Preparation and Study of New Poly-8-Hydroxyquinoline Chelators for an anti-Alzheimer Strategy

Targeting Biometals in Alzheimer's Disease with Metal Chelating Agents Including Coumarin Derivatives

Numerous physiological processes happening in the human body, including cerebral development and function, require the participation of biometal ions such as iron, copper, and zinc. Their dyshomeostasis may, however, contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases. Chelation of biometal ions is therefore a therapeutic strategy against AD. This review provides a survey of natural and synthetic chelating agents that are or could potentially be used to target the metal hypothesis of AD. Since metal dyshomeostasis is not the only pathological aspect of AD, and the nature of this disorder is very complex and multifactiorial, the most efficient therapeutics should target as many neurotoxic factors as possible. Various coumarin derivatives match this description and apart from being able to chelate metal ions, they exhibit the capacity to inhibit cholinesterases (ChEs) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) while also possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and numerous other beneficial effects. Compounds based on the coumarin scaffold therefore represent a desirable class of anti-AD therapeutics.

Complex formation of ML324, the histone demethylase inhibitor, with essential metal ions: Relationship between solution chemistry and anticancer activity

N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl-4-(8-hydroxyquinolin-6-yl)benzamide (ML324, HL) is a potent inhibitor of the iron-containing histone demethylase KDM4, a recognized potential target of cancer therapeutics. Herein, we report the proton dissociation and complex formation processes of ML324 with essential metal ions such as Fe(II), Fe(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) using UV-visible, fluorescence, electron paramagnetic resonance and 1H NMR spectroscopic methods. The electrochemical behaviour of the copper and iron complexes was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. The solid phase structure of ML324 analysed by X-ray crystallography is also provided. Based on the solution equilibrium data, ML324 is present in solution in H2L+ form with a protonated dimethylammonium moiety at pH 7.4, and this (N,O) donor bearing ligand forms mono and bis complexes with all the studied metal ions and the tris-ligand species is also observed with Fe(III). At pH 7.4 the metal binding ability of ML324 follows the order: Fe(II) < Zn(II) < Cu(II) < Fe(III). Complexation with iron resulted in a negative redox potential (E'1/2 = -145 mV vs. NHE), further suggesting that the ligand has a preference for Fe(III) over Fe(II). ML324 was tested for its anticancer activity in chemosensitive and resistant human cancer cells overexpressing the efflux pump P-glycoprotein. ML324 exerted similar activity in all tested cells (IC50 = 1.9-3.6 μM). Co-incubation and complexation of the compound with Cu(II) and Zn(II) had no impact on the cytotoxicity of ML324, whereas Fe(III) decreased the toxicity in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect was more pronounced in the multidrug resistant cells.

6-Hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline Demonstrates Neuroprotective Properties in Experimental Parkinson's Disease by Enhancing the Antioxidant System, Normalising Chaperone Activity and Suppressing Apoptosis

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, whereby disturbances within the antioxidant defence system, increased aggregation of proteins, and activation of neuronal apoptosis all have a crucial role in the pathogenesis. In this context, exploring the neuroprotective capabilities of compounds that sustain the effectiveness of cellular defence systems in neurodegenerative disorders is worthwhile. During this study, we assessed how 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (HTHQ), which has antioxidant properties, affects the functioning of the antioxidant system, the activity of NADPH-generating enzymes and chaperones, and the level of apoptotic processes in rats with rotenone-induced PD. Six groups of animals were formed for our experiment, each with 12 animals. These were: a control group, animals with rotenone-induced PD, rats with PD given HTHQ at a dose of 50 mg/kg, rats with PD given HTHQ at a dose of 25 mg/kg, animals with pathology who were administered a comparison drug rasagiline, and control animals who were administered HTHQ at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The study results indicate that administering HTHQ led to a significant decrease in oxidative stress in PD rats. The enhanced redox status in animal tissues was linked with the recovery of antioxidant enzyme activities and NADPH-generating enzyme function, as well as an upsurge in the mRNA expression levels of antioxidant genes and factors Nrf2 and Foxo1. Administering HTHQ to rats with PD normalized the chaperone-like activity and mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70. Rats treated with the compound displayed lower apoptosis intensity when compared to animals with pathology. Therefore, owing to its antioxidant properties, HTHQ demonstrated a beneficial impact on the antioxidant system, resulting in decreased requirements for chaperone activation and the inhibition of apoptosis processes triggered in PD. HTHQ at a dose of 50 mg/kg had a greater impact on the majority of the examined variables compared to rasagiline.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of 8-aminoquinoline-melatonin derivatives as effective multifunctional agents for Alzheimer's disease

