Serum-protein interactions with anticancer Ru(III) complexes KP1019 and KP418 characterized by EPR

Ru(II)-arene azole complexes as anti-amyloid-β agents

With the recent clinical success of anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) monoclonal antibodies, there is a renewed interest in agents which target the Aβ peptide of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Metal complexes are particularly well-suited for this development, given their structural versatility and ability to form stabile interactions with soluble Aβ. In this report, a small series of ruthenium-arene complexes were evaluated for their respective ability to modulate both the aggregation and cytotoxicity of Aβ. First, the stability of the complexes was evaluated in a variety of aqueous media where the complexes demonstrated exceptional stability. Next, the ability to coordinate and modulate the Aβ peptide was evaluated using several spectroscopic methods, including thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Overall, the complex RuBO consistently gave the greatest inhibitory action towards Aβ aggregation, which correlated with its ability to coordinate to Aβ in solution. Furthermore, RuBO also had the lowest affinity for serum albumin, which is a key consideration for a neurotherapeutic, as this protein does not cross the blood brain barrier. Lastly, RuBO also displayed promising neuroprotective properties, as it had the greatest inhibition of Aβ-inducted cytotoxicity.

Bovine serum albumin uptake and polypeptide disaggregation studies of hypoglycemic ruthenium(II) uracil Schiff-base complexes

Our prior studies have illustrated that the uracil ruthenium(II) diimino complex, [Ru(H3ucp)Cl(PPh3)] (1) (H4ucp = 2,6-bis-((6-amino-1,3-dimethyluracilimino)methylene)pyridine) displayed high hypoglycemic effects in diet-induced diabetic rats. To rationalize the anti-diabetic effects of 1, three new derivatives have been prepared, cis-[Ru(bpy)2(urdp)]Cl2 (2) (urdp = 2,6-bis-((uracilimino)methylene)pyridine), trans-[RuCl2(PPh3)(urdp)] (3), and cis-[Ru(bpy)2(H4ucp)](PF6)2 (4). Various physicochemical techniques were utilized to characterize the structures of the novel ruthenium compounds. Prior to biomolecular interactions or in vitro studies, the stabilities of 1-4 were monitored in anhydrous DMSO, aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2% DMSO, and dichloromethane (DCM) via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Time-dependent stability studies showed ligand exchange between DMSO nucleophiles and chloride co-ligands of 1 and 3, which was suppressed in the presence of an excess amount of chloride ions. In addition, the metal complexes 1 and 3 are stable in both DCM and an aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2% DMSO. In the case of compounds 2 and 4 with no chloride co-ligands within their coordination spheres, high stability in aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2% DMSO was observed. Fluorescence emission titrations of the individual ruthenium compounds with bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed that the metal compounds interact non-discriminately within the protein's hydrophobic cavities as moderate to strong binders. The metal complexes were capable of disintegrating mature amylin amyloid fibrils. In vivo glucose metabolism studies in liver (Chang) cell lines confirmed enhanced glucose metabolism as evidenced by the increased glucose utilization and glycogen synthesis in liver cell lines in the presence of complexes 2-4.

Effect of Electron-donating Group on NO Photolysis of {RuNO}6 Ruthenium Nitrosyl Complexes with N2 O2 Lgands Bearing π-Extended Rings

In this study, we introduced the electron-donating group (-OH) to the aromatic rings of Ru(salophen)(NO)Cl (0) (salophenH2 =N,N'-(1,2-phenylene)bis(salicylideneimine)) to investigate the influence of the substitution on NO photolysis and NO-releasing dynamics. Three derivative complexes, Ru((o-OH)2 -salophen)(NO)Cl (1), Ru((m-OH)2 -salophen)(NO)Cl (2), and Ru((p-OH)2 -salophen)(NO)Cl (3) were developed and their NO photolysis was monitored by using UV/Vis, EPR, NMR, and IR spectroscopies under white room light. Spectroscopic results indicated that the complexes were diamagnetic Ru(II)-NO+ species which were converted to low-spin Ru(III) species (d5 , S=1/2) and released NO radicals by photons. The conversion was also confirmed by determining the single-crystal structure of the photoproduct of 1. The photochemical quantum yields (ΦNO s) of the photolysis were determined to be 0>1, 2, 3 at both the visible and UV excitations. Femtosecond (fs) time-resolved mid-IR spectroscopy was employed for studying NO-releasing dynamics. The geminate rebinding (GR) rates of the photoreleased NO to the photolyzed complexes were estimated to be 0≃1, 2, 3. DFT and TDDFT computations found that the introduction of the hydroxyl groups elevated the ligand π-bonding orbitals (π (salophen)), resulting in decrease of the HOMO-LUMO gaps in 1-3. The theoretical calculations suggested that the Ru-NNO bond dissociations of the complexes were mostly initiated by the ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) of π(salophen)→π*(Ru-NO) with both the visible and UV excitations and the decreasing ΦNO s could be explained by the changes of the electronic structures in which the photoactivable bands of 1-3 have relatively less contribution of transitions related with Ru-NO bond than those of 0.

