1
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Burgener S, Dačević B, Zhang X, Ward TR. Binding Interactions and Inhibition Mechanisms of Gold Complexes in Thiamine Diphosphate-Dependent Enzymes. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3303-3311. [PMID: 37931174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Thiamine diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzymes possess the unique ability to generate a carbene within their active site. In this study, we sought to harness this carbene to produce a Au(I) N-heterocyclic complex directly in the active site of ThDP enzymes, thereby establishing a novel platform for artificial metalloenzymes. Because direct metalation of ThDP proved challenging, we synthesized a ThDP mimic that acts as a competitive inhibitor with a high affinity (Ki = 1.5 μM). Upon metalation with Au(I), we observed that the complex became a more potent inhibitor (Ki = 0.7 μM). However, detailed analysis of the inhibition mode, native mass spectrometry, and size exclusion experiments revealed that the complex does not bind specifically to the active site of ThDP enzymes. Instead, it exhibits unspecific binding and exceeds the 1:1 stoichiometry. Similar binding patterns were observed for other Au(I) species. These findings prompt an important question regarding the inherent propensity of ThDP enzymes to bind strongly to Au. If this phenomenon holds true, it could pave the way for the development of Au-based drugs targeting these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Burgener
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bratislav Dačević
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Ward
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096 4058, Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Galassi R, Luciani L, Wang J, Vincenzetti S, Cui L, Amici A, Pucciarelli S, Marchini C. Breast Cancer Treatment: The Case of Gold(I)-Based Compounds as a Promising Class of Bioactive Molecules. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010080. [PMID: 35053228 PMCID: PMC8774004 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers (BCs) may present dramatic diagnoses, both for ineffective therapies and for the limited outcomes in terms of lifespan. For these types of tumors, the search for new drugs is a primary necessity. It is widely recognized that gold compounds are highly active and extremely potent as anticancer agents against many cancer cell lines. The presence of the metal plays an essential role in the activation of the cytotoxicity of these coordination compounds, whose activity, if restricted to the ligands alone, would be non-existent. On the other hand, gold exhibits a complex biochemistry, substantially variable depending on the chemical environments around the central metal. In this review, the scientific findings of the last 6–7 years on two classes of gold(I) compounds, containing phosphane or carbene ligands, are reviewed. In addition to this class of Au(I) compounds, the recent developments in the application of Auranofin in regards to BCs are reported. Auranofin is a triethylphosphine-thiosugar compound that, being a drug approved by the FDA—therefore extensively studied—is an interesting lead gold compound and a good comparison to understand the activities of structurally related Au(I) compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Galassi
- Chemistry Division, School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Luciani
- Chemistry Division, School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Junbiao Wang
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (J.W.); (S.V.); (L.C.); (A.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Vincenzetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (J.W.); (S.V.); (L.C.); (A.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Lishan Cui
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (J.W.); (S.V.); (L.C.); (A.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (J.W.); (S.V.); (L.C.); (A.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefania Pucciarelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (J.W.); (S.V.); (L.C.); (A.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (J.W.); (S.V.); (L.C.); (A.A.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (C.M.)
