Bifunctional transition metal complexes as nucleic acid photoprobes and photoreagents

DNA structural changes (photo)induced by tricarbonyl (pterin)rhenium(I) complex

We report on interactions of different types of DNA molecules including double-stranded and plasmid DNA as well as polynucleotides (poly[dGdC]2 and poly[dAdT]2) with fac-[ReI(CO)3(pterin)(H2O)] (or Reptr) complex. The interaction was characterized spectroscopically and changes in the plasmid structure were verified by both electrophoresis and AFM microscopy. For comparative reasons, two others related tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes, fac-[(4,4'-bpy)ReI(CO)3(dppz)]+ (or Redppz) and fac-[(CF3SO3)ReI(CO)3(2,2'-bpy)] (or Rebpy) were also studied to further explore the influence of the different co-ligands on the interaction and DNA (photo)damage. Data reported herein suggests that DNA molecules can be structurally modified either by direct interaction with Re(I) complexes in their ground states inducing DNA relaxation, and/or through photoinduced cross-linking processes. The chemical nature of the co-ligands modulates the extent of the damage observed.

Osmium(II) polypyridyl polyarginine conjugate as a probe for live cell imaging; a comparison of uptake, localization and cytotoxicity with its ruthenium(II) analogue

A first investigation into the application of a luminescent osmium(ii) bipyridine complex to live cell imaging is presented. Osmium(ii) (bis-2,2-bipyridyl)-2(4-carboxylphenyl) imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline was prepared and conjugated to octaarginine, a cell penetrating peptide. The photophysics, cell uptake and cytotoxicity of this osmium complex conjugate were performed and compared with its ruthenium analogue. Cell uptake and distribution of both ruthenium and osmium conjugates were very similar with rapid transmembrane transport of the osmium probe (complete within approx. 20 min) and dispersion throughout the cytoplasm and organelles. The near-infrared (NIR) emission of the osmium complex (λmax 726 nm) coincides well with the biological optical window and this facilitated luminescent and luminescence lifetime imaging of the cell which was well resolved from cell autofluorescence. The large Stokes shift of the emission also permitted resonance Raman mapping of the dye within CHO cells. Rather surprisingly, the osmium conjugate exhibited very low cytotoxicity when incubated both in the dark and under visible irradiation. This was attributed to the remarkable stability of this complex which was reflected by the complete absence of photo-bleaching of the complex even under extended continuous irradiation. In addition, when compared to its ruthenium analogue its luminescence was short-lived in water therefore rendering it insensitive to O2.

DFT study and topological analysis of the bonding in DNA Hoogsteen-type base pairs

The purpose of our work is to characterize and present a theoretical comparative study of a variety of compounds based on DNA base pairs linked with some transition metal ions in gas phase: C–M–G (Cytosine–metal–Guanine) where [Formula: see text](I), Zn(II), Cd(II) and A–M–T (Adenine–metal–Thyminate) where [Formula: see text](II), Ru(I), Ni(I), Y(II), Zn(I), Cd(I), Cu(II). Geometry optimization and frequency calculations were carried out at DFT/ZORA/BLYP-D/TZ2P level. M–N and M–O bonds were investigated with the quantum chemical topology (QCT): Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and electron localization functions (ELF). The hydrogen bonds: N10–H[Formula: see text]O7 for A–M–T complexes and N7–H[Formula: see text]O10 for C–M–T ones were visualized and discussed, QTAIM and ELF prove the existence of O7–H[Formula: see text]N10 hydrogen bond for some A–M–T systems, since the bond critical point (BCP) of N7–H having [Formula: see text], so it has a covalent character confirming the existence of a tautomer process of these complexes. Bonding energy [Formula: see text], Pauli repulsion [Formula: see text], electrostatic [Formula: see text], and orbital [Formula: see text] interactions were represented and compared together. Hirschfeld’s charges showed the existence of charge transfer process in the bridge moieties. It seems that, in contrast to natural base pairs that are stabilized by hydrogen bonding, Hoogsteen-type base pairs are held together by coordinative bond with metal ions.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of Rutin-zinc(II) flavonoid -metal complex

