Translocation Processes of Pt(II)-Based Drugs through Human Breast Cancer Cell Membrane: In Silico Experiments

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent modalities of cancer worldwide, with notable mortality. The medication based on platinum drugs (cisplatin (cddp), carboplatin (cpx), and oxaliplatin (oxa)) is a conventional chemotherapy despite severe side effects and the development of drug resistance. In order to provide a deeper molecular description of the influx and efflux processes of platinum drugs through breast cancer tissues, this study focuses on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the passive translocation process through a realistic plasma membrane prototype of human breast cancer cell (c_memb). The results showed that the permeation events were mainly mediated by neutral lipids (DOPC, DOPE, and cholesterol), producing a low and temporary membrane deformation. The drug insertion in the region of polar heads was the most favorable stage of the translocation mechanism, especially for cddp and oxa with potential wells of -8.6 and -9.8 kcal mol-1, respectively. However, the potentials of mean force (PMF) revealed unfavorable kinetics for the permeation of these drugs through lipid tails, with energy barriers of 28.3 (cddp), 32.2 (cpx), and 30.4 kcal mol-1 (oxa). The low permeability coefficients (P) of cpx and oxa, which were 3 and 1 orders of magnitude inferior than for cddp, resulted from the high energy barriers for their traslocation processes through the membrane. The obtained results provide a more accurate picture of the permeation of Pt(II)-based drugs through breast cancer cells, which may be relevant for the design and evaluation of new platinum complexes.

The Strange Case: The Unsymmetric Cisplatin-Based Pt(IV) Prodrug [Pt(CH3COO)Cl2(NH3)2(OH)] Exhibits Higher Cytotoxic Activity with respect to Its Symmetric Congeners due to Carrier-Mediated Cellular Uptake

The biological behavior of the axially unsymmetric antitumor prodrug (OC-6-44)-acetatodiamminedichloridohydroxidoplatinum(IV), 2, was deeply investigated and compared with that of analogous symmetric Pt(IV) complexes, namely, dihydroxido 1 and diacetato 3, which have a similar structure. The complexes were tested on a panel of human tumor cell lines. Complex 2 showed an anomalous higher cytotoxicity (similar to that of cisplatin) with respect to their analogues 1 and 3. Their reduction potentials, reduction kinetics, lipophilicity, and membrane affinity are compared. Cellular uptake and DNA platination of Pt(IV) complexes were deeply investigated in the sensitive A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line and in the corresponding resistant A2780cisR subline. The unexpected activity of 2 appears to be related to its peculiar cellular accumulation and not to a different rate of reduction or a different efficacy in DNA platination and/or efficiency in apoptosis induction. Although the exact mechanism of cell uptake is not fully deciphered, a series of naïve experiments indicates an energy-dependent, carrier-mediated transport: the organic cation transporters (OCTs) are the likely proteins involved.

Understanding the Role of Axial Ligands in Modulating the Biopharmaceutical Outcomes of Cisplatin(IV) Derivatives

Cisplatin is a platinum (Pt)-based anticancer drug with broad-scale clinical utility. However, due to its hydrophilic nature and high kinetic reactivity, it offers numerous drug delivery challenges. Limitations such as severe systemic toxicities, chemoresistance, extensive cisplatin-plasma protein interaction, and limited cellular drug uptake reduce the therapeutic impact of cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin(IV) prodrug formation can effectively resolve these challenges. The selection of axial ligands could play a key role in determining the fate of cisplatin(IV) prodrugs by modulating the therapeutic and biopharmaceutical outcomes of therapy. Hereby, three cisplatin(IV) derivatives were developed utilizing valproate, tocopherol, and chlorambucil as axial ligands, and their biopharmaceutical performance was compared along with cisplatin. The impact of cisplatin(IV) derivative formation on their kinetic stability, drug-albumin interaction, cytotoxicity profile, cellular uptake pattern, self-assembling behavior, hemotoxicity, and tumor biodistribution pattern was analyzed to establish the correlation between the structural properties of cisplatin(IV) agents and their biopharmaceutical outcomes. The kinetic inertness of the designed cisplatin(IV) compounds helped in minimizing their plasma protein interactions and ensuring their stability in the blood environment. The lipophilicity enhancement due to Pt(IV) prodrug formation critically helped in enhancing the cellular drug uptake and reduced the dependence on transporters for drug uptake. The lipophilicity and activity of axial ligands were the key drivers governing the biopharmaceutical performance of the Pt(IV) derivatives. The properties of the axial ligand, such as its therapeutic activity, chemical backbone, and functional groups present in its structure, were the critical factors determining their plasma protein interaction, cellular uptake, anticancer activity, and self-assembly pattern. Cisplatin(IV) derivative formation further improved the amount of platinum accumulated in tumors after intravenous injection compared to free cisplatin therapy (2.7-5.4 folds increment) and reduced drug-erythrocyte interactions. Overall, the results highlighted the potential of cisplatin(IV) agents in resolving cisplatin drug delivery challenges and denoted the critical role of axial ligand selection in Pt(IV) prodrug designing.