Controversial Role of Transferrin in the Transport of Ruthenium Anticancer Drugs

Ruthenium complexes are at the forefront of developments in metal-based anticancer drugs, but many questions remain open regarding their reactivity in biological media, including the role of transferrin (Tf) in their transport and cellular uptake. A well-known anticancer drug, KP1019 ((IndH)[Ru^IIICl₄(Ind)₂], where Ind = indazole) and a reference complex, [Ru^III(nta)₂]^3- (nta = nitrilotriacetato(3-)) interacted differently with human apoTf, monoFeTf, or Fe₂Tf. These reactions were studied by biolayer interferometry (BLI) measurements of Ru-Fe-Tf binding to recombinant human transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) in conjunction with UV-vis spectroscopy and particle size analysis. Cellular Ru uptake in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells was measured under the conditions of the BLI assays. The mode of Tf binding and cellular Ru uptake were critically dependent on the nature of Ru complex, availability of Fe(III) binding sites of Tf, and the presence of proteins that competed for metal binding, particularly serum albumin. Cellular uptake of KP1019 was not Tf-mediated and occurred mostly by passive diffusion, which may also be suitable for treatments of inoperable cancers by intratumoral injections. High cellular Ru uptake from a combination of [Ru^III(nta)₂]^3- and Fe₂Tf in the absence of significant Ru-Tf binding was likely to be due to trapping of Ru(III) species into the endosome during TfR1-mediated endocytosis of Fe₂Tf.

Visible-light NO photolysis of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes with N2O2 ligands bearing π-extended rings and their photorelease dynamics

NO photorelease and its dynamics for two {RuNO}⁶ complexes, Ru(salophen)(NO)Cl (1) and Ru(naphophen)(NO)Cl (2), with salen-type ligands bearing π-extended systems (salophenH₂ = N,N'-(1,2-phenylene)-bis(salicylideneimine) and naphophenH₂ = N,N'-1,2-phenylene-bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylmethyleneimine)) were investigated. NO photolysis was performed under white room light and monitored by UV/Vis, EPR, and NMR spectroscopies. NO photolysis was also performed under 459 and 489 nm irradiation for 1 and 2, respectively. The photochemical quantum yields of the NO photolysis (Φ_NO) of both 1 and 2 were determined to be 9% at the irradiation wavelengths. The structural and spectroscopic characteristics of the complexes before and after the photolysis confirmed the conversion of diamagnetic Ru(II)(L)(Cl)-NO⁺ to paramagnetic S = ½ Ru(III)(L)(Cl)-solvent by photons (L = salophen^2- and naphophen^2-). The photoreleased NO radicals were detected by spin-trapping EPR. DFT and TDDFT calculations found that the photoactive bands are configured as mostly the ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) of π(L) → π*(Ru-NO), suggesting that the NO photorelease was initiated by the LLCT. Dynamics of NO photorelease from the complexes in DMSO under 320 nm excitation were investigated by femtosecond (fs) time-resolved mid-IR spectroscopy. The primary photorelease of NO occurred for less than 0.32 ps after the excitation. The rate constants (k_-1) of the geminate rebinding of NO to the photolyzed 1 and 2 were determined to be (15 ps)^-1 and (13 ps)^-1, respectively. The photochemical quantum yields of NO photolysis (Φ_NO, λ = 320 nm) were estimated to be no higher than 14% for 1 and 11% for 2, based on the analysis of the fs time-resolved IR data. The results of fs time-resolved IR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations provided some insight into the overall kinetic reaction pathway, localized electron pathway or resonance pathway, of the NO photolysis of 1 and 2. Overall, our study found that the investigated {RuNO}⁶ complexes, 1 and 2, with planar N₂O₂ ligands bearing π-extended rings effectively released NO under visible light.

Highly Cytotoxic Osmium(II) Compounds and Their Ruthenium(II) Analogues Targeting Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines and Evading Cisplatin Resistance Mechanisms

(1) Background: Ruthenium and osmium complexes attract increasing interest as next generation anticancer drugs. Focusing on structure-activity-relationships of this class of compounds, we report on 17 different ruthenium(II) complexes and four promising osmium(II) analogues with cinnamic acid derivatives as O,S bidentate ligands. The aim of this study was to determine the anticancer activity and the ability to evade platin resistance mechanisms for these compounds. (2) Methods: Structural characterizations and stability determinations have been carried out with standard techniques, including NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. All complexes and single ligands have been tested for cytotoxic activity on two ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, SKOV3) and their cisplatin-resistant isogenic cell cultures, a lung carcinoma cell line (A549) as well as selected compounds on three non-cancerous cell cultures in vitro. FACS analyses and histone γH2AX staining were carried out for cell cycle distribution and cell death or DNA damage analyses, respectively. (3) Results: IC50 values show promising results, specifically a high cancer selective cytotoxicity and evasion of resistance mechanisms for Ru(II) and Os(II) compounds. Histone γH2AX foci and FACS experiments validated the high cytotoxicity but revealed diminished DNA damage-inducing activity and an absence of cell cycle disturbance thus pointing to another mode of action. (4) Conclusion: Ru(II) and Os(II) compounds with O,S-bidentate ligands show high cytotoxicity without strong effects on DNA damage and cell cycle, and this seems to be the basis to circumvent resistance mechanisms and for the high cancer cell specificity.

