used, and the diameter of the chains can be expanded by the coordination of CH3CN solvent (2). The formation of a type of gridlike structure in which 1D chains are crossed-over each other in alternatively packed layers is achieved in DMSO as the solvent; DMSO acts as a linking group to give (nBu4N)2n[Ag2Mo8O26(dmso)2]n (3), which, similar to 1 and 2, still incorporates the Bu4N+ ions that exert an "encapsulating" influence. However, in (HDMF)n[Ag3(Mo8O26)(dmf)4]n (4) the relatively bulky Bu4N+ ions are exchanged for protonated DMF cations, thereby allowing the chains to condense to a 2D array. The building block concept is further enforced by the isolation of a "monomeric" unit (Ph4P)2[Ag2Mo8O26(dmso)4] (5), which is isolated when the Ph4P+ ions are so "encapsulating" as to prevent aggregation of the {Ag-Mo8-Ag} building blocks. The nature of the AgAg dimers in each of the compounds 1-4 is examined by DFT calculations and the interplay between these Ag-Ag interactions and the structure types is described.

Reactions of a {Mo16}-type polyoxometalate cluster with electrophiles: a synthetic, theoretical and magnetic investigation

A medium-nuclearity mixed-valence polyoxomolybdate [H2Mo16O52]10-={Mo16}(1a) was synthesized using an approach that employed protonated hexamethylenetetramine (HMTAH+) as counter ion and yielded (HMTAH)10 1a.34 H2O (1). The {Mo16} cluster anion exhibits significant nucleophilicity and traps electrophiles such as divalent transition metal ions, resulting in a family of isostructural compounds based on {Mo16M2}-type anions [M(H2O)8H2Mo16O52]6- (M=FeII (2), MnII (3), CoII (4)). The highly reactive nature of the {Mo16} system is also revealed by rearrangement and decomposition reactions of to either slowly form a sodium-bridged heptamolybdate-based chain compound (5) when left in the reaction solution or, in the presence of very high concentrations of electrophiles, to heptamolybdate-based cluster compounds [M2(H2O)9Mo7O24]2- of the {M2Mo7}-type (M=FeII (6), MnII (7)). Compounds were characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and density functional theory calculations.

A High-Nuclearity “Celtic-Ring” Isopolyoxotungstate, [H12W36O120]12-, That Captures Trace Potassium Ions

A high-nuclearity {W36} isopolyoxotungstate cluster, [H12W36O120]12-, with a triangular shape has been isolated by using an encapsulating organic cation, protonated triethanolamine. In analogy to an 18-crown-6 crown ether, the cluster captures a potassium ion, present in trace amounts in the reaction system, within its cavity. DFT calculations suggest that the distribution of partial atomic charges over the oxygen framework shows maxima at certain "hotspot" sites, which imply possible routes for further cluster growth based on the {W36} system.

Nanoscopic Structure of a Metallo-supramolecular Polyelectrolyte-Amphiphile Complex, Elucidated by X-ray Scattering and Molecular Modeling

A combination of molecular modeling and X-ray scattering was used to elucidate the structure of the metallosupramolecular polyelectrolyte--amphiphile complex (PAC) self-assembled from FeII, 1,4-bis(2,2':6,'2"-terpyridin-4'-yl)benzene, and dihexadecyl phosphate (DHP). An approximate structure of the semi-ordered material was derived from the analysis of the X-ray scattering data. The experimental data provided sufficient input for obtaining a useful starting configuration for molecular modeling. Various models of the supramolecular architecture are presented and discussed in terms of their total energies and scattering patterns. In an iterative approach each level of the structural hierarchy was refined until satisfactory agreement of calculated and experimental scattering patterns was reached. The remarkable sensitivity of the simulated scattering curves to even the smallest structural changes at all length scales restricts the arbitrariness of modeling. The final model of PAC consists of flat lamellae of alternating strata of interdigitated DHP monolayers and nematically ordered polyelectrolyte chains.

Considerations and development of topical microbicides to inhibit the sexual transmission of HIV

The increased incidence of HIV/AIDS disease in women aged 15 - 49 years has identified the urgent need for a female-controlled, efficacious and safe vaginal topical microbicide. To meet this challenge, new topical microbicide candidates consisting of molecules or formulations that modify the genital environment (BufferGel, engineered Lactobacillus, over-the-counter lubricants), surfactants (C31D/Savvy, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate), polyanionic polymers (PRO 2000, beta-cyclodextrin, Carraguard, CAP, D2S, SPL-7013), proteins (cyanovirin-N, monoclonal antibodies, thromspondin-1 peptides, Pokeweed antiviral protein and others), reverse transcription inhibitors (PMPA [Tenofovir ]), UC-781, SJ-3366, DABO and thiourea) and other molecules (NCp7-specific virucides, chemokine receptor agonists/antagonists, WHI-05 and WHI-07) are currently being investigated for activity, safety and efficacy. This review will assess the development of these molecules in the context of cervicovaginal defences and the clinical failure of nonoxynol-9.

A reduced polyoxomolybdenum borophosphate anion related to the Wells-Dawson clusters

The new compound (C3N2H5)8[MoV5MoVI7O22(BO4)2(PO4)5(HPO4)3].nH2O is the first molybdenum borophosphate. It contains clusters of twelve molybdenum, eight phosphorus and two boron atoms, [Mo12O22(BO4)2(PO4)5(HPO4)3]8- similar to the Wells-Dawson clusters. Five molybdenum atoms are MoV while the others are MoVI, and the five electrons are delocalized. According to the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility four of these electrons are paired.