Mo(VI) Potential Metallodrugs: Explaining the Transport and Cytotoxicity by Chemical Transformations

The transport and cytotoxicity of molybdenum-based drugs have been explained with the concept of chemical transformation, a very important idea in inorganic medicinal chemistry that is often overlooked in the interpretation of the biological activity of metal-containing systems. Two monomeric, [MoO₂(L¹)(MeOH)] (1) and [MoO₂(L²)(EtOH)] (2), and two mixed-ligand dimeric Mo^VIO₂ species, [{MoO₂(L^1-2)}₂(μ-4,4'-bipy)] (3-4), were synthesized and characterized. The structures of the solid complexes were solved through SC-XRD, while their transformation in water was clarified by UV-vis, ESI-MS, and DFT. In aqueous solution, 1-4 lead to the penta-coordinated [MoO₂(L^1-2)] active species after the release of the solvent molecule (1 and 2) or removal of the 4,4'-bipy bridge (3 and 4). [MoO₂(L^1-2)] are stable in solution and react with neither serum bioligand nor cellular reductants. The binding affinity of 1-4 toward HSA and DNA were evaluated through analytical and computational methods and in both cases a non-covalent interaction is expected. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes was also determined and flow cytometry analysis showed the apoptotic death of the cancer cells. Interestingly, μ-4,4'-bipy bridged complexes 3 and 4 were found to be more active than monomeric 1 and 2, due to the mixture of species generated, that is [MoO₂(L^1-2)] and the cytotoxic 4,4'-bipy released after their dissociation. Since in the cytosol neither the reduction of Mo^VI to Mo^V/IV takes place nor the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Fenton-like reactions of 1-4 with H₂O₂ occurs, the mechanism of cytotoxicity should be attributable to the direct interaction with DNA that happens with a minor-groove binding which results in cell death through an apoptotic mechanism.

Pt(IV) antitumor prodrugs: dogmas, paradigms, and realities

Platinum(II)-based drugs are widely used for the treatment of solid tumors, especially in combination protocols. Severe side effects and occurrence of resistance are the major limitations to their clinical use. To overcome these drawbacks, a plethora of Pt(IV) derivatives, acting as anticancer prodrugs, have been designed, synthesized and preclinically (often only in vitro) tested. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the development and understanding of the chemical properties and biochemical features of these Pt(IV) prodrugs, especially those containing bioactive molecules as axial ligands, acting as multi-functional agents. Even though no such prodrugs have been yet approved for clinical use, many show encouraging pharmacological profiles. Thus, a better understanding of their features is a promising approach towards improving the available Pt-based anticancer agents.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of 2-Benzimidazolyl-Urea with DPPC Lipid Membrane and Comparison with a Copper(II) Complex Derivative

Benzimidazole derivatives have gained attention recently due to their wide pharmacological activity acting as anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, analgesic, and anti-aggregatory agents. They are also common ligands in transition metal coordination chemistry, forming complex compounds with enhanced biological properties, especially in targeted cancer therapy. A key issue to understand anti-tumour effects is drug permeability through cellular membranes, as poor permeability outcomes can avert further futile drug development. In this work, we conducted atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and biased MD simulations to explore the interactions of 2-benzimidazolyl-urea with a phospholipid bilayer (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, DPPC) together with a previously synthesized copper(II) complex compound. The aim was to study the permeability of these compounds by assessing their free energy profile along the bilayer normal. The simulations indicated that both the ligand (2-benzimidazolyl-urea, BZIMU) and the complex show a similar behaviour, yielding high energy barriers for the permeation process. However, with increasing concentration of BZIMU, the molecules tend to aggregate and form a cluster, leading to the formation of a pore. Clustering and pore formation can possibly explain the previously observed cytotoxicity of the BZIMU molecule via membrane damage.

Unsymmetric Cisplatin-Based Pt(IV) Conjugates Containing a PARP-1 Inhibitor Pharmacophore Tested on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Lines

Cisplatin is widely employed as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent for many solid tumors, including malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). However, its clinical use is limited by heavy side effects and acquired resistance, the latter being mainly related to enhanced DNA repair. Many clinical trials using combinations of platinum drugs and PARP-1 inhibitors (PARPis) have been carried out, with the hope that such combinations might lead to improved therapeutic efficacy against tumors. Here, the synthesis and efficacy in reducing MPM cell viability of four cisplatin-based Pt(IV) prodrugs containing the PARPi 3-aminobenzamide (3-ABA) fragment are described. The most promising conjugate is more effective than cisplatin or cisplatin/3-ABA combination, administered in equimolar doses, in inhibiting PARP-1 activity and inducing apoptosis in BRCA1/2 wild type MPM cells, grown as monolayer or as multicellular spheroids.