Advantageous Reactivity of Unstable Metal Complexes: Potential Applications of Metal-Based Anticancer Drugs for Intratumoral Injections

Injections of highly cytotoxic or immunomodulating drugs directly into the inoperable tumor is a procedure that is increasingly applied in the clinic and uses established Pt-based drugs. It is advantageous for less stable anticancer metal complexes that fail administration by the standard intravenous route. Such hydrophobic metal-containing complexes are rapidly taken up into cancer cells and cause cell death, while the release of their relatively non-toxic decomposition products into the blood has low systemic toxicity and, in some cases, may even be beneficial. This concept was recently proposed for V(V) complexes with hydrophobic organic ligands, but it can potentially be applied to other metal complexes, such as Ti(IV), Ga(III) and Ru(III) complexes, some of which were previously unsuccessful in human clinical trials when administered via intravenous injections. The potential beneficial effects include antidiabetic, neuroprotective and tissue-regenerating activities for V(V/IV); antimicrobial activities for Ga(III); and antimetastatic and potentially immunogenic activities for Ru(III). Utilizing organic ligands with limited stability under biological conditions, such as Schiff bases, further enhances the tuning of the reactivities of the metal complexes under the conditions of intratumoral injections. However, nanocarrier formulations are likely to be required for the delivery of unstable metal complexes into the tumor.

A Ru(ii)-arene-ferrocene complex with promising antibacterial activity

The evolution of high virulence bacterial strains has necessitated the development of novel therapeutic agents to treat resistant infections.

A new photoactivable NO-releasing {Ru-NO}6 ruthenium nitrosyl complex with a tetradentate ligand containing aniline and pyridine moieties

A new type of photoactivable NO-releasing ruthenium nitrosyl complex, [Ru(EPBP)Cl(NO)], with a tetradentate ligand, N,N'-(ethane-1,2-diyldi-o-phenylene)-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamide) (= H₂ EPBP) was synthesized. Single crystal X-ray crystallography revealed that the complex has a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and NO is positioned at cis to Cl^- ion. NO-photolysis was observed under a white room light. The photodissociation of Ru-NO bond was identified by various techniques including X-ray crystallography, IR, UV/Vis absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and NMR spectroscopies. Quantum yields for the NO-photolysis of the complex in CH₃ OH, CHCl₃ , DMSO, CH₃ CN, and CH₃ NO₂ were measured to be 0.19-0.36 with 400 (±5) nm excitation. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations were performed to understand the details of the photodissociation of the complex. The calculations suggest that the NO photolysis is most likely initiated by the electronic transition from the aniline moiety π MOs (π (aniline)) of the EPBP^2- chelating ligand to the π-antibonding MO of Ru-NO (π*(Ru-NO)). Experimental and theoretical investigations indicate that the EPBP^2- ligand provides an effective platform forming ruthenium nitrosyl complexes useful for NO-photoreleasing.

Probing the Paradigm of Promiscuity for N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes and their Protein Adduct Formation

Metal complexes can be considered a "paradigm of promiscuity" when it comes to their interactions with proteins. They often form adducts with a variety of donor atoms in an unselective manner. We have characterized the adducts formed between a series of isostructural N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes with Ru, Os, Rh, and Ir centers and the model protein hen egg white lysozyme by X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry. Distinctive behavior for the metal compounds was observed with the more labile Ru and Rh complexes targeting mainly a surface l-histidine moiety through cleavage of p-cymene or NHC co-ligands, respectively. In contrast, the more inert Os and Ir derivatives were detected abundantly in an electronegative binding pocket after undergoing ligand exchange of a chlorido ligand for an amino acid side chain. Computational studies supported the binding profiles and hinted at the role of the protein microenvironment for metal complexes eliciting selectivity for specific binding sites on the protein.

Structural and Photodynamic Studies on Nitrosylruthenium-Complexed Serum Albumin as a Delivery System for Controlled Nitric Oxide Release

How to deliver nitric oxide (NO) to a physiological target and control its release quantitatively is a key issue for biomedical applications. Here, a water-soluble nitrosylruthenium complex, [(CH₃)₄N][RuCl₃(5cqn)(NO)] (H5cqn = 5-chloro-8-quinoline), was synthesized, and its structure was confirmed with ¹H NMR and X-ray crystal diffraction. Photoinduced NO release was investigated with time-resolved Fourier transform infrared and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. The binding constant of the [RuCl₃(5cqn)(NO)]^- complex with human serum albumin (HSA) was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy, and the binding mode was identified by X-ray crystallography of the HSA and Ru-NO complex adduct. The crystal structure reveals that two molecules of the Ru-NO complex are located in the subdomain IB, which is one of the major drug binding regions of HSA. The chemical structures of the Ru complexes were [RuCl₃(5cqn)(NO)]^- and [RuCl₃(Glycerin)NO]^-, in which the electron densities for all ligands to Ru are unambiguously identified. EPR spin-trapping data showed that photoirradiation triggered NO radical generation from the HSA complex adduct. Moreover, the near-infrared image of exogenous NO from the nitrosylruthenium complex in living cells was observed using a NO-selective fluorescent probe. This study provides a strategy to design an appropriate delivery system to transport NO and metallodrugs in vivo for potential applications.