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is thought to be a complex, multifactorial syndrome with many related molecular lesions contributing to its pathogenesis. Thus, multi-target-directed ligands are considered an effective way of treating AD. This study sought to evaluate 8-aminoquinoline-melatonin derivatives as effective multifunctional agents for AD.

Methods

Thioflavin-T fluorescence assays were used to detect the inhibitory potency of 8-aminoquinoline-melatonin hybrids (a1–a5, b1–b5, and c1–c5) on self- and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-induced amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation. The AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory potency within the compounds was evaluated by Ellman’s assays. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays were performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the compounds to C17.2 cells. MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability of HT22 cells to evaluate the antioxidant effect of the compounds. Metal chelation property was measured by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.

Results

Compounds c3 and c5 had superior inhibitory activity against self-induced Aβ aggregation (with inhibitory rates of 41.4±2.1 and 25.5±3.2 at 10 µM, respectively) compared to the other compounds. Compounds in the carbamate group (i.e., a4, a5, b4, b5, c4, and c5) showed significant BuChE inhibitory activity and excellent selectivity over AChE. Most of the compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity in the C17.2 cells. Notably, a2, a3, b2, and b3 and series c (c1–c5) exhibited strong protective effects. Additionally, a3 and c1 specifically chelated with copper ions.

Conclusions

Taking all of the promising results together, 8-aminoquinoline-melatonin hybrids can serve as lead molecules in the further development of new multi-functional anti-AD agents.

A Domino Heck Coupling–Cyclization–Dehydrogenative Strategy for the One-Pot Synthesis of Quinolines

An efficient, one-pot, domino synthesis of quinolines via the coupling of iodoanilines with allylic alcohols facilitated by palladium catalysis is described. The overall synthetic process involves an intermolecular Heck coupling between 2-iodoanilines and allylic alcohols, intramolecular condensation of in situ generated ketones with an internal amine functional group, and a dehydrogenation sequence. Notably, this protocol occurs in water as a green solvent. Significantly, the method exhibits broad substrate scope and is applied for the synthesis of deuterated quinolines through a deuterium-exchange process.

Colorimetric determination of cysteine and copper based on the peroxidase-like activity of Prussian blue nanocubes

Prussian blue nanocubes were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Significantly, the redox couple Ni3+/Ni2+ provided rich oxidation and reduction reactions, which enhance catalytic activity. Furthermore, PBNCs mimic peroxidase activity which could oxidise colourless tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) to a blue colour (TMB+) in the presence of H2O2. Thus, it can be used as a colorimetric sensing platform for detecting cysteine and Cu2+. The addition of cysteine to a TMB + PBNCs sensing system decreases the intensity of the blue colour in the solution with a decrease in the absorption peak at 652 nm in the UV visible spectrum. Subsequently, the addition of Cu2+ into the TMB + PBNCs + Cys sensing system increases the intensity of the blue colour due to complex formation of Cu and cysteine. Therefore, the change in intensity of the blue colour of TMB is directly proportional to the concentration of Cys and Cu2+. As a result, this sensing system is highly sensitive and selective with an effective low detection limit of 0.002 mM for cysteine and 0.0181 mM for Cu2+. Furthermore, this method was applied to the detection of cysteine and copper in spiked real samples and gave satisfactory results.