Deregulation of Exo70 Facilitates Innate and Acquired Cisplatin Resistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer by Promoting Cisplatin Efflux

Simple Summary

Innate and acquired platinum resistance are the leading causes of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) mortality. However, the mechanisms remain elusive. Here we found that Exo70, a key subunit of the exocyst, is upregulated in EOC and promotes cisplatin efflux to facilitate innate resistance. More interestingly, cisplatin could downregulate Exo70 to sustain cell sensitivity. However, this function was hampered during prolonged cisplatin treatment, which in turn stabilized Exo70 to facilitate the acquired cisplatin resistance of EOC cells. Our study potentiates Exo70 as a promising target to overcome cisplatin resistance in EOC.

Abstract

Whilst researches elucidating a diversity of intracellular mechanisms, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a major challenge in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Here we report that Exo70, a key subunit of the exocyst complex, contributes to both innate and acquired cisplatin resistance of EOC. Upregulation of Exo70 is observed in EOC tissues and is related to platinum resistance and progression-free survival of EOC patients. Exo70 suppressed the cisplatin sensitivity of EOC cells through promoting exocytosis-mediated efflux of cisplatin. Moreover, cisplatin-induced autophagy-lysosomal degradation of Exo70 protein by modulating phosphorylation of AMPK and mTOR, thereby reducing the cellular resistance. However, the function was hampered during prolonged cisplatin treatment, which in turn stabilized Exo70 to facilitate the acquired cisplatin resistance of EOC cells. Knockdown of Exo70, or inhibiting exocytosis by Exo70 inhibitor Endosidin2, reversed the cisplatin resistance of EOC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that Exo70 overexpression and excessive stability contribute to innate and acquired cisplatin resistance through the increase in cisplatin efflux, and targeting Exo70 might be an approach to overcome cisplatin resistance in EOC treatment.

Interference between copper transport systems and platinum drugs

Cisplatin, or cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II) cis-[PtCl₂(NH₃)₂], is a platinum-based anticancer drug largely used for the treatment of various types of cancers, including testicular, ovarian and colorectal carcinomas, sarcomas, and lymphomas. Together with other platinum-based drugs, cisplatin triggers malignant cell death by binding to nuclear DNA, which appears to be the ultimate target. In addition to passive diffusion across the cell membrane, other transport systems, including endocytosis and some active or facilitated transport mechanisms, are currently proposed to play a pivotal role in the uptake of platinum-based drugs. In this review, an updated view of the current literature regarding the intracellular transport and processing of cisplatin will be presented, with special emphasis on the plasma membrane copper permease CTR1, the Cu-transporting ATPases, ATP7A and ATP7B, located in the trans-Golgi network, and the soluble copper chaperone ATOX1. Their role in eliciting cisplatin efficacy and their exploitation as pharmacological targets will be addressed.

Probing drug delivery and mechanisms of action in 3D spheroid cells by quantitative analysis

Human tumor cells in a 3-dimensional (3D) spheroid can reflect the characteristics of solid tumors by forming cell-cell interactions and microenvironments. This makes 3D cell culture useful for preclinical stability and drug efficacy tests. In this study, the drug delivery and action mechanisms in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells cultured in 3D spheroids were quantitatively compared to those cultured in 2D monolayers using confocal microscopy imaging and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. In the 3D spheroids, cisplatin only accessed the surface, accumulating in the cells on the spheroid exterior. As a result, an increased cellular amount of cisplatin was required to obtain similar cytotoxicity in the 3D spheroid cells to that in 2D monolayers. The mechanisms of reduction of drug efficacy by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the 3D spheroid cells compared to those in the 2D monolayer cells were further investigated. DMSO reduced the drug cytotoxicity by forming stable DMSO-substituted compounds that inhibited the cellular uptake of cisplatin and DNA-Pt adduct formation. The quantitative analysis used in this study is promising for understanding drug delivery and drug action mechanisms in cells in various microenvironments.

Autophagy modulating agents as chemosensitizers for cisplatin therapy in cancer

Although cisplatin is one of the most common antineoplastic drug, its successful utilisation in cancer treatment is limited by the drug resistance. Multiple attempts have been made to find potential cisplatin chemosensitisers which would overcome cancer cells resistance thus improving antineoplastic efficacy. Autophagy modulation has become an important area of interest regarding the aforementioned topic. Autophagy is a highly conservative cellular self-digestive process implicated in response to multiple environmental stressors. The high basal level of autophagy is a common phenomenon in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells which is thought to grant survival benefit. However current evidence supports the role of autophagy in either promoting or limiting carcinogenesis depending on the context. This encourages the search of substances modulating the process to alleviate cisplatin resistance. Such a strategy encompasses not only simple autophagy inhibition but also harnessing the process to induce autophagy-dependent cell death. In this paper, we briefly describe the mechanism of cisplatin resistance with a special emphasis on autophagy and we give an extensive literature review of potential substances with cisplatin chemosensitising properties related to autophagy modulation.