Die Wechselwirkung mit ribosomalen Proteinen begleitet die Stressinduktion des Wirkstoffkandidaten BOLD-100/KP1339 im endoplasmatischen Retikulum

Der metallhaltige Wirkstoff BOLD‐100/KP1339 zeigte bereits vielversprechende Resultate in verschiedenen In vitro‐ und In vivo‐Tumormodellen sowie in klinischen Studien. Der detaillierte Wirkmechanismus wurde jedoch noch nicht komplett aufgeklärt. Als entscheidende Wirkstoffeffekte kristallisierten sich kürzlich die Stressinduktion im endoplasmatischen Retikulum (ER) und die damit einhergehende Modulierung von HSPA5 (GRP78) heraus. Das spontane und stabile Addukt zwischen BOLD‐100 und menschlichem Serumalbumin wurde als Immobilisierungsstrategie ausgewählt, um einen chemoproteomischen Ansatz auszuführen, der die ribosomalen Proteine RPL10, RPL24 und den Transkriptionsfaktor GTF2I als potentielle Interaktoren dieser Ru(III)‐Verbindung identifizierten. Dieses Ergebnis wurde mit proteomischen und transkriptomischen Profiling‐Experimenten kombiniert, was die Interpretation einer ribosomalen Beeinträchtigung sowie der Induktion von ER‐Stress unterstützte. Die Bildung von Polyribosomen und begleitende ER‐Schwellungen in behandelten Krebszellen wurden zudem durch TEM‐Messungen bestätigt. Somit scheint eine direkte Wechselwirkung von BOLD‐100 mit ribosomalen Proteinen die ER‐Stressinduktion und die Modulierung von GRP78 in Krebszellen zu begleiten.

Interaction with Ribosomal Proteins Accompanies Stress Induction of the Anticancer Metallodrug BOLD-100/KP1339 in the Endoplasmic Reticulum

The ruthenium-based anticancer agent BOLD-100/KP1339 has shown promising results in several in vitro and in vivo tumour models as well as in early clinical trials. However, its mode of action remains to be fully elucidated. Recent evidence identified stress induction in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and concomitant down-modulation of HSPA5 (GRP78) as key drug effects. By exploiting the naturally formed adduct between BOLD-100 and human serum albumin as an immobilization strategy, we were able to perform target-profiling experiments that revealed the ribosomal proteins RPL10, RPL24, and the transcription factor GTF2I as potential interactors of this ruthenium(III) anticancer agent. Integrating these findings with proteomic profiling and transcriptomic experiments supported ribosomal disturbance and concomitant induction of ER stress. The formation of polyribosomes and ER swelling of treated cancer cells revealed by TEM validated this finding. Thus, the direct interaction of BOLD-100 with ribosomal proteins seems to accompany ER stress-induction and modulation of GRP78 in cancer cells.

Electronic structure and mechanism for the uptake of nitric oxide by the Ru(iii) antitumor complex NAMI-A

Nitric oxide (NO) has well known vasodilation effects in living organisms and its participation in the metastasis of cancer cells through the angiogenesis process has been demonstrated experimentally. Therefore, the uptake of NO has become one focus of investigation to produce anti-metastatic drugs. In this article we have investigated the uptake of NO by the ruthenium based metallodrug trans-tetrachloride(dimethylsulfoxide)imidazole ruthenate(iii) [Im]trans-[RuCl4(Im)(DMSO)], known as New Anti-tumor Metastasis Inhibitor-A (NAMI-A). Electronic structure calculations using Density Functional Theory, DFT, and State-Averaged Complete Active Space Self Consistent Field, SA-CASSCF, with second order perturbation theory corrections, NEVPT2 were carried out to investigate the mechanism involved in the uptake of NO by the Ru-based anticancer metallodrug NAMI-A. The calculations revealed that the reaction takes place at the triplet potential energy surface, with the singlet surface being ∼15 kcal mol-1 shifted to higher energies, and there is a surface crossing to form the most stable singlet product after the reaction takes place at the triplet surface. The spin pairing and electron transfer from the nitric oxide to the metallic fragment takes place at the region of the minimum energy crossing point between the two surfaces. The Ru-NO bond in the {Ru-NO}6 product has ∼10% of the RuIII-NO0 character. The SA-CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations revealed that the uptake of NO by NAMI-A has a small energy barrier of ∼8 kcal mol-1 and, therefore a rate constant of 11.3 × 106 s-1 at 300 K. In addition, the reaction is thermodynamically favorable, with a Gibbs free energy of ∼30 kcal mol-1. These results show that the uptake of nitric oxide by the NAMI-A complex is kinetically and thermodynamically feasible in biological medium and, therefore, gives support to the anti-angiogenesis theory associated to the mode of action of NAMI-A and other related compounds.

Recent advances in protein metalation: structural studies

Recent advances in structural studies unveiling the basis of the metal compounds/protein recognition process are discussed.

