Synthesis and evaluation of copper complexes of Schiff-base condensates from 5-substituted-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2-substituted-benzenamine as selective inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases

Synthesis, structure and in vitro biological properties of a new copper(II) complex with 4-{[3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]methyl}benzoic acid

The new copper(II) complex dichloridobis(4-{[3-(pyridin-2-yl-κN)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl-κN²]methyl}benzoic acid)copper(II) methanol sesquisolvate hemihydrate, [CuCl₂L₂]·1.5CH₃OH·0.5H₂O, (1), has been synthesized from CuCl₂·2H₂O and the ligand 4-{[3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]methyl}benzoic acid (L, C₁₅H₁₁N₃O₂). The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Two chloride ligands and two bidentate L ligands coordinate the Cu^II centre in 1 in a Jahn-Teller-distorted octahedral geometry of rather unusual configuration: a chloride substituent and a pyrazole N atom of an N,N'-chelating ligand occupy the more distant axial positions. Classical O-H...O hydrogen bonds and O-H...Cl interactions link neighbouring complex molecules and cocrystallized methanol molecules into chains that propagate parallel to the b direction. The title compound shows intriguing bioactivity: the effects of 1 on the enzymatic activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and on the viability of human breast cancer cells of cell line MCF7 were evaluated. Complex 1, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.51 µM, can efficiently inhibit PTP1B activity. An enzyme kinetic assay suggests that 1 inhibits PTP1B in a noncompetitive manner. A fluorescence titration assay indicates that 1 has a strong affinity for PTP1B, with a binding constant of 4.39 × 10⁶ M^-1. Complex 1 may also effectively decrease the viability of MCF7 cells in an extent comparable to that of cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 6.3 µM). The new copper complex therefore represents a promising PTP1B inhibitor and an efficient antiproliferation reagent against MCF7 cells.

The interactions of metal cations and oxyanions with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Protein tyrosine phosphatases are not considered to be metalloenzymes. Yet, they are inhibited by zinc cations and metal and non-metal oxyanions that are chemical analogues of phosphate, e.g. vanadate. Metal inhibition is generally not recognized as these enzymes are purified, supplied, and assayed with buffers containing chelating and reducing agents. We screened a series of cations and anions for their capacity to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and discuss the ensuing general issues with inhibition constants reported in the scientific literature. In contrast to zinc, which binds to the phosphocysteine intermediate in the closed conformation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B when the catalytic aspartate has moved into the active site, other divalent cations such as cadmium and copper may also bind to the enzyme in the open conformation. Inhibition by both anions and cations, conditions such as pH, the presence of metal ligands such as glutathione, and the existence of multiple conformational states of protein tyrosine phosphatases in the reaction cycle establish a complex pattern of inhibition of these important regulatory enzymes with implications for the physiology, pharmacology and toxicology of metal ions.

Isolation and identification of ingredients inducing cancer cell death from the seeds of Alpinia galanga, a Chinese spice

This study was carried out to isolate ingredients from the seeds of a Chinese spice (Alpinia galangal) and to evaluate their cytotoxic activity on cancer cell lines.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition by metals and metal complexes

SIGNIFICANCE

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play essential roles in controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, communication, and adhesion. The dysregulated activities of PTPs are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

RECENT ADVANCES

Many PTPs have emerged as potential new targets for novel drug discovery. PTP inhibitors have attracted much attention. Many PTP inhibitors have been developed. Some of them have been proven to be efficient in lowering blood glucose levels in vivo or inhibiting tumor xenograft growth.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Some metal ions and metal complexes potently inhibit PTPs. The metal atoms within metal complexes play an important role in PTP binding, while ligand structures influence the inhibitory potency and selectivity. Some metal complexes can penetrate the cell membrane and selectively bind to their targeting PTPs, enhancing the phosphorylation of the related substrates and influencing cellular metabolism. PTP inhibition is potentially involved in the pathophysiological and toxicological processes of metals and some PTPs may be cellular targets of certain metal-based therapeutic agents.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Investigating the structural basis of the interactions between metal complexes and PTPs would facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship and accelerate the development of promising metal-based drugs targeting specific PTPs.