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3
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Annunziata A, Ferraro G, Cucciolito ME, Imbimbo P, Tuzi A, Monti DM, Merlino A, Ruffo F. Halo complexes of gold( i) containing glycoconjugate carbene ligands: synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity and interaction with proteins and DNA model systems. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:10475-10485. [DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00423b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
New neutral Au(i) glycoconjugate carbene complexes show stability in aqueous solutions and interact with both DNA and protein model systems. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrate that the activity depends on the halide ancillary ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Annunziata
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Reattività Chimica e Catalisi (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cucciolito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Reattività Chimica e Catalisi (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Imbimbo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Tuzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Daria Maria Monti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Ruffo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Reattività Chimica e Catalisi (CIRCC), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126, Bari, Italy
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4
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Computational strategies to model the interaction and the reactivity of biologically-relevant transition metal complexes. Inorganica Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2021.120686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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5
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Tolbatov I, Marrone A, Coletti C, Re N. Computational Studies of Au(I) and Au(III) Anticancer MetalLodrugs: A Survey. Molecules 2021; 26:7600. [PMID: 34946684 PMCID: PMC8707411 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the growing hardware capabilities and the enhancing efficacy of computational methodologies, computational chemistry approaches have constantly become more important in the development of novel anticancer metallodrugs. Besides traditional Pt-based drugs, inorganic and organometallic complexes of other transition metals are showing increasing potential in the treatment of cancer. Among them, Au(I)- and Au(III)-based compounds are promising candidates due to the strong affinity of Au(I) cations to cysteine and selenocysteine side chains of the protein residues and to Au(III) complexes being more labile and prone to the reduction to either Au(I) or Au(0) in the physiological milieu. A correct prediction of metal complexes' properties and of their bonding interactions with potential ligands requires QM computations, usually at the ab initio or DFT level. However, MM, MD, and docking approaches can also give useful information on their binding site on large biomolecular targets, such as proteins or DNA, provided a careful parametrization of the metal force field is employed. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent computational studies of Au(I) and Au(III) antitumor compounds and of their interactions with biomolecular targets, such as sulfur- and selenium-containing enzymes, like glutathione reductases, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, cysteine protease, thioredoxin reductase and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire de l’Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Avenue Alain Savary 9, 21078 Dijon, France;
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
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6
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van der Westhuizen D, Bezuidenhout DI, Munro OQ. Cancer molecular biology and strategies for the design of cytotoxic gold(I) and gold(III) complexes: a tutorial review. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:17413-17437. [PMID: 34693422 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02783b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This tutorial review highlights key principles underpinning the design of selected metallodrugs to target specific biological macromolecules (DNA and proteins). The review commences with a descriptive overview of the eukaryotic cell cycle and the molecular biology of cancer, particularly apoptosis, which is provided as a necessary foundation for the discovery, design, and targeting of metal-based anticancer agents. Drugs which target DNA have been highlighted and clinically approved metallodrugs discussed. A brief history of the development of mainly gold-based metallodrugs is presented prior to addressing ligand systems for stabilizing and adding functionality to bio-active gold(I) and gold(III) complexes, particularly in the burgeoning field of anticancer metallodrugs. Concepts such as multi-modal and selective cytotoxic agents are covered where necessary for selected compounds. The emerging role of carbenes as the ligand system of choice to achieve these goals for gold-based metallodrug candidates is highlighted prior to closing the review with comments on some future directions that this research field might follow. The latter section ultimately emphasizes the importance of understanding the fate of metal complexes in cells to garner key mechanistic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle van der Westhuizen
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Daniela I Bezuidenhout
- Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland.
| | - Orde Q Munro
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
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7
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Zoppi C, Massai L, Cirri D, Gabbiani C, Pratesi A, Messori L. Protein metalation by two structurally related gold(I) carbene complexes: An ESI MS study. Inorganica Chim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2021.120297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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8