Ruthenium Complexes as Anticancer Agents: A Brief History and Perspectives

Platinum (Pt)-based anticancer drugs such as cisplatin have been used to treat various cancers. However, they have some limitations including poor selectivity and toxicity towards normal cells and increasing chemoresistance. Therefore, there is a need for novel metallo-anticancers, which has not been met for decades. Since the initial introduction of ruthenium (Ru) polypyridyl complex, a number of attempts at structural evolution have been conducted to improve efficacy. Among them, half-sandwich Ru-arene complexes have been the most prominent as an anticancer platform. Such complexes have clearly shown superior anticancer profiles such as increased selectivity toward cancer cells and ameliorating toxicity against normal cells compared to existing Pt-based anticancers. Currently, several Ru complexes are under human clinical trials. For improvement in selectivity and toxicity associated with chemotherapy, Ru complexes as photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT), which can selectively activate prodrug moieties in a specific region, have also been investigated. With all these studies on these interesting entities, new metallo-anticancer drugs to at least partially replace existing Pt-based anticancers are anticipated. This review covers a brief description of Ru-based anticancer complexes and perspectives.

Ruthenium(III) complexes with imidazole ligands that modulate the aggregation of the amyloid-β peptide via hydrophobic interactions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by extracellular protein deposits, comprised primarily of the peptide amyloid-beta (Aβ), are a pathological indicator of the disease. Commonly known as Aβ plaques, these deposits contain a relatively high concentration of metals, making metallotherapeutics uniquely suited to target soluble Aβ, thereby limiting its aggregation and cytotoxicity. Ruthenium-based complexes are promising candidates for advancement, as the complex PMRU20 (2-aminothiazolium [trans-RuCl₄(2-aminothiazole)₂]) and several thiazole-based derivatives were found to prevent the aggregation of Aβ, with hydrogen-bonding functional groups improving their performance. Further investigation into the impact of the heteroatom in the azole ring on the activity of Ru complexes was achieved through the synthesis and evaluation of a small set of imidazole-based compounds. The ability of the complexes to prevent the aggregation of Aβ was determined where the same sample was subjected to analysis by three complementary methods: ThT fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that hydrophobic interactions, along with hydrogen-bonding via the imidazole nitrogen heteroatom, promoted interactions with the Aβ peptide, thereby limiting its aggregation. Furthermore, it was found that having rapid and sequential exchange proved detrimental as it resulted in a decreased association with Aβ. These results highlight important considerations between a balance of intermolecular interactions and ligand exchange kinetics in the design of further therapeutic candidates.

Time-dependent shotgun proteomics revealed distinct effects of an organoruthenium prodrug and its activation product on colon carcinoma cells

Activation kinetics of metallo-prodrugs control the types of possible interactions with biomolecules. The intact metallo-prodrug is able to engage with potential targets by purely non-covalent bonding, while the activated metallodrug can form additional coordination bonds. It is hypothesized that the additional coordinative bonding might be favourable with respect to the target selectivity of activated metallodrugs. Thus, a time-dependent shotgun proteomics study was conducted in HCT116 colon carcinoma cells with plecstatins, which are organoruthenium anticancer drug candidates. First, the target selectivity was evaluated in a time-dependent fashion, which accounted for their hydrolysis kinetics. The binding selectivity increased from 50- to 160-fold and the average specificity from 0.72 to 0.86, respectively, from the 2 h to the 4 h target profiling experiment. Target profiling after 19 h did not reveal significant enrichments, possibly due to deactivation of the probe via arene cleavage. Up to 450 interactors were identified in the target profiling experiments. A plecstatin analogue that substituted a hydrogen bond acceptor with a hydrogen bond donor abrogated the target selectivity for plectin in HCT116 whole cell lysates, underlining the necessity of this hydrogen bond acceptor for a strong interaction between plecstatin and plectin. Second, time-dependent response profiling experiments provided evidence that plecstatin-2 induced an integrated stress response (ISR) in HCT116 cell culture. The phosphorylation of eIF2α, a key mediator of the ISR, after 3 h treatment indicated that this perturbation was initiated by the intact plecstatin-2 prodrug, while the effects of plectin-targeting are mediated by activated plecstatin-2.

Ruthenium(iii) complexes containing thiazole-based ligands that modulate amyloid-β aggregation

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder where one of the commonly observed pathological hallmarks is extracellular deposits of the peptide amyloid-β (Aβ). These deposits contain a high concentration of metals and initially presented a promising target for therapy; however it has become increasingly evident that the soluble form of the peptide is neurotoxic, not the amyloidogenic species. Metal-based therapeutics are uniquely suited to target soluble Aβ and have shown considerable promise to prevent the aggregation and induced cytotoxicity of the peptide in vitro. Herein, we have prepared a small series of derivatives of two promising Ru(iii) complexes NAMI-A (imidazolium [trans-RuCl₄(1H-imidazole)(dimethyl sulfoxide-S)]) and PMRU20 (2-aminothiazolium [trans-RuCl₄(2-aminothiazole)₂]), to determine structure-activity relationships (SAR) for Ru(iii) therapeutics for AD. Using the three complementary methods of Thioflavin T fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it was determined that the symmetry around the metal center did not significantly impact the activity of the complexes, but rather the attached thiazole ligand(s) mitigated Aβ aggregation. Across both families of Ru(iii) complexes the determined SAR for the functional groups on the thiazole ligands to modulate Aβ aggregation were NH₂ > CH₃ > H. These results highlight the importance of secondary interactions between the metallotherapeutic and the Aβ peptide where hydrogen-bonding has the greatest impact on modulating Aβ aggregation.