Synthesis of compounds analogous to natural products from secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, is a promising source of novel drugs. Rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) is a natural flavone, which has, in its chemical structure, different sites for coordination with transition metals and the complexation with these metals enhances its biological properties. Rutin-zinc(II), a flavonoid-metal complex, was synthesized and characterized by UV-VIS, FT-IR, elemental analysis and (1)H NMR. The antioxidant and antitumor activities, as well as the cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity of this complex were evaluated and compared with the free rutin. Rutin-zinc(II) has not shown any cytotoxicity against normal cells (fibroblasts and HUVECs) or toxicity in BALB/c mice, but has shown antioxidant activity in vitro and cytotoxicity against leukemia (KG1, K562 and Jurkat), multiple myeloma (RPMI8226) and melanoma (B16F10 and SK-Mel-28) cell lines in vitro. In Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model, Rutin-zinc(II) modulated the mitochondrial membrane potential and the expression of genes related to cell cycle progression, angiogenesis and apoptosis.

Custom-fit ruthenium(II) metallopeptides: a new twist to DNA binding with coordination compounds

A new bipyridine building block has been used for the solid-phase synthesis of dinuclear DNA-binding ruthenium(II) metallopeptides. Detailed spectroscopic studies suggest that these compounds bind to the DNA by insertion into the DNA minor groove. Moreover, the potential of the solid-phase peptide synthesis approach is demonstrated by the straightforward synthesis of an octaarginine derivative that shows effective cellular internalization and cytotoxicity linked with strong DNA interaction, as evidenced by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy and AFM studies.

Nucleic acid binding behaviors and cytotoxic properties of a Ru(II) complex

The interactions of complex [Ru(bpy)(2)(hnip)](2+) (1) {bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, hnip = 2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline} with calf thymus DNA and yeast tRNA were investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity, equilibrium dialysis, and circular dichroism. In addition, the antitumor activities of complex 1 were evaluated with MTT method. These results indicate that the structures of DNA and RNA have significant effects on the binding behaviors of complex 1. Further, complex 1 demonstrates different antitumor activities against selected cancer cell lines in vitro.

Effect of ancillary ligands on the DNA interaction of [Cr(diimine)3]3+ complexes containing the intercalating dipyridophenazine ligand

The synthesis of photoluminescent Cr(III) complexes of the type [Cr(diimine)(2)(DPPZ)](3+) are described, where DPPZ is the intercalating dipyridophenazine ligand, and diimine corresponds to the ancillary ligands bpy, phen, DMP, and TMP (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, DMP = 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and TMP = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). For TMP, DMP, and phen as ancillary ligands, the complexes have also been resolved into their Lambda and Delta optical isomers. A comparison of the photophysical and electrochemical properties reveal similar (2)E(g) --> (4)A(2g) (O(h)) emission wavelengths and lifetimes, and a variation of 110 mV in the (2)E(g) excited state oxidizing power. A detailed investigation has been undertaken of ancillary ligand effects on the DNA binding of these complexes with a range of polynucleotides. For all four complexes, emission is quenched by the addition of calf thymus B-DNA, with the emission lifetime data yielding bimolecular quenching rate constants close to the diffusion controlled limit. Equilibrium dialysis studies have established a general predilection for AT base binding sites, while companion experiments with added distamycin (a selective minor groove binder) provide evidence for a minor groove binding preference. For the case of [Cr(TMP)(2)(DPPZ)](3+), concomitant equilibrium dialysis and circular dichroism measurements have demonstrated very strong enantioselective binding by the Lambda optical isomer. The thermodynamics of DNA binding have also been explored via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The ITC data establish that the primary binding mode for all four Cr(III) complexes is entropically driven, a result that is attributed to the highly favorable free energy contribution associated with the hydrophobic transfer of the Cr(III) complexes from solution into the DNA binding site.