Catalytically active coordination polymer with a tiny Zn2Se2 ring bridged by bis-selone

The unprecedented architecture of a one-dimensional coordination polymer with a tiny Zn₂Se₂ ring system incorporated in the hydrogen-bonded array has been prepared, where the di-selone ligand functions as a unique neutral bridging ligand. The coordination polymer shows excellent catalytic activity in substituted 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinyl synthesis through Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

Rhenium(i) complexation–dissociation strategy for synthesising fluorine-18 labelled pyridine bidentate radiotracers

A novel fluorine-18 radiolabelling method employing rhenium(i) mediation is described herein. In less than 1 minute, fluorine-18 labelled complexes and ligands were synthesised in greater than 80% and 60% radiochemical yields (RCY), respectively.

Metal Ions in Alzheimer's Disease: A Key Role or Not?

Despite tremendous research efforts in universities and pharmaceutical companies, effective drugs are still lacking for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The biochemical mechanisms of this devastating neurodegenerative disease have not yet been clearly understood. Besides a small percentage of cases with early onset disease having a genetic origin (<5%, familial AD), most cases develop in the elderly as a sporadic form due to multiple and complex parameters of aging. Consequently, AD is spreading in all countries with a long life expectancy. AD is characterized by deposition of senile plaques made of β-amyloid proteins (Aβ) and by hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins, which have been considered as the main drug targets up to now. However, antibodies targeting amyloid aggregates, as well as enzyme inhibitors aiming to modify the amyloid precursor protein processing, have failed to improve cognition in clinical trials. Thus, to set up effective drugs, it is urgent to enlarge the panel of drug targets. Evidence of the link between AD and redox metal dysregulation has also been supported by post-mortem analyses of amyloid plaques, which revealed accumulation of copper, iron, and zinc by 5.7, 2.8, and 3.1 times, respectively, the levels observed in normal brains. Copper-amyloid complexes, in the presence of endogenous reductants, are able to catalyze the reduction of dioxygen and to produce reduced, reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to neuron death. The possibility of using metal chelators to regenerate normal trafficking of metal ions has been considered as a promising strategy in order to reduce the redox stress lethal for neurons. However, most attempts to use metal chelators as therapeutic agents have been limited to existing molecules available from the shelves. Very few chelators have resulted from a rational design aiming to create drugs with a safety profile and able to cross the blood-brain barrier after an oral administration. In the human body, metals are handled by a sophisticated protein network to strictly control their transport and reactivity. Abnormal concentrations of certain metals may lead to pathological events due to misaccumulation and irregular reactivity. Consequently, therapeutic attempts to restore metal homeostasis should carefully take into account the coordination chemistry specificities of the concerned redox-active metal ions. This Account is focused on the role of the main biologically redox-active transition metals, iron and copper. For iron, the recent debate on the possible role of magnetite in AD pathogenesis is presented. The section devoted to copper is focused on the design of specific copper chelators as drug candidates able to regulate copper homeostasis and to reduce the oxidative damage responsible for the neuron death observed in AD brains. A short survey on non-redox-active metal ions is also included at the beginning, such as aluminum and its controversial role in AD and zinc which is a key metal ion in the brain.

Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Copper (II) and Its Application in Live Cell Imaging

The development of fluorescent methods for the detection of metal ions is of great importance due to their diverse environmental and biological roles. Herein, a rhodamine 6G-based off-on fluorescent probe (L1) with a t-butyl pyrrole moiety as the recognition site was designed and synthesized. Photophysical studies show that L1 exhibits excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards Cu²⁺ to other metal ions in neutral acetonitrile aqueous media. Mechanism studies suggest that the recognition process may associate with a Cu²⁺ promoted hydrolysis reaction of L1. Furthermore, L1 has been successfully applied in fluorescence imaging of Cu²⁺ ion in living cells.