Aromatic Linkers Unleash the Antiproliferative Potential of 3-Chloropiperidines Against Pancreatic Cancer Cells

In this study, we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of a set of bis-3-chloropiperidines (B-CePs) containing rigid aromatic linker structures. A modification of the synthetic strategy also enabled the synthesis of a pilot tris-3-chloropiperidine (Tri-CeP) bearing three reactive meta-chloropiperidine moieties on the aromatic scaffold. A structure-reactivity relationship analysis of B-CePs suggests that the arrangement of the reactive units affects the DNA alkylating activity, while also revealing correlations between the electron density of the aromatic system and the reactivity with biologically relevant nucleophiles, both on isolated DNA and in cancer cells. Interestingly, all aromatic 3-chloropiperidines exhibited a marked cytotoxicity and tropism for 2D and 3D cultures of pancreatic cancer cells. Therefore, the new aromatic 3-chloropiperidines appear to be promising contenders for further development of mustard-based anticancer agents aimed at pancreatic cancers.

The improved antitumor efficacy of continuous intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin-loaded implants for the treatment of sarcoma 180 tumor-bearing mice

Cisplatin is the most commonly used antitumor drug in the chemotherapy of a variety of malignancies. However, the severe side effects and drug resistance limit its clinical application. The aim of this study was to develop PLGA-based cisplatin-loaded implants and evaluate the antitumor efficacy of continuous intratumoral chemotherapy with the implants. The cisplatin-loaded implants were prepared by the direct compression method and characterized regarding drug content, micromorphology, in vitro and in vivo drug release profiles. Furthermore, the antitumor activity of the implants was conducted in sarcoma 180 tumor-bearing mice. The SEM images showed smooth surface of the implants and the mean drug content of the tested implants was (37.7% ± 0.5%, w/w). Both in vitro and in vivo release profiles of the implants were characterized by initial burst release followed by the sustained-release of cisplatin. Intratumoral implantation of the cisplatin-loaded implants could effectively inhibit the tumor growth. Additionally, intratumoral chemotherapy with the implants significantly reduced the systemic toxicity compared with intravenous injection of cisplatin. It is worth noting that an increase in the dose of the implants led to a higher tumor suppression rate without additional systemic toxicity. These results demonstrated that cisplatin-loaded implants enhanced the antitumor efficacy and reduced the dose-related side effects in sarcoma 180 tumor-bearing mice.

The asymmetry of plasma membranes and their cholesterol content influence the uptake of cisplatin

The composition of the plasma membrane of malignant cells is thought to influence the cellular uptake of cisplatin and to take part in developing resistance to this widespread anti-cancer drug. In this work we study the permeation of cisplatin through the model membranes of normal and cancer cells using molecular dynamics simulations. A special attention is paid to lipid asymmetry and cholesterol content of the membranes. The loss of lipid asymmetry, which is common for cancer cells, leads to a decrease in their permeability to cisplatin by one order of magnitude in comparison to the membranes of normal cells. The change in the cholesterol molar ratio from 0% to 33% also decreases the permeability of the membrane by approximately one order of magnitude. The permeability of pure DOPC membrane is 5-6 orders of magnitude higher than one of the membranes with realistic lipid composition, which makes it as an inadequate model for the studies of drug permeability.

Imaging and proteomic study of a clickable iridium complex

We synthesized a clickable iridium complex 2-N3 which can be imaged via click reaction in cells. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that ECM–receptor interaction pathway was activated and a series of celluar process was affected by 2-N3.

Platinum transfer from hCTR1 to Atox1 is dependent on the type of platinum complex

In spite of their wide application, the cellular uptake of platinum based anticancer drugs is still unclear. The copper transport protein, hCTR1, is proposed to facilitate the cellular uptake of cisplatin, whereas organic cation transport (OCT) is more important for oxaliplatin. It has been reported that both N-terminal and C-terminal metal binding motifs of hCTR1 are highly reactive to cisplatin, which is the initial step of protein assisted cellular uptake of cisplatin. It is still unknown how the platinum drugs in hCTR1 transfer to cytoplasmic media, and whether various platinum complexes possess different activities in this process. Herein, we investigated the reaction of the platinated C-terminal metal binding motif of hCTR1 (C8) with the down-stream protein Atox1. Results show that Atox1 is highly reactive to the platinated C8 adducts of cisplatin and transplatin, whereas the oxaliplatin/C8 adduct is much less reactive. The platinum transfer from C8 to Atox1 occurs in the reaction, which results in the protein unfolding of Atox1. These results demonstrated that the platinated intracellular-domain of hCTR1 is reactive to Atox1, and the reactivity is dependent on the ligand and the coordination structure of platinum complexes. The different reactivity is consistent with the hypothesis that hCTR1 is more significant in the transport of cisplatin than that of oxaliplatin.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of glycosylated platinum(iv) complexes as antitumor agents