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Sen S, Perrin MW, Sedgwick AC, Lynch VM, Sessler JL, Arambula JF. Covalent and non-covalent albumin binding of Au(i) bis-NHCs via post-synthetic amide modification. Chem Sci 2021; 12:7547-7553. [PMID: 34163845 PMCID: PMC8171490 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01055g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed the emergence of Au(i) bis-N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as potential anticancer agents. However, these systems exhibit little interaction with serum proteins (e.g., human serum albumin), which presumably impacts their pharmacokinetic profile and tumor exposure. Anticancer drugs bound to human serum albumin (HSA) often benefit from significant advantages, including longer circulatory half-lives, tumor targeted delivery, and easier administration relative to the drug alone. In this work, we present Au(i) bis-NHCs complexes, 7 and 9, capable of binding to HSA. Complex 7 contains a reactive maleimide moiety for covalent protein conjugation, whereas its congener 9 contains a naphthalimide fluorophore for non-covalent binding. A similar drug motif was used in both cases. Complexes 7 and 9 were prepared from a carboxylic acid functionalized Au(i) bis-NHC (complex 2) using a newly developed post-synthetic amide functionalization protocol that allows coupling to both aliphatic and aromatic amines. Analytical, and in vitro techniques were used to confirm protein binding, as well as cellular uptake and antiproliferative activity in A549 human lung cancer cells. The present findings highlight a hitherto unexplored approach to modifying Au(i) bis-NHC drug candidates for protein ligation and serve to showcase the relative benefits of covalent and non-covalent HSA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street A5300 Austin TX 78712-1224 USA
| | - Mark W Perrin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street A5300 Austin TX 78712-1224 USA
| | - Adam C Sedgwick
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street A5300 Austin TX 78712-1224 USA
| | - Vincent M Lynch
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street A5300 Austin TX 78712-1224 USA
| | - Jonathan L Sessler
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street A5300 Austin TX 78712-1224 USA
| | - Jonathan F Arambula
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street A5300 Austin TX 78712-1224 USA
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9
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Sánchez Delgado GY, Arvellos JFA, Paschoal DFS, Dos Santos HF. Role of the Enzymatic Environment in the Reactivity of the Au III-C^N^C Anticancer Complexes. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:3181-3195. [PMID: 33600154 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The action mechanism of anticancer gold(III) complexes is a multi-step process and depends on their redox stability. First, the gold(III) complex undergoes a ligand exchange reaction in the presence of cellular thiols, such as those available in the active site of the enzyme TrxR, and then, the AuIII → AuI reduction occurs. Most experimental and theoretical studies describe these processes under chemical conditions without considering the enzyme structure effect. In the present study, molecular models are proposed for the [AuIII(C^N^C)(SHCys-R)]+ adduct, with the [AuIII(C^N^C)]+ moiety bonded to the Cys498 residue in the C-terminal arm of the TrxR. This one represents the product of the first ligand exchange reaction. Overall, our results suggest that the exchange of the auxiliary ligand (for instance, Cl- to S-R) plays a primary role in increasing the reduction potential, with the enzyme structure having a small effect. The parent compound [AuIII(C^N^C)Cl] has E° = -1.20 V, which enlarges to -0.72 V for [AuIII(C^N^C)CH3SH]+ and to -0.65 V for the largest model studied, Au-trx. In addition to the effect of the enzyme structure on the redox stability, we also analyze the Au transfer to the enzyme using a small peptide model (a tetramer). This reaction is dependent on the Cys497 protonation state. Thermodynamics and kinetic analysis suggests that the C^N^C ligand substitution by Cys497 is an exergonic process, with an energy barrier estimated at 20.2 kcal mol-1. The complete transfer of the Au ion to the enzyme's active site would lead to a total loss of enzyme activity, generating oxidative damage and, consequently, cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giset Y Sánchez Delgado
- NEQC: Núcleo de Estudos em Química Computacional, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Martelos, 36.036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Júlio F A Arvellos
- NEQC: Núcleo de Estudos em Química Computacional, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Martelos, 36.036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diego F S Paschoal
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ-Macaé, 27.971-525 Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hélio F Dos Santos
- NEQC: Núcleo de Estudos em Química Computacional, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário Martelos, 36.036-900 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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10
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Ofori S, Gukathasan S, Awuah SG. Gold-Based Pharmacophore Inhibits Intracellular MYC Protein. Chemistry 2021; 27:4168-4175. [PMID: 33275307 PMCID: PMC8605874 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202004962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Direct targeting of intrinsically disordered proteins, including MYC, by small molecules for biomedical applications would resolve a longstanding issue in chemical biology and medicine. Thus, we developed gold-based small-molecule MYC reagents that engage MYC inside cells and modulate MYC transcriptional activity. Lead compounds comprise an affinity ligand and a gold(I) or gold(III) warhead capable of protein chemical modification. Cell-based MYC target engagement studies via CETSA and co-immunoprecipitation reveal specific interaction of compounds with MYC in cells. The lead gold(I) reagent, 1, demonstrates superior cell-killing potential (up to 35-fold) in a MYC-dependent manner when compared to 10058-F4 in cells including the TNBC, MDA-MB-231. Subsequently, 1 suppresses MYC transcription factor activity via functional colorimetric assays, and gene-profiling using whole-cell transcriptomics reveals significant modulation of MYC target genes by 1. These findings point to metal-mediated ligand affinity chemistry (MLAC) based on gold as a promising strategy to develop chemical probes and anticancer therapeutics targeting MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ofori
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, 505 Rose Street, Lexington Kentucky, 40506
| | - Sailajah Gukathasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, 505 Rose Street, Lexington Kentucky, 40506
| | - Samuel G. Awuah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, 505 Rose Street, Lexington Kentucky, 40506
- Center for Pharmaceutical and Research Innovation, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington Kentucky, 40536
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11
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Abstract