A dual chemosensor for Cu2+ and Hg2+ based on a rhodamine-terminated water-soluble polymer in 100% aqueous solution

A novel water-soluble polymer bearing a rhodamine receptor (PEGSRh) was synthesized as a dual chemosensor for the recognition of Cu2+ and Hg2+ in 100% aqueous solution. PEGSRh not only exhibited a sensitive colorimetric response towards Cu2+ and Hg2+ but also showed a selective turn-on fluorescence response towards Hg2+ over other metal ions. The binding stoichiometry for the complexation of PEGSRh with Cu2+ and Hg2+ was confirmed to be 1 : 1 by Job plot analysis. The low detection limits were found to be 5.92 × 10-7 M for Cu2+ and 2.85 × 10-6 M for Hg2+. The responses of PEGSRh to Cu2+ and Hg2+ were both stable over wide pH ranges. In addition, the fluorescence intensity changes of PEGSRh solution by the inputs of Hg2+, Cu2+ and EDTA have been used to construct a combinational logic gate. Again, an INHIBIT logic gate was also obtained by employing Cu2+ and EDTA as the chemical inputs and the absorbance signal as the output. Moreover, test papers were prepared facilely using PEGSRh for practical on-site detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+.

The Pivotal Role of Copper in Neurodegeneration: A New Strategy for the Therapy of Neurodegenerative Disorders

Copper is an essential trace element for the human body since it is a cofactor of several enzymes and proteins and plays a pivotal role in several biological functions (e.g., respiration, protection from oxidative damage, iron metabolism, etc.), also including the central nervous system development and functioning (e.g., synthesis of neurotransmitters, myelination, activation of neuropeptides, etc.). Therefore, copper dysmetabolism is associated with different toxic effects, mainly represented by oxidative stress, and it has been reported in many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This paper shows a detailed report of how copper is involved in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Moreover, a hint on novel therapeutic approaches based on restoring copper homeostasis through metal chelators will be pointed out.

Colorimetric and fluorescent probes for real-time naked eye sensing of copper ion in solution and on paper substrate

In this paper, BT ((E)-2-(4-(4-(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)styryl)-3-cyano-5,5-dimethylfuran-2(5H)-ylidene)malononitrile) with strong donor-π-acceptor structure was synthesized, which showed both colorimetric and fluorescent sensing ability toward Cu²⁺ with high selectivity and sensitivity. Job plot and mass spectra measurement revealed a 1 : 1 coordination mode between Cu²⁺ and probe BT in ethanol/HEPES (1 : 4 v/v) buffer (pH 7.2) solution, and the binding constant was calculated to be 3.6 × 10⁴ M^-1. The colour of BT solution (10 µM) immediately turned from purple red to yellow and the red fluorescence was quenched obviously when a certain amount of Cu²⁺ was added, which enabled a dual-channel detection of Cu²⁺. A paper strip pre-stained with BT solution was further fabricated and it also showed excellent sensing ability toward Cu²⁺ with a detection limit as low as 10^-6 M with the naked eye, which represents better portability and operation simplicity that is favourable for on-site analysis of Cu²⁺ in water.

Mutual interference of Cu and Zn ions in Alzheimer's disease: perspectives at the molecular level

While metal ions such as copper and zinc are essential in biology, they are also linked to several amyloid-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Zinc and copper can indeed modify the aggregation pathways of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, the key component encountered in AD. In addition, the redox active copper ions do produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) when bound to the Aβ peptide. While Cu(i) or Cu(ii) or Zn(ii) coordination to the Aβ has been extensively studied in the last ten years, characterization of hetero-bimetallic Aβ complexes is still scarce. This is also true for the metal induced Aβ aggregation and ROS production, for which studies on the mutual influence of the copper and zinc ions are currently appearing. Last but not least, zinc can strongly interfere in therapeutic approaches relying on copper detoxification. This will be exemplified with a biological lead, namely metallothioneins, and with synthetic ligands.

Fluorescent Polymer Incorporating Triazolyl Coumarin Units for Cu2+ Detection via Planarization of Ict-Based Fluorophore

A novel fluorescent polymer with pendant triazolyl coumarin units was synthesized through radical polymerization. The polymer showed reasonable sensitivity and selectivity towards Cu²⁺ in acetonitrile in comparison to other tested metal ions with a significant quenching effect on fluorescence and blue shifting in the range of 20 nm. The blue shift was assigned to the conformation changes of the diethylamino group from the coumarin moiety which led to planarization of the triazolyl coumarin units. The possible binding modes for Cu²⁺ towards the polymer were determined through the comparison of the emission responses of the polymer, starting vinyl monomer and reference compound, and the triazole ring was identified as one of the possible binding sites for Cu²⁺. The detection limits of the polymer and vinyl monomer towards Cu²⁺ were determined from fluorescence titration experiments and a higher sensitivity (35 times) was observed for the polymer compared with its starting monomer.