A new series of glycosylated Pt(iv) complexes were designed, synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo. The incorporation of glycosyl groups to the Pt(iv) system has much influence on the antitumor abilities. Four lead compounds with activities comparable or even superior to cisplatin and oxaliplatin are screened out. These Pt(iv) complexes could be reduced to release Pt(ii) complexes and cause the death of tumour cells. The apoptosis-inducing properties of these compounds are similar to cisplatin. The accumulation of the glycosylated Pt(iv) complexes in cells and DNA is higher than cisplatin and oxaliplatin. The in vivo assay demonstrates that the tested compounds inhibit the growth of HepG2 tumors with low toxicity.

Green light-induced apoptosis in cancer cells by a tetrapyridyl ruthenium prodrug offering two trans coordination sites

In this work, two new photopharmacological ruthenium prodrugs are described that can be activated by green light. Cell death occurs via apoptosis; it is not a consequence of singlet oxygen generation, but of light-induced photosubstitution reactions.

In this work, two new photopharmacological ruthenium prodrugs are described that can be activated by green light. They are based on the tetrapyridyl biqbpy ligand (6,6′-bis[N-(isoquinolyl)-1-amino]-2,2′-bipyridine), which coordinates to the basal plane of the metal centre and leaves two trans coordination sites for the binding of monodentate sulphur ligands. Due to the distortion of the coordination sphere these trans ligands are photosubstituted by water upon green light irradiation. In vitro cytotoxicity data on A431 and A549 cancer cell lines shows an up to 22-fold increase in cytotoxicity after green light irradiation (520 nm, 75 J cm^–2), compared to the dark control. Optical microscopy cell imaging and flow cytometry indicate that the cancer cells die via apoptosis. Meanwhile, very low singlet oxygen quantum yields (∼1–2%) and cell-free DNA binding studies conclude that light-induced cell death is not caused by a photodynamic effect, but instead by the changes induced in the coordination sphere of the metal by light, which modifies how the metal complexes bind to biomolecules.

Electrochemotherapy by pulsed electromagnetic field treatment (PEMF) in mouse melanoma B16F10 in vivo

Introduction

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) induces pulsed electric field, which presumably increases membrane permeabilization of the exposed cells, similar to the conventional electroporation. Thus, contactless PEMF could represent a promising approach for drug delivery.

Materials and methods

Noninvasive electroporation was performed by magnetic field pulse generator connected to an applicator consisting of round coil. Subcutaneous mouse B16F10 melanoma tumors were treated with intravenously injection of cisplatin (CDDP) (4 mg/kg), PEMF (480 bipolar pulses, at frequency of 80 Hz, pulse duration of 340 μs) or with the combination of both therapies (electrochemotherapy − PEMF + CDDP). Antitumor effectiveness of treatments was evaluated by tumor growth delay assay. In addition, the platinum (Pt) uptake in tumors and serum, as well as Pt bound to the DNA in the cells and Pt in the extracellular fraction were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

The antitumor effectiveness of electrochemotherapy with CDDP mediated by PEMF was comparable to the conventional electrochemotherapy with CDDP, with the induction of 2.3 days and 3.0 days tumor growth delay, respectively. The exposure of tumors to PEMF only, had no effect on tumor growth, as well as the injection of CDDP only. The antitumor effect in combined treatment was related to increased drug uptake into the electroporated tumor cells, demonstrated by increased amount of Pt bound to the DNA. Approximately 2-fold increase in cellular uptake of Pt was measured.

Conclusions

The obtained results in mouse melanoma model in vivo demonstrate the possible use of PEMF induced electroporation for biomedical applications, such as electrochemotherapy. The main advantages of electroporation mediated by PEMF are contactless and painless application, as well as effective electroporation compared to conventional electroporation.

