1
|
Bortolamiol E, Mauceri M, Piccolo R, Cavarzerani E, Demitri N, Donati C, Gandin V, Brezar SK, Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Canzonieri V, Rizzolio F, Visentin F, Scattolin T. Palladium(II)-Indenyl Complexes Bearing N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Ligands as Potent and Selective Metallodrugs toward High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Models. J Med Chem 2024; 67:14414-14431. [PMID: 39119630 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we synthesized novel Pd(II)-indenyl complexes using various N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, including chelating NHC-picolyl, NHC-thioether, and diNHC ligands, and two monodentate NHCs. Transmetalation reactions between a Pd(II)-indenyl precursor and silver-NHC complexes were generally employed, except for chelating diNHC derivatives, which required direct reaction with bisimidazolium salts and potassium carbonate. Characterization included NMR, HRMS analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In vitro on five ovarian cancer cell lines showed notable cytotoxicity, with IC50 values in the micro- and submicromolar range. Some compounds exhibited intriguing selectivity for cancer cells due to higher tumor cell uptake. Mechanistic studies revealed that monodentate NHCs induced mitochondrial damage while chelating ligands caused DNA damage. One chelating NHC-picolyl ligand showed promising cytotoxicity and selectivity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer models, supporting its consideration for preclinical study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bortolamiol
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico Via Torino 155, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Matteo Mauceri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico Via Torino 155, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Rachele Piccolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico Via Torino 155, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Enrico Cavarzerani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico Via Torino 155, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Nicola Demitri
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Donati
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Universita di Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Gandin
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Universita di Padova, via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (C.R.O.), IRCCS via Franco Gallini 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico Via Torino 155, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (C.R.O.), IRCCS via Franco Gallini 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Fabiano Visentin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico Via Torino 155, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Thomas Scattolin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ma X, Zhao Y, Caligiuri I, Rizzolio F, Bracho Pozsoni N, Van Hecke K, Scattolin T, Nolan SP. Dinuclear NHC-gold(I)-thiolato and -alkynyl complexes: synthesis, anticancer activity, and catalytic activity in lactonization reactions. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:7939-7945. [PMID: 38646683 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt00890a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
A series of novel dinuclear NHC-gold-thiolato and -alkynyl complexes bearing aromatic linkers were successfully synthesized by an efficient and simple synthetic route. The catalytic activity of these complexes was tested in a lactonization reaction. The reaction proceeds in high efficiency, in short reaction time and under mild conditions, and is complementary to existing methods. Furthermore, the digold(I)-thiolato derivatives exhibit remarkable cytotoxicity towards several cancer cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Chemical Science and Technology Research Institute, Sinochem Group, 20 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Isabella Caligiuri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (C.R.O.) IRCCS, via Franco Gallini 2, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (C.R.O.) IRCCS, via Franco Gallini 2, 33081, Aviano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico Via Torino 155, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Nestor Bracho Pozsoni
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kristof Van Hecke
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Scattolin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Steven P Nolan
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scattolin T, Tonon G, Botter E, Guillet SG, Tzouras NV, Nolan SP. Gold(I)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Synthons in Organometallic Synthesis. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301961. [PMID: 37463071 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The prominent role of gold-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes in numerous research areas such as homogeneous (photo)catalysis, medicinal chemistry and materials science has prompted organometallic chemists to design gold-based synthons that permit access to target complexes through simple synthetic steps under mild conditions. In this review, the main gold-NHC synthons employed in organometallic synthesis are discussed. Mechanistic aspects involved in their synthesis and reactivity as well as applications of gold-NHC synthons as efficient pre-catalysts, antitumor agents and/or photo-emissive materials are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Scattolin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli studi di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari Campus Scientifico, Via Torino 155, 30174, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Eleonora Botter
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca' Foscari Campus Scientifico, Via Torino 155, 30174, Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Sebastien G Guillet
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S-3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nikolaos V Tzouras