A novel, highly sensitive, selective, reversible and turn-on chemi-sensor based on Schiff base for rapid detection of Cu(II)

In this work, a novel optical fluoro-chemisensor was designed and synthesized for copper (II) ions detection. The sensor film is created by embedded N,N-Bis(2-hydroxo-5-bromobenzyl)ethylenediamine in poly vinyl chloride (PVC) film in presence of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as plasticizer. The receptor Schiff base reveals "off-on" mode with high selectivity, significant sensitivity to Cu(II) ions. The selectivity of optical sensor for Cu(II) ions is the result of chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). The optimal conditions of pH and response time at which higher efficiency of sensor film is performed was found to be 6.8 and 2.48min. The possible interference of other metal ions in solution was examined in presence of different types of metal ions. This film shows high selectivity and ultra-sensitivity with low detection limit LOD (1.1×10^-8M). Thus, these considerable properties make it viable to monitor copper metal ions within very low concentration range (0-15×10^-6M Cu(II)) and highly selective even in the presence of different types of metal ions. The sensor reversibility was achieved by utilizing EDTA solution with concentration of 0.1M solution.

A single fluorescent chemosensor for multiple targets of Cu2+, Fe2+/3+ and Al3+ in living cells and a near-perfect aqueous solution

A naphthol-based chemosensor 1 was developed for detection of Cu²⁺ and Fe^2+/3+ by fluorescence quenching and Al³⁺ by fluorescence emission change.

A highly sensitive and fast responsive naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe for Cu2+ and its application

The response of the probe L to Cu²⁺ is reversible and very fast (20 s). L has a low detection limit of 49 nM and was used for imaging of Cu²⁺ in MCF-7 cells with satisfying results. The sensor L can be analyzed with a molecular logic gate.

Chemoselective acylation of 2-amino-8-quinolinol in the generation of C2-amides or C8-esters

Chemoselective controls in acylation of 2-amino-8-quinolinol.

Organocatalytic Synthesis of Methylene-Bridged N-Heterobiaryls

A one-step synthesis of 1,1'- and 2,2'-methylene-bridged N-heterobiaryls directly from the corresponding N-heterocycles in a reaction with methylmagnesium chloride in the presence of catalytic amounts of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine under thermal and microwave conditions is reported. The split-and-merge methylenation of 2,2'-N-heterobiaryls and the direct ortho-alkylation of quinoline and isoquinoline with Grignard reagents have also been developed. Mechanistic studies identified several intermediates and provided insight into the formation and roles of magnesium hydride species in the process.

How Zn can impede Cu detoxification by chelating agents in Alzheimer's disease: a proof-of-concept study

The role of Cu and Zn ions in Alzheimer's disease is linked to the consequences of their coordination to the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, i.e. to the modulation of Aβ aggregation and to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), two central events of the so-called amyloid cascade. The role of both ions in Aβ aggregation is still controversial. Conversely the higher toxicity of the redox competent Cu ions (compared to the redox inert Zn ions) in ROS production is acknowledged. Thus the Cu ions can be considered as the main therapeutic target. Because Zn ions are present in higher quantity than Cu ions in the synaptic cleft, they can prevent detoxification of Cu by chelators unless they have an unusually high Cu over Zn selectivity. We describe a proof-of-concept study where the role of Zn on the metal swap reaction between two prototypical ligands and the Cu(Aβ) species has been investigated by several complementary spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, EPR and XANES). The first ligand has a higher Cu over Zn selectivity relative to the one of Aβ peptide while the second one exhibits a classical Cu over Zn selectivity. How Zn impacts the effect of the ligands on Cu-induced ROS production and Aβ aggregation is also reported.