Evaluation of binding selectivities and affinities of platinum-based quadruplex interactive complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The quadruplex binding affinities and selectivities of two large pi-surface Pt(II) phenanthroimidazole complexes, as well as a smaller pi-surface platinum bipyridine complex and a larger Ru(II) complex, were evaluated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy was used to determine the structures of various quadruplexes and to study the thermal denaturation of the quadruplexes in the absence and presence of the metal complexes. In addition, chemical probe reactions with glyoxal were used to monitor the changes in the quadruplex conformation because of association with the complexes. The platinum phenanthroimidazole complexes show increased affinity for several of the quadruplexes with elongated loops between guanine repeats. Quadruplexes with shorter loops exhibited insubstantial binding to the transition metal complexes. Similarly binding to duplex and single strand oligonucleotides was low overall. Although the ruthenium-based metal complex showed somewhat enhanced quadruplex binding, the Pt(II) complexes had higher quadruplex affinities and selectivities that are attributed to their square planar geometries. The chemical probe reactions using glyoxal indicated increased reactivity when the platinum phenanthroimidazole complexes were bound to the quadruplexes, thus suggesting a conformational change that alters guanine accessibility.

DNA interactions and photocatalytic strand cleavage by artificial nucleases based on water-soluble gold(III) porphyrins

The novel gold porphyrin complex (5,10,15-tris(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-20-(1-pyrenyl)-porphyrinato)gold(III) chloride, [Au(III)(TMPy3Pyr1P)]Cl4, was prepared and characterized by optical spectroscopy, high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray mass spectrometry. This cationic multichromophore compound exhibits excellent water solubility and does not form aggregates under physiological conditions. Binding interactions of this complex and related model compounds with nucleic acid substrates have been studied and characterized by NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The photoreactivity of [Au(III)(TMPy3Pyr1P)]Cl4 was investigated under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in the presence of an excess of purine nucleoside, guanosine, and plasmid DNA. Photocatalytic oxidative degradation of guanosine and the change from supercoiled to circular plasmid DNA upon monochromatic irradiation and polychromatic blue-light exposure with a maximum at 420 nm was explored. The potential of the novel water-soluble cationic metallointercalator complex [Au(III)(TMPy3Pyr1P)]Cl4 to serve as a catalytic photonuclease for the cleavage of DNA has been demonstrated.

Enantioseparations of Chiral Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Using HPLC with Macrocyclic Glycopeptide Chiral Stationary Phases (CSPs)

A high performance liquid chromatographic method using macrocyclic glycopeptide chiral stationary phases (CSPs) was used to separate enantiomers of seven ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes. Among the five different CSPs, the Chirobiotic T2 was most effective and baseline separated all complexes. All complexes show the same elution order with the Δ-enantiomer being retained longer than the Λ-enantiomer. The mobile phase composition, including organic modifier type, organic modifier percent, salt type, and salt concentration, produced significant effects on the enantioresolution.

Effects of Protonation on the Spectroscopic Properties of Tetrapyridoacridine (TPAC) Mono- and Dinuclear Ru(II) Complexes in Their Ground and 3MLCT Excited States

The spectroscopic behavior of mono- and dinuclear Ru(II) complexes (P, T, PP and TT, Figure 1) that contain the extended planar ligand tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3' ',2' '-h:2' '',3' ''-j]acridine (TPAC) and either 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene (tap) as ancillary ligands is examined in water and as a function of the pH. These four complexes luminesce in aqueous solution. The analyses of the data in absorption lead to the pKa values in the ground state, and the data in emission show that the excited 3MLCT states are much more basic than the ground state. When the complex contains tap ligands (T and TT), a decrease in pH transforms the luminescent excited basic form into another luminescent excited protonated species, which emits more bathochromically. In contrast, with phen ancillary ligands (P and PP), the protonated excited state does not luminesce. The rate constant of first protonation of the 3MLCT state is diffusion controlled, except for the dinuclear PP complex, whose protonation takes place on the nitrogen of the acridine motif. For P, in which the protonation process is the fastest, it would take place on the nitrogen atoms of the nonchelated phen moiety of the TPAC ligand. These results allow also us to gain information on the localization of the excited electron in the 1MLCT state populated upon absorption as well as in the relaxed 3MLCT emissive state. Moreover as these complexes are interesting for their study with DNA, it can be concluded from these data that a portion of the excited species in interaction with DNA will be protonated.