NAMI-A and KP1019/1339, Two Iconic Ruthenium Anticancer Drug Candidates Face-to-Face: A Case Story in Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry

NAMI-A ((ImH)[trans-RuCl₄(dmso-S)(Im)], Im = imidazole) and KP1019/1339 (KP1019 = (IndH)[trans-RuCl₄(Ind)₂], Ind = indazole; KP1339 = Na[trans-RuCl₄(Ind)₂]) are two structurally related ruthenium(III) coordination compounds that have attracted a lot of attention in the medicinal inorganic chemistry scientific community as promising anticancer drug candidates. This has led to a considerable amount of studies on their respective chemico-biological features and to the eventual admission of both to clinical trials. The encouraging pharmacological performances qualified KP1019 mainly as a cytotoxic agent for the treatment of platinum-resistant colorectal cancers, whereas the non-cytotoxic NAMI-A has gained the reputation of being a very effective antimetastatic drug. A critical and strictly comparative analysis of the studies conducted so far on NAMI-A and KP1019 allows us to define the state of the art of these experimental ruthenium drugs in terms of the respective pharmacological profiles and potential clinical applications, and to gain some insight into the inherent molecular mechanisms. Despite their evident structural relatedness, deeply distinct biological and pharmacological profiles do emerge. Overall, these two iconic ruthenium complexes form an exemplary and unique case in the field of medicinal inorganic chemistry.

Induction of transferrin aggregation by indazolium [tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(iii)] (KP1019) and its biological function

Pre-incubation ofKP1019with transferrin leads to the formation of adducts/aggregates, which inhibit the cytotoxic properties ofKP1019.

Structure-activity relationships for ruthenium and osmium anticancer agents - towards clinical development

Anticancer metallodrugs based on ruthenium and osmium are among the most investigated and advanced non-platinum metallodrugs. Inorganic drug discovery with these agents has undergone considerable advances over the past two decades and has currently two representatives in active clinical trials. As many ruthenium and osmium metallodrugs are prodrugs, a key question to be addressed is how the molecular reactivity of such metal-based therapeutics dictates the selectivity and the type of interaction with molecular targets. Within this frame, this review introduces the field by the examples of the most advanced ruthenium lead structures. Then, global structure-activity relationships are discussed for ruthenium and osmium metallodrugs with respect to in vitro antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity and in vivo tumor-inhibiting properties, as well as pharmacokinetics. Determining and validating global mechanisms of action and molecular targets are still major current challenges. Moreover, significant efforts must be invested in screening in vivo tumor models that mimic human pathophysiology to increase the predictability for successful preclinical and clinical development of ruthenium and osmium metallodrugs.

Unexpected arene ligand exchange results in the oxidation of an organoruthenium anticancer agent: the first X-ray structure of a protein–Ru(carbene) adduct

The first crystallographic study of a Ru(carbene)–protein adduct is complemented by EPR spectroscopy showing Ru oxidation upon binding.

X-ray Structure Analysis of Indazolium trans-[Tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019) Bound to Human Serum Albumin Reveals Two Ruthenium Binding Sites and Provides Insights into the Drug Binding Mechanism

Ruthenium(III) complexes are promising candidates for anticancer drugs, especially the clinically studied indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019) and its analogue sodium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (NKP-1339). Several studies have emphasized the likely role of human serum proteins in the transportation and accumulation of ruthenium(III) complexes in tumors. Therefore, the interaction between KP1019 and human serum albumin was investigated by means of X-ray crystallography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The structural data unambiguously reveal the binding of two ruthenium atoms to histidine residues 146 and 242, which are both located within well-known hydrophobic binding pockets of albumin. The ruthenium centers are octahedrally coordinated by solvent molecules revealing the dissociation of both indazole ligands from the ruthenium-based drug. However, a binding mechanism is proposed indicating the importance of the indazole ligands for binding site recognition and thus their indispensable role for the binding of KP1019.

Biodistribution of the novel anticancer drug sodium trans-[tetrachloridobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] KP-1339/IT139 in nude BALB/c mice and implications on its mode of action

The ruthenium complex sodium trans-[tetrachloridobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP-1339/IT139) has entered clinical trials as the more soluble alternative to the indazolium compound KP1019. In order to get insight into its distribution and accumulation throughout a living organism, KP-1339/IT139 was administered intravenously in non-tumor bearing nude BALB/c mice and the Ru content in blood cells and plasma, bone, brain, colon, kidneys, liver, lung, muscle, spleen, stomach and thymus was determined at several time points. The Ru concentration in blood cells and plasma was found to increase slightly within the first hours of analysis, with the Ru concentration being 3-times higher in plasma compared to blood cells. The plasma samples were subjected to analysis by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and size exclusion/anion exchange chromatography (SEC-IC) both coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and a large majority of the total Ru content was found attached to mouse serum albumin (MSA), confirming similar behavior to KP1019 in an in vivo setting. Within 1h, the peak ratio of approximately 1.2-1.5 Ru per albumin molecule was reached which declined to about 1 Ru per albumin molecule within 24h. Beside the MSA adduct a higher molecular weight species was observed probably stemming from MSA conjugates. In addition, the tissue samples were mineralized by microwave digestion and analyzed for their Ru content. The highest Ru levels were found in colon, lung, liver, kidney and notably in the thymus. The peak Ru concentrations in these tissues were reached 1-6h after administration and declined slowly over time.