Crystal structure of hexa-aqua-nickel(II) bis-{5-bromo-7-[(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)amino]-1-methyl-6-oxido-quinolin-1-ium-3-sulfonate} monohydrate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ni(H2O)6](C12H12BrN2O5S)2·H2O, contains a half hexa-aqua-nickel(II) complex cation with the NiII ion lying on an inversion center, one 5-bromo-7-[(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)amino]-1-methyl-6-oxido-quinolin-1-ium-3-sulfonate (QAO) anion and a half lattice water mol-ecule on a twofold rotation axis. In the crystal, QAO anions are stacked in a column along the c axis by π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances 3.5922 (10)-3.7223 (11) Å]. The columns are inter-linked by hexa-aqua-nickel(II) cations through O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Cyclodextrins 3-Functionalized with 8-Hydroxyquinolines: Copper-Binding Ability and Inhibition of Synuclein Aggregation

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are multifactorial disorders related to protein aggregation, metal dyshomeostasis, and oxidative stress. To advance understanding in this area and to contribute to therapeutic development, many efforts have been directed at devising suitable agents that can target metal ions associated with relevant biomolecules such as α-synuclein. This paper presents a new cyclodextrin-8-hydroxyquinoline conjugate and discusses the properties of four cyclodextrins 3-functionalized with 8-hydroxyquinoline as copper(II) chelators and inhibitors of copper-induced synuclein aggregation. The encouraging results establish the potential of cyclodextrin-8-hydroxyquinoline conjugates as chelators for the control of copper toxicity.

A novel displacement-type colorimetric chemosensor for the detection of Cu2+and GSH in aqueous solution

A new selective and sensitive chemosensor1for the sequential detection of Cu²⁺and GSHvianaked-eye has been developed.

Ultraviolet irradiation-mediated formation of Aβ42 oligomers and reactive oxygen species in Zn2+-bound Aβ42 aggregates irrespective of the removal of Zn2+

The controlled UV light exposure converts redox-inert Zn²⁺-bound Aβ₄₂ aggregates into cytotoxic Aβ₄₂ oligomers and reactive oxygen species.

A π-extended luminogen with colorimetric and off/on fluorescent multi-channel detection for Cu2+ with extremely high selectivity and sensitivity via nonarylamine-based organic mixed valence

A luminogen (ITP-TPE) comprising isothianaphthene-bridged tetraphenylethene units was efficiently synthesized.

A versatile water-soluble chelating and radical scavenging platform

The reported water-soluble, non-cytotoxic phenol-diamide compound, 1OH, is capable of both, trapping ROS species and chelating Cu(ii)/Fe(iii) ions; thereby inducing a protective effect against ROS induced cell death.

Rational design of a novel azoimine appended maleonitrile-based Salen chemosensor for rapid naked-eye detection of copper(II) ion in aqueous media

Achieving specific selectivity and high sensitivity for the colorimetric recognition of copper(II) ions in aqueous media over a complex background of potentially competing metal ions is inherently challenging in sensor development. Thus, a novel azo-azomethine receptor (L) based on the combination of 2-amino-3-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylamino)maleonitrile and azo-coupled salicylaldehyde scaffold has been designed and synthesized for the naked-eye and rapid detection of Cu(2+) ion at trace level in a wide pH range. Accordingly, the devised chemosensor distinguished Cu(2+) from other metal ions by distinct color change from light yellow to light brown without any expensive equipment. The binding stoichiometry between Cu(2+) and L has been investigated using Job's plot and MALDI-TOF mass analysis. Remarkably, the current sensor can detect Cu(2+) ions even at 1.07 μM level, which is lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible level (30 μM) in drinking water. Furthermore, sensor L was successfully utilized in the preparation of test strips for the detection of copper(II) ions from aqueous environment.