Multifunctional Pt(II) Reagents: Covalent Modifications of Pt Complexes Enable Diverse Structural Variation and In-Cell Detection

To enhance the functionality of Pt-based reagents, several strategies have been developed that utilize Pt compounds modified with small, reactive handles. This Account encapsulates work done by us and other groups regarding the use of Pt(II) compounds with reactive handles for subsequent elaboration with fluorophores or other functional moieties. Described strategies include the incorporation of substituents for well-known condensation or nucleophilic displacement-type reactions and their use, for example, to tether spectroscopic handles to Pt reagents for in vivo investigation. Other chief uses of displacement-type reactions have included tethering various small molecules exhibiting pharmacological activity directly to Pt, thus adding synergistic effects. Click chemistry-based ligation techniques have also been applied, primarily with azide- and alkyne-appended Pt complexes. Orthogonally reactive click chemistry reactions have proven invaluable when more traditional nucleophilic displacement reactions induce side-reactivity with the Pt center or when systematic functionalization of a larger number of Pt complexes is desired. Additionally, a diverse assortment of Pt-fluorophore conjugates have been tethered via click chemistry conjugation. In addition to providing a convenient synthetic path for diversifying Pt compounds, the use of click-capable Pt complexes has proved a powerful strategy for postbinding covalent modification and detection with fluorescent probes. This strategy bypasses undesirable influences of the fluorophore camouflaged as reactivity due to Pt that may be present when detecting preattached Pt-fluorophore conjugates. Using postbinding strategies, Pt reagent distributions in HeLa and lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) cell cultures were observed with two different azide-modified Pt compounds, a monofunctional Pt(II)-acridine type and a difunctional Pt(II)-neutral complex. In addition, cellular distribution was observed with an alkyne-appended difunctional Pt(II)-neutral complex analogous in structure to the aforementioned difunctional azide-Pt(II) reagent. In all cases, significant accumulation of Pt in the nucleolus of cells was observed, in addition to broader localization in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell. Using the same strategy of postbinding click modification with fluorescent probes, Pt adducts were detected and roughly quantified on rRNA and tRNA from Pt-treated Saccharomyces cerevisiae; rRNA adducts were found to be relatively long-lived and not targeted for immediate degradation. Finally, the utility and feasibility of the alkyne-appended Pt(II) compound has been further demonstrated with a turn-on fluorophore, dansyl azide, in fluorescent detection of DNA in vitro. In all, these modifications utilizing reactive handles have allowed for the diversification of new Pt reagents, as well as providing cellular localization information on the modified Pt compounds.

Azide vs Alkyne Functionalization in Pt(II) Complexes for Post-treatment Click Modification: Solid-State Structure, Fluorescent Labeling, and Cellular Fate

Tracking of Pt(II) complexes is of crucial importance toward understanding Pt interactions with cellular biomolecules. Post-treatment fluorescent labeling of functionalized Pt(II)-based agents using the bioorthogonal Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction has recently been reported as a promising approach. Here we describe an azide-functionalized Pt(II) complex, cis-[Pt(2-azidobutyl)amido-1,3-propanediamine)Cl2] (1), containing the cis geometry and difunctional reactivity of cisplatin, and present a comparative study with its previously described alkyne-functionalized congener. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a dramatic change in the solid-state arrangement with exchange of the alkyne for an azide moiety wherein 1 is dominated by a pseudo-chain of Pt-Pt dimers and antiparallel alignment of the azide substituents, in comparison with a circular arrangement supported by CH/π(C≡C) interactions in the alkyne version. In vitro studies indicate similar DNA binding and click reactivity of both congeners observed by fluorescent labeling. Interestingly, complex 1 shows in vitro enhanced click reactivity in comparison to a previously reported azide-appended Pt(II) complex. Despite their similar behavior in vitro, preliminary in cellulo HeLa studies indicate a superior imaging potential of azide-functionalized 1. Post-treatment fluorescent labeling of 1 observed by confocal fluorescence microscopy shows nuclear and intense nucleolar localization. These results demonstrate the potential of 1 in different cell line localization studies and for future isolation and purification of Pt-bound targets.

Computational metallomics of the anticancer drug cisplatin

Cisplatin, cis-diamminedichlorido-platinum(II), is an important therapeutic tool in the struggle against different tumors, yet it is plagued with the emergence of resistance mechanisms after repeated administrations. This hampers greatly its efficacy. Overcoming resistance problems requires first and foremost an integrated and systematic understanding of the structural determinants and molecular recognition processes involving the drug and its cellular targets. Here we review a strategy that we have followed for the last few years, based on the combination of modern tools from computational chemistry with experimental biophysical methods. Using hybrid Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) simulations, validated by spectroscopic experiments (including NMR, and CD), we have worked out for the first time at atomic level the structural determinants in solution of platinated cellular substrates. These include the copper homeostasis proteins Ctr1, Atox1, and ATP7A. All of these proteins have been suggested to influence the pre-target resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, coupling hybrid QM/MM simulations with classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) and free energy calculations, based on force field parameters refined by the so-called "Force Matching" procedure, we have characterized the structural modifications and the free energy landscape associated with the recognition between platinated DNA and the protein HMGB1, belonging to the chromosomal high-mobility group proteins HMGB that inhibit the repair of platinated DNA. This may alleviate issues relative to on-target resistance process. The elucidation of the mechanisms by which tumors are sensitive or refractory to cisplatin may lead to the discovery of prognostic biomarkers. The approach reviewed here could be straightforwardly extended to other metal-based drugs.

