Towards new boron carriers for boron neutron capture therapy: metallacarboranes and their nucleoside conjugates

Synthetic routes to carbon substituted cobalt bis(dicarbollide) alkyl halides and aromatic amines along with closely related irregular pathways

Carbon substituted cobalt bis(dicarbollide) alkyl halides [(1-X-(CH2)n-1,2-C2B9H10)(1,2-C2B9H11)-3,3'-Co]Me4N (X = Br, I; n = 1-3) are prepared in high yields (>90%) from their corresponding alcohols without side skeletal substitutions. These species offer access to the synthesis of aromatic cobalt bis(dicarbollide) amines, however only for particular terminal halogen substitution, the propylene pendant arm, and under appropriately controlled reaction conditions. Thus, the compounds substituted at cage carbon atoms with a propylene linker and terminal aromatic amine groups could be prepared. In other cases, numerous irregular reaction pathways occur, undoubtedly as a consequence of the bulky anionic boron cage in close proximity to the reaction site. Among them, an unusual intramolecular hydroboration forming rigidified carbon-to-boron bridged isomeric anions with an asymmetric structure that correspond to formulae [(1,8'-μ-C2H4)-(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H10)-3,3'-Co]- and [(1,7'-μ-C2H4)-(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H10)-3,3'-Co]- is described herein and the former isomer is structurally characterized. This product with a restrained geometry is widely accessible through nucleophile and/or thermally induced decomposition of (pseudo)halides attached to the cage via an ethylene linker. Surprisingly enough, also doubly bridged isomeric species [(1,8-μ-C2H4-1,2-C2B9H9)2-3,3'-Co]- and [(1,7-μ-C2H4-1,2-C2B9H9)2-3,3'-Co]- are available in good yield using these methods. Furthermore, other more typical side reactions are discussed, i.e. nucleophilic reactions of propyl halides with Me3N formed apparently by disproportionation of Me4N+ at higher temperatures or with pyridine used as a base.

Amino Acid-Based Boron Carriers in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)

Interest in the design of boronated amino acids has emerged, partly due to the utilization of boronophenylalanine (BPA), one of the two agents employed in clinical Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). The boronated amino acids synthesized thus far for BNCT investigations can be classified into two categories based on the source of boron: boronic acids or carboranes. Amino acid-based boron carriers, employed in the context of BNCT treatment, demonstrate significant potential in the treatment of challenging tumors, such as those located in the brain. This review aims to shed light on the developmental journey and challenges encountered over the years in the field of amino acid-based boron delivery compound development. The primary focus centers on the utilization of the large amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) as a target for boron carriers in BNCT. The development of efficient carriers remains a critical objective, addressing challenges related to tumor specificity, effective boron delivery, and rapid clearance from normal tissue and blood. LAT1 presents an intriguing and promising target for boron delivery, given its numerous characteristics that make it well suited for drug delivery into tumor tissues, particularly in the case of brain tumors.

Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic activity of dye-linker-macrocycle conjugates with variable linker length and components

The study investigated the structure-activity relationship of newly synthesized dye-linker-macrocycle (DLM) conjugates and the effect of each component on various biological properties, including cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, intracellular localization, interaction with DNA and photodynamic effects. The conjugates were synthesized by combining 1,8-naphthalimide and thioxanthone dyes with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) and 1-aza-12-crown-4 (1A12C4) using alkyl linkers of different lengths. The results revealed significant differences in biological activity among the various series of conjugates. Particularly, 1A12C4 conjugates exhibited notably higher cytotoxicity compared to cyclen conjugates. Conjugation with 1A12C4 proved to be an effective strategy for increasing cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of small-molecule conjugates. In addition, the results highlighted the critical role of linker length in modulating the biological activity of DLM conjugates. It became clear that the choice of each component (dye, macrocycle and linker) could significantly alter the biological activity of the conjugates.

Boron in cancer therapeutics: An overview

Boron has become a crucial weapon in anticancer research due to its significant intervention in cell proliferation. Being an excellent bio-isosteric replacement of carbon, it has modulated the anticancer efficacy of various molecules in the development pipeline. It has elicited promising results through interactions with various therapeutic targets such as HIF-1α, steroid sulfatase, arginase, proteasome, etc. Since boron liberates alpha particles, it has a wide-scale application in Boron Neutron Capture therapy (BNCT), a radiotherapy that demonstrates selectivity towards cancer cells due to high boron uptake capacity. Significant advances in the medicinal chemistry of boronated compounds, such as boronated sugars, natural/unnatural amino acids, boronated DNA binders, etc., have been reported over the past few years as BNCT agents. In addition, boronated nanoparticles have assisted the field of bio-nano medicines by their usage in radiotherapy. This review exclusively focuses on the medicinal chemistry aspects, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic aspects of boron in cancer therapeutics. Emphasis is also given on the mechanism of action along with advantages over conventional therapies.