Induction of Cytotoxicity in Pyridine Analogues of the Anti-metastatic Ru(III) Complex NAMI-A by Ferrocene Functionalization

A series of novel ferrocene (Fc) functionalized Ru(III) complexes was synthesized and characterized. These compounds are derivatives of the anti-metastatic Ru(III) complex imidazolium [trans-RuCl4(1H-imidazole) (DMSO-S)] (NAMI-A) and are derived from its pyridine analogue (NAMI-Pyr), with direct coupling of Fc to pyridine at the 4 or 3 positions, or at the 4 position via a two-carbon linker, which is either unsaturated (vinyl) or saturated (ethyl). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis spectroscopic studies of the ligand exchange processes of the compounds in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) report similar solution behavior to NAMI-Pyr. However, the complex with Fc substitution at the 3 position of the coordinated pyridine shows greater solution stability, through resistance to the formation of oligomeric species. Further EPR studies of the complexes with human serum albumin (hsA) indicate that the Fc groups enhance noncoordinate interactions with the protein and help to inhibit the formation of protein-coordinated species, suggesting the potential for enhanced bioavailability. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrate that the Fc groups modestly reduce the reduction potential of the Ru(III) center as compared to NAMI-Pyr, while the reduction potentials of the Fc moieties of the four compounds vary by 217 mV, with the longer linkers giving significantly lower values of E1/2. EPR spectra of the compounds with 2-carbon linkers show the formation of a high-spin Fe(III) species (S = 5/2) in PBS with a distinctive signal at g = 4.3, demonstrating oxidation of the Fe(II) ferrocene center and likely reflecting degradation products. Density functional theory calculations and paramagnetic (1)H NMR describe delocalization of spin density onto the ligands and indicate that the vinyl linker could be a potential pathway for electron transfer between the Ru and Fe centers. In the case of the ethyl linker, electron transfer is suggested to occur via an indirect mechanism enabled by the greater flexibility of the ligand. In vitro assays with the SW480 cell line reveal cytotoxicity induced by the ruthenium ferrocenylpyridine complexes that is at least an order of magnitude higher than the unfunctionalized complex, NAMI-Pyr. Furthermore, migration studies with LNCaP cells reveal that Fc functionalization does not reduce the ability of the compounds to inhibit cell motility. Overall, these studies demonstrate that NAMI-A-type compounds can be functionalized with redox-active ligands to produce both cytotoxic and anti-metastatic activity.

Albumin binding and ligand-exchange processes of the Ru(III) anticancer agent NAMI-A and its bis-DMSO analogue determined by ENDOR spectroscopy

The ruthenium anticancer compound NAMI-A, imidazolium [trans-RuCl4(1H-imidazole)(DMSO-S)], is currently undergoing advanced clinical evaluation. As with other Ru(iii) chemotherapeutic candidates, interactions with human serum albumin (HSA) have been identified as a key component of the speciation of NAMI-A following intravenous administration. To characterize coordination to HSA, we have performed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopic analysis of deuterium-labelled isotopologues of both NAMI-A and its bis-DMSO analogue, [(DMSO)2H][trans-RuCl4(DMSO-S)2] (Ru-bis-DMSO). Samples were prepared using phosphate buffered saline, in the presence of HSA, and with the individual amino acids histidine, cysteine, and alanine. Analysis of (1)H ENDOR spectra shows characteristic hyperfine interactions from DMSO, water, and imidazole ligands. Furthermore, coordination of imidazole ligands was confirmed from diagnostic (14)N ENDOR signals. Combined with the EPR data from the complexes following incubation in the presence of histidine, the ENDOR data demonstrate that both complexes bind to HSA via histidine imidazoles. Furthermore, the protein-bound species are shown to have water ligands and, in the case of Ru-bis-DMSO, one species has a remaining coordinated DMSO.

Detailed Biological Profiling of a Photoactivated and Apoptosis Inducing pdppz Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complex in Cancer Cells

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes show great promise as new photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents. However, a lack of detailed understanding of their mode of action in cells poses a challenge to their development. We have designed a new Ru(II) PDT candidate that efficiently enters cells by incorporation of the lipophilic aromatic pdppz ([2,3-h]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) ligand and exhibits photoactivity through incorporation of 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene ancillary ligands. Its photoreactivity toward biomolecules was studied in vitro, where light activation caused DNA cleavage. Cellular internalization occurred via an energy dependent mechanism. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the complex localizes in various organelles, including the mitochondria. The complex is nontoxic in the dark, with cellular clearance within 96 h; however, upon visible light activation it induces caspase-dependent and reactive-oxygen-species-dependent apoptosis, with low micromolar IC50 values. This investigation greatly increases our understanding of such systems in cellulo, aiding development and realization of their application in cancer therapy.