Ultraviolet light triggers the conversion of Cu2+-bound Aβ42 aggregates into cytotoxic species in a copper chelation-independent manner

Increasing evidence indicates that abnormal Cu2+ binding to Aβ peptides are responsible for the formation of soluble Aβ oligomers and ROS that play essential roles in AD pathogenesis. During studying the Cu2+-chelating treatment of Cu2+-bound Aβ42 aggregates, we found that UV light exposure pronouncedly enhances cytotoxicity of the chelator-treated and -untreated Cu2+-bound Aβ42 aggregates. This stimulated us to thoroughly investigate (1) either the chelation treatment or UV light exposure leads to the increased cytotoxicity of the aggregates, and (2) why the chelator-treated and -untreated Cu2+-bound Aβ42 aggregates exhibit the increased cytotoxicity following UV light exposure if the latter is the case. The data indicated that the controlled UV exposure induced the dissociation of Cu2+-free and -bound Aβ42 aggregates into SDS-stable soluble oligomers and the production of ROS including H2O2 in an UV light intensity- and time-dependent, but Cu2+ chelation-independent manner. Although we can't fully understand the meaning of this finding at the current stage, the fact that the UV illuminated Aβ42 aggregates can efficiently kill HeLa cells implies that the aggregates after UV light exposure could be used to decrease the viability of skin cancer cells through skin administration.

Crystal structure of hexa-aqua-nickel(II) bis{2-[(5,6-di-hy-droxy-3-sul-fon-ato-quino-lin-1-ium-7-yl)oxy]acetate} dihydrate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ni(H2O)6](C11H8NO8S)2·2H2O, features a half-hexa-aqua-nickel(II) complex cation with the Ni(II) ion on an inversion center, one deprotonated 5,6-dihy-droxy-3-sulfoquinolin-7-yloxyacetic acid (QOH) molecule appearing in its zwitterionic form and one lattice water mol-ecule. The sulfonate group is disordered over two positions with occupancy factors of 0.655 (5) and 0.345 (5). The hexa-aqua-nickel(II) cation inter-acts through hydrogen bonding with eight QOH mol-ecules and two water mol-ecules. The six-membered rings of quinoline show π-π stacking [centroid-to-centroid distances of 3.679 (2) Å and 3.714 (2) Å].

Regulation of copper and iron homeostasis by metal chelators: a possible chemotherapy for Alzheimer's disease

With the increase of life expectancy of humans in more than two-thirds of the countries in the World, aging diseases are becoming the frontline health problems. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is now one of the major challenges in drug discovery, since, with the exception of memantine in 2003, all clinical trials with drug candidates failed over the past decade. If we consider that the loss of neurons is due to a high level of oxidative stress produced by nonregulated redox active metal ions like copper linked to amyloids of different sizes, regulation of metal homeostasis is a key target. The difficulty for large copper-carrier proteins to directly extract copper ions from metalated amyloids might be considered as being at the origin of the rupture of the copper homeostasis regulation in AD brains. So, there is an urgent need for new specific metal chelators that should be able to regulate the homeostasis of metal ions, specially copper and iron, in AD brains. As a consequence of that concept, chelators promoting metal excretion from brain are not desired. One should favor ligands able to extract copper ions from sinks (amyloids being the major one) and to transfer these redox-active metal ions to copper-carrier proteins or copper-containing enzymes. Obviously, the affinity of these chelators for the metal ion should not be a sufficient criterion, but the metal specificity and the ability of the chelators to release the metal under specific biological conditions should be considered. Such an approach is still largely unexplored. The requirements for the chelators are very high (ability to cross the brain-blood barrier, lack of toxicity, etc.), few chemical series were proposed, and, among them, biochemical or biological data are scarce. As a matter of fact, the bioinorganic pharmacology of AD represents less than 1% of all articles dedicated to AD drug research. The major part of these articles deals with an old and rather toxic drug, clioquinol and related analogs, that do not efficiently extract copper from soluble amyloids. We have designed and developed new tetradendate ligands such as 21 and PA1637 based on bis(8-aminoquinolines) that are specific for copper chelation and are able to extract copper(II) from amyloids and then can release copper ion upon reduction with a biological reducing agent. These studies contribute to the understanding of the physicochemical properties of the tetradentate copper ligands compared with bidentate ligands like clioquinol. One of these copper ligands, PA1637, after selection with a nontransgenic mouse model that is able to efficiently monitor the loss of episodic memory, is currently under preclinical development.