Exploiting Blood Transport Proteins as Carborane Supramolecular Vehicles for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Carboranes are promising agents for applications in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), but their hydrophobicity prevents their use in physiological environments. Here, by using reverse docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified blood transport proteins as candidate carriers of carboranes. Hemoglobin showed a higher binding affinity for carboranes than transthyretin and human serum albumin (HSA), which are well-known carborane-binding proteins. Myoglobin, ceruloplasmin, sex hormone-binding protein, lactoferrin, plasma retinol-binding protein, thyroxine-binding globulin, corticosteroid-binding globulin and afamin have a binding affinity comparable to transthyretin/HSA. The carborane@protein complexes are stable in water and characterized by favorable binding energy. The driving force in the carborane binding is represented by the formation of hydrophobic interactions with aliphatic amino acids and BH-π and CH-π interactions with aromatic amino acids. Dihydrogen bonds, classical hydrogen bonds and surfactant-like interactions also assist the binding. These results (i) identify the plasma proteins responsible for binding carborane upon their intravenous administration, and (ii) suggest an innovative formulation for carboranes based on the formation of a carborane@protein complex prior to the administration.

Chiral 2-azabicycloalkanes bearing 1,2,3-triazole, thiourea, and ebselen moieties - Synthesis and biological activity

2-Azabicycloalkanes: 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and 2-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane were used as a chiral platform for the construction of a set of 1,2,3-triazole, thiourea, and ebselen derivatives. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity studies revealed the most promising potency for selected thioureas.

Fluorinated Analogues of Lepidilines A and C: Synthesis and Screening of Their Anticancer and Antiviral Activity

Starting with fluorinated benzylamines, a series of 2-unsubstituted imidazole N-oxides was prepared and subsequently deoxygenated in order to prepare the corresponding imidazoles. The latter were treated with benzyl halides yielding imidazolium salts, which are considered fluorinated analogues of naturally occurring imidazolium alkaloids known as lepidilines A and C. A second series of oxa-lepidiline analogues was obtained by O-benzylation of the initially synthetized imidazole N-oxides. Both series of imidazolium salts were tested as anticancer and antiviral agents. The obtained results demonstrated that the introduction of a fluorine atom, fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkoxy substituents (F, CF₃ or OCF₃) amplifies cytotoxic properties, whereas the cytotoxicity of some fluorinated lepidilines is promising in the context of drug discovery. All studied compounds revealed a lack of antiviral activity against the investigated viruses in the nontoxic concentrations.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: Current Status and Challenges

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a re-emerging therapy with the ability to selectively kill tumor cells. After the boron delivery agents enter the tumor tissue and enrich the tumor cells, the thermal neutrons trigger the fission of the boron atoms, leading to the release of boron atoms and then leading to the release of the α particles (⁴He) and recoil lithium particles (⁷Li), along with the production of large amounts of energy in the narrow region. With the advantages of targeted therapy and low toxicity, BNCT has become a unique method in the field of radiotherapy. Since the beginning of the last century, BNCT has been emerging worldwide and gradually developed into a technology for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, head and neck cancer, malignant melanoma, and other cancers. At present, how to develop and innovate more efficient boron delivery agents and establish a more accurate boron-dose measurement system have become the problem faced by the development of BNCT. We discuss the use of boron delivery agents over the past several decades and the corresponding clinical trials and preclinical outcomes. Furthermore, the discussion brings recommendations on the future of boron delivery agents and this therapy.

Interaction of Adenosine, Modified Using Carborane Clusters, with Ovarian Cancer Cells: A New Anticancer Approach against Chemoresistance

Platinum compounds remain the first-line drugs for the treatment of most lethal gynecological malignancies and ovarian cancers. Acquired platinum resistance remains a major challenge in gynecological oncology. Considering the unique physicochemical properties of the metallacarboranes modifier and the significant role of nucleoside derivatives as anticancer antimetabolites, we designed and synthesized a set of adenosine conjugates with metallacarboranes containing iron, cobalt, or chromium as semi-abiotic compounds that influence the cisplatin sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells. Adherent cultures of ovarian carcinoma cell lines and multicellular spheroids, ranging from sensitive to highly resistant including experimental cell lines "not responding" to platinum drugs were used. Iron-containing metallacarborane conjugates showed the best anticancer activity, especially against resistant cells. Compound modified at the C2' nucleoside position showed the best activity in resistant cancer cells and highly resistant cancer spheroids exposed to cisplatin, increasing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis or necrosis, and reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, it showed high cellular accumulation and did not induce cross-resistance to cisplatin, carboplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine in long-term cultures. The reference nido-carborane derivative (no metal ions) and unmodified nucleosides were not as effective. These findings indicate that metallacarborane modification of adenosine may sensitize ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin in combination treatment.