Platinum(II) Complexes with O,S Bidentate Ligands: Biophysical Characterization, Antiproliferative Activity, and Crystallographic Evidence of Protein Binding

We recently characterized a series of novel platinum(II) compounds bearing a conserved O,S binding moiety as a bifunctional ligand and evaluated their solution behavior and antiproliferative properties in vitro against a representative cancer cell line. On the whole, those platinum compounds showed an appreciable stability in mixed dimethyl sulfoxide-aqueous buffers and promising in vitro cytotoxic effects; yet they manifested a rather limited solubility in aqueous media making them poorly suitable for further pharmaceutical development. To overcome this drawback, four new derivatives of this series were prepared and characterized based on a careful choice of substituents on the O,S bidentate ligand. The solubility and stability profile of these novel compounds in a reference buffer was determined, as well as the ligands' log P(o/w) value (P(o/w) = n-octanol-water partition coefficient) as an indirect measure for the complexes' lipophilicity. The antiproliferative properties were comparatively evaluated in a panel of three cancer cell lines. The protein binding properties of the four platinum compounds were assessed using the model protein hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), and the molecular structures of two relevant HEWL-metallodrug adducts were solved. Overall, it is shown that a proper choice of the substituents leads to a higher solubility and enables a selective fine-tuning of the antiproliferative properties. The implications of these results are thoroughly discussed.

Model Peptide Studies Reveal a Mixed Histidine-Methionine Cu(I) Binding Site at the N-Terminus of Human Copper Transporter 1

Copper is a vital metal cofactor in enzymes that are essential to myriad biological processes. Cellular acquisition of copper is primarily accomplished through the Ctr family of plasma membrane copper transport proteins. Model peptide studies indicate that the human Ctr1 N-terminus binds to Cu(II) with high affinity through an amino terminal Cu(II), Ni(II) (ATCUN) binding site. Unlike typical ATCUN-type peptides, the Ctr1 peptide facilitates the ascorbate-dependent reduction of Cu(II) bound in its ATCUN site by virtue of an adjacent HH (bis-His) sequence in the peptide. It is likely that the Cu(I) coordination environment influences the redox behavior of Cu bound to this peptide; however, the identity and coordination geometry of the Cu(I) site has not been elucidated from previous work. Here, we show data from NMR, XAS, and structural modeling that sheds light on the identity of the Cu(I) binding site of a Ctr1 model peptide. The Cu(I) site includes the same bis-His site identified in previous work to facilitate ascorbate-dependent Cu(II) reduction. The data presented here are consistent with a rational mechanism by which Ctr1 provides coordination environments that facilitate Cu(II) reduction prior to Cu(I) transport.

Mechanisms of cell uptake and toxicity of the anticancer drug cisplatin

Two major issues which hamper the use of the anticancer drug cisplatin are the development of cancer cell resistance and its nephrotoxicity. One possible mechanism by which resistance is reported to develop is a reduction in drug uptake across the cell membrane. While the passive uptake of cisplatin has long been cited as an important contribution, far greater attention has been given to active modes of uptake, particularly in recent research. Using unilamellar lipid vesicles together with the stopped-flow kinetic method we show here that the permeability coefficient of cisplatin increases significantly with the chloride concentration of the medium. This supports the hypothesis that cisplatin can enter cells via passive permeation through the lipid phase of the membrane, but becomes trapped within the cytoplasm because dissociation of chloride ligands yields a membrane-impermeant positively-charged aqua derivative. This is important evidence for a major role of passive membrane diffusion in the uptake of cisplatin, and suggests that reduced cell uptake is unlikely to be a significant mechanism leading to the development of drug resistance. Studies of rubidium ion uptake into the cytoplasm of Xenopus oocytes via the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase show significant inhibition of this ion pump when cisplatin is present in the cytoplasm. Because Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity is essential to the survival of all animal cells, e.g. via maintenance of cell volume, and the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase is expressed at particularly high levels within the membranes of kidney tubules where it plays a crucial role in nutrient reabsorption, these results suggest that cisplatin-induced inhibition of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase is a likely contributing cause for the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin.