Intercalation of fac-[(4,4'-bpy)ReI(CO)3(dppz)]+, dppz = dipyridyl[3,2-a:2'3'-c]phenazine, in polynucleotides. On the UV-vis photophysics of the Re(I) intercalator and the redox reactions with pulse radiolysis-generated radicals

The intercalation of fac-[(4,4'-bpy)Re(I)(CO)3(dppz)]+ (dppz = dipyridyl[3,2-a:2'3'-c]phenazine) in polynucleotides, poly[dAdT]2 and poly[dGdC]2, where A = adenine, G = guanine, C = cytosine and T = thymine, is a major cause of changes in the absorption and emission spectra of the complex. A strong complex-poly[dAdT]2 interaction drives the intercalation process, which has a binding constant, Kb approximately 1.8 x 10(5) M(-1). Pulse radiolysis was used for a study of the redox reactions of e(-)(aq), C*H(2)OH and N3* radicals with the intercalated complex. These radicals exhibited more affinity for the intercalated complex than for the bases. Ligand-radical complexes, fac-[(4,4'-bpy*)Re(I)(CO)3(dppz)] and fac-[(4,4'-bpy)Re(I)(CO)3(dppz *)], were produced by e(-)(aq) and C*H(2)OH, respectively. A Re(II) species, fac-[(4,4'-bpy)Re(II)(CO)3(dppz)](2+), was produced by N3* radicals. The rate of annihilation of the ligand-radical species was second order on the concentration of ligand-radical while the disappearance of the Re(II) complex induced the oxidative cleavage of the polynucleotide strand.

Preferential DNA cleavage under anaerobic conditions by a DNA-binding ruthenium dimer

In the absence of dioxygen, the cationic complex [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)Ru(phen)2]4+ (P4+) undergoes in situ reduction by glutathione (GSH) to form a species that induces DNA cleavage. Exposure to air strongly attenuates the cleavage activity, even in the presence of a large excess of reducing agent (e.g., 40 equiv of GSH per P4+), suggesting that the complex may be useful in targeting cells with a low-oxygen microenvironment (hypoxia) for destruction via DNA cleavage. The active species is identified as the doubly reduced, doubly protonated complex H2P4+, and a carbon-based radical species is implicated in the cleavage action. We postulate that the dioxygen concentration regulates the degree to which the carbon radical forms and thus regulates the DNA cleavage activity.

Metal-based anticancer drugs: From a past anchored in platinum chemistry to a post-genomic future of diverse chemistry and biology

The field of metal-based anticancer drugs was initiated by cisplatin, one of the leading agents in clinical use. Cisplatin acts by binding to DNA and forming 1,2 intrastrand cross-links. Its importance is reflected by the fact that it is estimated that 50-70 % of cancer patients are treated with a platinum drug [7]. For some time, molecular designs in the metallo-drug field remained obdurately anchored in cis-diamine platinum(II) chemistry, but now the field is evolving rapidly with a variety of alternate and very diverse designs being explored. These designs give rise to new spectra of activity and potency and can circumvent cisplatin resistance. This critical review considers the existing clinical platinum drugs, and those currently in commercial development, alongside the new designs including ruthenium anticancer and antimetastatic drugs in clinical trials, polynuclear drugs, organometallic drugs, titanium and gallium drugs, and emerging supramolecular metallo-drugs that act on DNA by noncovalent interactions. The rapid evolution of the field is being informed by post-genomic knowledge and approaches, and further dramatic step-change breakthroughs can be expected as a result; harnessing this knowledge and responding to and taking advantage of this new environment requires integration of chemistry and biology research.