Highlights on the Binding of Cobalta-Bis-(Dicarbollide) with Glucose Units

Metalla-bis-dicarbollides, such as the cobalta-bis-dicarbollide (COSAN) anion [Co(C₂ B₉ H₁₁ )₂ ]^- , have attracted much attention in biology but a deep understanding of their interactions with cell components is still missing. For this purpose, we studied the interactions of COSAN with the glucose moiety, which is ubiquitous at biological interfaces. Octyl-glucopyranoside surfactant (C8G1) was chosen as a model as it self-assembles in water and creates a hydrated glucose-covered interface. At low COSAN content and below the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of C8G1, COSAN binds to C8G1 monomers through the hydrophobic effect. Above the CMC of C8G1, COSAN adsorbs onto C8G1 micelles through the superchaotropic effect. At high COSAN concentrations, COSAN disrupts C8G1 micelles and the assemblies become similar to COSAN micelles but with a small amount of solubilized C8G1. Therefore, COSAN binds in a versatile way to C8G1 through either the hydrophobic or superchaotropic effect depending on their relative concentrations.

Metallacarborane Complex Boosts the Rate of DNA Oligonucleotide Hydrolysis in the Reaction Catalyzed by Snake Venom Phosphodiesterase

Antisense oligonucleotides conjugated with boron clusters (B-ASOs) have been described as potential gene expression inhibitors and carriers of boron for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), providing a dual-action therapeutic platform. In this study, we tested the nucleolytic stability of DNA oligonucleotides labeled with metallacarborane [(3,3'-iron-1,2,1',2'-dicarbollide)(-1)]ate [Fe(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂] (FESAN) against snake venom phosphodiesterase (svPDE, 3'→5'-exonuclease). Contrary to the previously observed protective effect of carborane (C₂B₁₀H₁₂) modifications, the B-ASOs containing a metallacarborane moiety at the 5'-end of the oligonucleotide chain were hydrolyzed faster than their parent nonmodified oligomers. Interestingly, an enhancement in the hydrolysis rate was also observed in the presence of free metallacarborane, and this reaction was dependent on the concentration of the metallacarborane. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) analysis confirmed the high affinity (K_d nM range) of the binding of the metallacarborane to the proteins of crude snake venom and the moderate affinity (K_d µM range) between the metallacarborane and the short single-stranded DNA. We hypothesize that the metallacarborane complex covalently bound to B-ASO holds DNA molecules close to the protein surface, facilitating enzymatic cleavage. The addition of metallacarborane alone to the ASO/svPDE reaction mixture provides the interface to attract freely floating DNA molecules. In both cases, the local DNA concentration around the enzymes increases, giving rise to faster hydrolysis. It was experimentally shown that an allosteric effect, possibly attributable to the observed boost in the 3´→5´-exonucleolytic activity of snake venom phosphodiesterase, is much less plausible.

Ruthenium carboranyl complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives for potential bimodal therapy application

The substituents at the bipyridine lead to different cell uptake and stability.

Comparative study of inorganic, boron-rich cluster and organic, phenyl adenosine modifications: synthesis and properties

Background: Nucleoside analogs are important class of chemotherapeutics. One of the original openings in the nucleoside medicinal chemistry was derivatives comprising a boron cluster component. Results: A series of adenosine derivative pairs containing inorganic boron cluster or alternatively its mimic, organic phenyl modification were synthesized and their physicochemical and biological properties compared. Marked effects of boron clusters, which are qualitatively and quantitatively different from the phenyl group effects, were detected. The studied characteristics include syn/ anti conformation, lipophilicity, cytotoxicity and antiviral activity, as well as phosphorylation by adenosine kinase. Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrate usefulness of the boron clusters for tuning properties of biomolecules and prove their potential as modifying units in design of future therapeutics based on nucleoside structures.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of antiviral and cytostatic properties of novel 8-triazolyl acyclovir derivatives

As a part of the research aimed on identification of new nucleobase derivatives with improved biological properties, a series of novel 8-substituted acyclovir derivatives were synthesized. The 8-azidoguanosine 4 and novel 8-azidoacyclovir 9 were synthesized from commercially available guanosine 1 and acyclovir 6 which were transformed into 8-bromopurine derivatives 2 and 7 and hydrazine derivatives 3 and 8, respectively. 8-Triazolylguanosine 5 and 8-triazolylacyclovir analogs 10-12 were successfully synthesized via the Cu(I) catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azides 4 and 9 with propargyl alcohol, 4-pentyn-1-ol and 5-hexyn-1-ol. The novel 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazolyl compounds 5, 10-12 were evaluated for antiviral activity against selected DNA and RNA viruses and cytostatic activity against normal Madine Darby canine kidney (MDCK I) cells, and seven tumor cell lines (HeLa, CaCo-2, NCI-H358, Jurkat, K562, Raji and HuT78). While tested compounds exerted no antiviral activity at nontoxic concentrations, the 8-triazolyl acyclovir derivative 10, with the shortest alkyl substituent at the C-4 of triazole ring, was found to be the most active against the CaCo-2 cell line.