Cellular trafficking, accumulation and DNA platination of a series of cisplatin-based dicarboxylato Pt(IV) prodrugs

A series of Pt(IV) anticancer prodrug candidates, having the equatorial arrangement of cisplatin and bearing two aliphatic carboxylato axial ligands, has been investigated to prove the relationship between lipophilicity, cellular accumulation, DNA platination and antiproliferative activity on the cisplatin-sensitive A2780 ovarian cancer cell line. Unlike cisplatin, no facilitated influx/efflux mechanism appears to operate in the case of the Pt(IV) complexes under investigation, thus indicating that they enter by passive diffusion. While Pt(IV) complexes having lipophilicity comparable to that of cisplatin (negative values of log Po/w) exhibit a cellular accumulation similar to that of cisplatin, the most lipophilic complexes of the series show much higher cellular accumulation (stemming from enhanced passive diffusion), accompanied by greater DNA platination and cell growth inhibition. Even if the Pt(IV) complexes are removed from the culture medium in the recovery process, the level of DNA platination remains very high and persistent in time, indicating efficient storing of the complexes and poor detoxification efficiency.

Nickel(ii) and copper(ii) complexes constructed with N2S2 hybrid benzamidine–thiosemicarbazone ligand: synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, DFT, kinetico-catalytic and in vitro biological applications

We report nickel(ii) and copper(ii) complexes containing the benzamidine–thiosemicarbazone ligand together with DFT, enzyme kinetics and in vitro biological applications such as DNA/BSA affinities and anticancer properties.

A structural and biological study on the new 3,5-diacetyl-1,2,4-triazol bis(p-chlorophenylthiosemicarbazone) ligand and its bimetallic complexes

Preparation and characterization of the new ligand 3,5-diacetyl-1,2,4-triazol bis(⁴N-p-chlorophenylthiosemicarbazone), H₅L¹, and its bimetallic complexes [Pd(μ-H₃L¹)]₂ and [Pt(μ-H₃L¹)]₂, are described.

Interaction of cisplatin and two potential antitumoral platinum(ii) complexes with a model lipid membrane: a combined NMR and MD study

Multinuclear NMR and MD calculations highlighted the different interactions of cisplatin and two potential antitumoral Pt(ii) complexes with a model membrane.

Water-soluble platinum phthalocyanines as potential antitumor agents

Breast cancer represents the second cause of death in the European female population. The lack of specific therapies together with its high invasive potential are the major problems associated to such a tumor. In the last three decades platinum-based drugs have been considered essential constituents of many therapeutic strategies, even though with side effects and frequent generation of drug resistance. These drugs have been the guide for the research, in last years, of novel platinum and ruthenium based compounds, able to overcome these limitations. In this work, ruthenium and platinum based phthalocyanines were synthesized through conventional techniques and their antiproliferative and/or cytotoxic actions were tested. Normal mammary gland (MCF10A) and several models of mammarian carcinoma at different degrees of invasiveness (BT474, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were used. Cells were treated with different concentrations (5-100 μM) of the above reported compounds, to evaluate toxic concentration and to underline possible dose-response effects. The study included growth curves made by trypan blue exclusion test and scratch assay to study cellular motility and its possible negative modulation by phthalocyanine. Moreover, we investigated cell cycle and apoptosis through flow cytometry and AMNIS Image Stream cytometer. Among all the tested drugs, tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine of platinum resulted to be the molecule with the best cytostatic action on neoplastic cell lines at the concentration of 30 μM. Interestingly, platinum tetrasulfophtalocyanine, at low doses, had no antiproliferative effects on normal cells. Therefore, such platinum complex, appears to be a promising drug for mammarian carcinoma treatment.

Copper binding modulates the platination of human copper chaperone Atox1 by antitumor trans-platinum complexes

Cu(i) coordination enhances the reactivity of Atox1 towards antitumor-active trans-platinum complexes and promotes platinum transfer from the protein to dithiothreitol.

Platinum anticancer drugs and photochemotherapeutic agents: recent advances and future developments

Platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are widely applied for the treatment of various types of tumours. Over the last few decades, a large variety of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes have been developed to improve the applicability in a wider spectrum of cancers, increase their therapeutic window and reduce the dose-limiting side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is the administration of a photosensitiser followed by visible light activation, is a promising route to avoid damage to healthy cells and the surrounding tissue. Transition metal complexes as photochemotherapeutic agents are an attractive option for further development in the field of photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT). These complexes exhibit different numbers and types of excited states which are easily accessible upon light irradiation, subsequently giving rise to the formation of various photoproducts that can enable a distinct mode of action. Platinum-diazido complexes are promising candidates for PACT due to the low cytotoxicity when irradiated with visible light. This review summarises the mode of action of current platinum anticancer drugs with cisplatin as a lead example and the development of non-conventional Pt(II) complexes. Background information regarding PDT the photophysical and photochemical properties of metal complexes is provided, as well as notable examples of photoactivated metal complexes with biological activity. Particular emphasis is placed on recent developments on platinum photoactivated drugs.

When self-assembly meets biology: luminescent platinum complexes for imaging applications

Self-assembled luminescent structures based on platinum complexes. A new tool for bioimaging?