Modulation of the Aβ peptide aggregation pathway by KP1019 limits Aβ-associated neurotoxicity

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is increasing worldwide due to increased life expectancy. AD is characterized by two pathological hallmarks in the brain: amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposits and neurofibrillary tangles. A focus of AD research has concentrated on either inhibiting Aβ peptide aggregation that leads to plaque formation or breaking down pre-formed Aβ peptide aggregates. An alternative approach is to modulate the Aβ aggregation profile by facilitating the formation of Aβ species that are off-pathway and non-toxic. Herein, we report the re-purposing of the widely studied Ru(iii) anti-cancer complex KP1019, towards regulating the aggregation profile of the Aβ peptide. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, we conclude that KP1019 binds to histidine residues, located at the N-terminus of the peptide, in a rapid and robust fashion. Native gels and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses have provided insight into the species and structures that are generated by KP1019-Aβ interactions. Finally, incubation in an in vitro human neuronal cell model has demonstrated that the formation of KP1019-Aβ species rescues cell viability from Aβ-associated neurotoxicity. Modulation of the Aβ aggregation pathway via covalent interactions with small molecules is thus a promising AD therapeutic strategy.

Luminescent ruthenium complexes for theranostic applications

The water-soluble and visible luminescent complexes cis-[Ru(L-L)2(L)2](2+) where L-L = 2,2-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline and L= imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, and histamine have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Spectroscopic (circular dichroism, saturation transfer difference NMR, and diffusion ordered spectroscopy NMR) and isothermal titration calorimetry studies indicate binding of cis-[Ru(phen)2(ImH)2](2+) and human serum albumin occurs via noncovalent interactions with K(b) = 9.8 × 10(4) mol(-1) L, ΔH = -11.5 ± 0.1 kcal mol(-1), and TΔS = -4.46 ± 0.3 kcal mol(-1). High uptake of the complex into HCT116 cells was detected by luminescent confocal microscopy. Cytotoxicity of cis-[Ru(phen)2(ImH)2](2+) against proliferation of HCT116p53(+/+) and HCT116p53(-/-) shows IC50 values of 0.1 and 0.7 μmol L(-1). Flow cytometry and western blot indicate RuphenImH mediates cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase in both cells and is more prominent in p53(+/+). The complex activates proapoptotic PARP in p53(-/-), but not in p53(+/+). A cytostatic mechanism based on quantification of the number of cells during the time period of incubation is suggested.

Recent developments of metal N-heterocyclic carbenes as anticancer agents

Metal based anticancer drugs have demonstrated their crucial role in preventing all types of cancers whereas their effectiveness is selective with respect to the cancer cells rather than the normal cells. Recently metal N-heterocyclic carbenes have established their selective performance for cancer cells excluding normal healthy cells based on which they are widely utilised for targeting cancer cells specifically which leads to cell death or cell growth inhibition. This is mainly due to their ionic character which helps them to localise in cancer cells with the help of enhanced expression of Organic Cation Transporters (OCT). Also their unique mechanism of action involving DNA binding, less recognizable by DNA repair machinery, mitochondria targeting gives them a new area for anticancer drug development. This review summarises the medicinal as well as pharmacological approach to the anticancer properties of metal NHC complexes.

Nyamori V, Omondi B, Masimirembwa C, Simoyi RH. Kinetics and mechanistic investigation into the possible activation of imidazolium trans-[tetrachloridodimethylsulfoxideimidazoleruthenate(iii)], NAMI-A, by 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate

NAMI-A is a promising antimetastatic prodrug with high specificity for metastatic cancer cells.

The use of X-ray absorption and synchrotron based micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate anti-cancer metal compounds in vivo and in vitro

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and micro-synchrotron based X-ray fluorescence (micro-SXRF) are element specific spectroscopic techniques and have been proven to be valuable tools for the investigation of changes in the chemical environment of metal centres. XAS allows the determination of the oxidation state, the coordination motif of the probed element, the identity and the number of adjacent atoms and the absorber-ligand distances. It is further applicable to nearly all types of samples independent of their actual physical state (solid, liquid, gaseous) down to μM concentrations. Micro-SXRF can provide information on the distribution and concentration of multiple elements within a sample simultaneously, allowing for the chemical state of several elements within subcellular compartments to be probed. Modern third generation synchrotrons offer the possibility to investigate the majority of the biologically relevant elements. The biological mode of action of metal-based compounds often involves interactions with target and/or transport molecules. The presence of reducing agents may also give rise to changes in the coordination sphere and/or the oxidation state. XAS and micro-SXRF are ideal techniques for investigating these issues. This tutorial review introduces the use of XAS and micro-SXRF techniques into the field of inorganic medicinal chemistry. The results obtained for platinum, ruthenium, gallium, gold and cobalt compounds within the last few years are presented.