Tuning of Thermoresponsivity of a Poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) Block Copolymer by Interaction with Surface-Active and Chaotropic Metallacarborane Anion

Thermoresponsive nanoparticles based on the interaction of metallacarboranes, bulky chaotropic and surface-active anions, and poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) block copolymers were prepared. Recently, the great potential of metallacarboranes have been recognized in biomedicine and many delivery nanosystems have been proposed. However, none of them are thermoresponsive. Therefore, a thermoresponsive block copolymer, poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-block-poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx-PPrOx), was synthesized to encapsulate metallacarboranes. Light scattering, NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and cryogenic TEM were used to characterize all solutions of the formed nanoparticles. The cloud-point temperature (T_CP ) of the block copolymer was observed at 30 °C and polymeric micelles formed above this temperature. Cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anion (COSAN) interacts with both polymeric segments. Depending on the COSAN concentration, this affinity influenced the phase transition of the thermoresponsive PPrOx block. The T_CP shifted to lower values at a lower COSAN content. At higher COSAN concentrations, the hybrid nanoparticles are fragmented into relatively small pieces. This system is also thermoresponsive, whereby an increase in temperature leads to higher polymer mobility and COSAN release.

Charge-Compensated Metallacarborane Building Blocks for Conjugation with Peptides

The cobalt bis(dicarbollide) complex [commo-3,3'-Co(1,2-C2 B9 H11 )2 ](-) has captured much attention in biochemical and medical contexts, in particular for the treatment of tumors by boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Derivatives of cobalt bis(dicarbollide) are commonly prepared through ring-opening reactions of cyclic oxonium ions, so the corresponding products are usually charged. Furthermore, attempts to incorporate cobalt bis(dicarbollide) into peptides are rare, despite obvious potential advantages. Here the synthesis of an imidazolium-based charge-compensated cobalt bis(dicarbollide) building block, which allows additional modifications with moieties of biochemical relevance, such as monosaccharides, is reported. Furthermore, conjugates of these building blocks with the Y1 -receptor-selective derivative of neuropeptide Y ([F(7) ,P(34) ]-NPY) retained excellent response to hY1 receptors found to be overexpressed in breast tumors and metastases.

Summary of recent BNCT Polish programme and future plans

In this work we present Polish achievements on the ground of BNCT research. Starting from preliminary built therapeutic stand at MARIA reactor going through designing of unique detectors for in-phantom and in-beam measurements for mixed radiation fields and finally coming to boron carriers synthesizing and examination in cellular and animal models. Now it is planned to restart research on boron compounds in specially designed BIMA line, to set up epithermal neutron irradiation facility for BNCT research and education and to improve recombination detectors for neutron beams characterisation.

Phosphorylation of nucleoside-metallacarborane and carborane conjugates by nucleoside kinases

A library of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides modified with carborane or metallacarborane boron clusters at different locations, consisting of new molecules as well as already described compounds, was prepared. The compounds were tested as substrates for human deoxynucleoside kinases. Some conjugates, with modification attached to N3 of thymidine via a linker containing the triazole moiety, were efficiently phosphorylated by cytosolic thymidine kinase 1 and mitochondrial thymidine kinase 2. Higher phosphorylation levels were observed with thymidine kinase 1, the phosphorylation of nucleosides modified with metallacarboranes was observed for the first time.

The effect of stereochemistry on sodium ion complexation in nucleoside-metallacarborane conjugates

Conjugates of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides: thymidine and 2′-deoxyguanosine with cobalt-metallacarborane were studied for their sodium ion complexing properties. Formation of stable complexes of 1 : 1 stoichiometry was proved by ESI MS spectroscopy and ²³Na NMR. Equilibrium constants and energies of complex formation were calculated. Complexation of alkali-metals by nucleoside-metallacarborane conjugates may affect the physicochemical and biological properties of the conjugates and should be taken into consideration during biological evaluation of these types of modifications.

Nucleoside modification with boron clusters and their metal complexes

General methods for the synthesis of nucleosides modified with borane clusters and metallacarborane complexes are presented. These include: (1) the click chemistry approach based on Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and (2) tethering of the metallacarborane group to the aglycone of a nucleoside via a dioxane ring opening in oxonium metallacarborane derivatives. The proposed methodologies broaden the availability of nucleoside-borane cluster conjugates and open up new areas for their applications.