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S-3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven P Nolan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S-3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu Y, Sheng X, Liu C, Liang Z, Wang X, Liu L, Wen Z, Yang Z, Du Q, Liu W. SERD-NHC-Au(I) complexes for dual targeting ER and TrxR to induce ICD in breast cancer. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106731. [PMID: 36933755 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The development of selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) has brought new ideas for the clinical treatment of ER-positive advanced breast cancer. The successful application of combinational therapy inspired the exploration of other targets to prevent breast cancer progression. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is an important enzyme that can regulate redox balance in cells and it was considered as a potential target for anticancer treatment. In this study, we firstly combine a clinical SERD candidate--G1T48 (NCT03455270), with a TrxR inhibitor--N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) [NHC-Au(I)] to form dual targeting complexes that can regulate both signaling pathways. The most efficacious complex 23 exhibited significant antiproliferative profile through degrading ER and inhibiting TrxR activity. Interestingly, it can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) caused by ROS. This is the first evidence to elucidate the role of ER/TrxR-ROS-ICD axis in ER positive breast cancer and this research may inspire new drug development with novel mechanisms. The in vivo xenograft study demonstrated that complex 23 had excellent antiproliferative activity toward MCF-7 cells in mice model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xinyu Sheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Zhenlin Liang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Zhenfan Wen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Zhibin Yang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali 671000, PR China
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liang Z, Liu L, Zhou Y, Liu W, Lu Y. Research Progress on Bioactive Metal Complexes against ER-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2235-2256. [PMID: 36780448 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and represents a serious disease that is harmful to life and health. In 1977, with the approval of tamoxifen, endocrine therapy has become the main clinical treatment for ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Although patients initially respond well to endocrine therapies, drug resistance often emerges and side effects can be challenging. To overcome drug resistance, the exploration for new drugs is a priority. Metal complexes have demonstrated significant antitumor activities, and platinum complexes are widely used in the clinic against various cancers, including breast cancer. In this Perspective, the first section describes the classification and mechanism of endocrine therapy drugs for ER+ breast cancer, and the second section summarizes research since 2000 into metal complexes with activity toward ER+ breast cancer. Finally, we discuss the opportunities, challenges, and future directions for metal complexes in the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Liang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yanyu Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dinuclear gold(I) Complexes with Bidentate NHC Ligands as Precursors for Alkynyl Complexes via Mechanochemistry. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134317. [PMID: 35807560 PMCID: PMC9268586 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of alkynyl gold(I) complexes covers different research fields, such as bioinorganic chemistry, catalysis, and material science, considering the luminescent properties of the complexes. Regarding this last application, we report here the synthesis of three novel dinuclear gold(I) complexes of the general formula [(diNHC)(Au-C≡CPh)2]: two Au-C≡CPh units are connected by a bridging di(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand, which should favor the establishment of semi-supported aurophilic interactions. The complexes can be easily synthesized through mechanochemistry upon reacting the pristine dibromido complexes [(diNHC)(AuBr)2] with phenylacetylene and KOH. Interestingly, we were also able to isolate the monosubstituted complex [(diNHC)(Au-C≡CPh)(AuBr)]. The gold(I) species were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The emission properties were also evaluated, and the salient data are comparable to those of analogous compounds reported in the literature.
Collapse
|
7
|
Porphyrins and Metalloporphyrins Combined with N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Gold(I) Complexes for Photodynamic Therapy Application: What Is the Weight of the Heavy Atom Effect? Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134046. [PMID: 35807296 PMCID: PMC9268150 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The photophysical properties of two classes of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins linked to N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) Au(I) complexes have been investigated by means of density functional theory and its time-dependent extension for their potential application in photodynamic therapy. For this purpose, the absorption spectra, the singlet–triplet energy gaps, and the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) constants have been determined. The obtained results show that all the studied compounds possess the appropriate properties to generate cytotoxic singlet molecular oxygen, and consequently, they can be employed as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Nevertheless, on the basis of the computed SOCs and the analysis of the metal contribution to the involved molecular orbitals, a different influence in terms of the heavy atom effect in promoting the intersystem crossing process has been found as a function of the identity of the metal center and its position in the center of the porphyrin core or linked to the peripheral NHC.
Collapse
|