Recent advances in structural studies unveiling the basis of the metal compounds/protein recognition process are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo
- Napoli
- Italy
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12
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Daubit IM, Sullivan MP, John M, Goldstone DC, Hartinger CG, Metzler-Nolte N. A Combined Spectroscopic and Protein Crystallography Study Reveals Protein Interactions of Rh I(NHC) Complexes at the Molecular Level. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:17191-17199. [PMID: 33180473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c02438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
While most Rh-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes currently investigated in anticancer research contain a Rh(III) metal center, an increasing amount of research is focusing on the cytotoxic activity and mode of action of square-planar [RhCl(COD)(NHC)] (where COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) which contains a Rh(I) center. The enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and the protein albumin have been proposed as potential targets, but the molecular processes taking place upon protein interaction remain elusive. Herein, we report the preparation of peptide-conjugated and its nonconjugated parent [RhCl(COD)(NHC)] complexes, an in-depth investigation of both their stability in solution, and a crystallographic study of protein interaction. The organorhodium compounds showed a rapid loss of the COD ligand and slow loss of the NHC ligand in aqueous solution. These ligand exchange reactions were reflected in studies on the interaction with hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) as a model protein in single-crystal X-ray crystallographic investigations. Upon treatment of HEWL with an amino acid functionalized [RhCl(COD)(NHC)] complex, two distinct rhodium adducts were found initially after 7 d of incubation at His15 and after 4 weeks also at Lys33. In both cases, the COD and chlorido ligands had been substituted with aqua and/or hydroxido ligands. While the histidine (His) adduct also indicated a loss of the NHC ligand, the lysine (Lys) adduct retained the NHC core derived from the amino acid l-histidine. In either case, an octahedral coordination environment of the metal center indicates oxidation to Rh(III). This investigation gives the first insight on the interaction of Rh(I)(NHC) complexes and proteins at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle M Daubit
- Inorganic Chemistry I - Bioinorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthew P Sullivan
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Milena John
- Inorganic Chemistry I - Bioinorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - David C Goldstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Christian G Hartinger
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Nils Metzler-Nolte
- Inorganic Chemistry I - Bioinorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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13
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14
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Tolbatov I, Coletti C, Marrone A, Re N. Insight into the Substitution Mechanism of Antitumor Au(I) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes by Cysteine and Selenocysteine. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:3312-3320. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy
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15
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Huang X, Xu J, Du W. Assembly behavior of amylin fragment hIAPP19-37 regulated by Au(III) complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2019; 201:110807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2019.110807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Mazzei L, Wenzel MN, Cianci M, Palombo M, Casini A, Ciurli S. Inhibition Mechanism of Urease by Au(III) Compounds Unveiled by X-ray Diffraction Analysis. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:564-570. [PMID: 30996797 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The nickel-dependent enzyme urease is a virulence factor for a large number of critical human pathogens, making this enzyme a potential target of therapeutics for the treatment of resistant bacterial infections. In the search for novel urease inhibitors, five selected coordination and organometallic Au(III) compounds containing N∧N or C∧N and C∧N∧N ligands were tested for their inhibitory effects against Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) urease. The results showed potent inhibition effects with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. The 2.14 Å resolution crystal structure of Sporosarcina pasteurii urease inhibited by the most effective Au(III) compound [Au(PbImMe)Cl2]PF6 (PbImMe = 1-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-benzimidazole) reveals the presence of two Au ions bound to the conserved triad αCys322/αHis323/αMet367. The binding of the Au ions to these residues blocks the movement of a flap, located at the edge of the active site channel and essential for enzyme catalysis, completely obliterating the catalytic activity of urease. Overall, the obtained results constitute the basis for the design of new gold complexes as selective urease inhibitors with future antibacterial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzei
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Margot N. Wenzel
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marta Palombo
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Casini
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
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17
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Tolbatov I, Coletti C, Marrone A, Re N. Reactivity of Gold(I) Monocarbene Complexes with Protein Targets: A Theoretical Study. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040820. [PMID: 30769823 PMCID: PMC6412330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutral N–heterocyclic carbene gold(I) compounds such as IMeAuCl are widely used both in homogeneous catalysis and, more recently, in medicinal chemistry as promising antitumor agents. In order to shed light on their reactivity with protein side chains, we have carried out density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the thermodynamics and kinetics of their reactions with water and various nucleophiles as a model of plausible protein binding sites such as arginine, aspartic acid, asparagine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, histidine, lysine, methionine, selenocysteine, and the N-terminal group. In agreement with recent experimental data, our results suggest that IMeAuCl easily interacts with all considered biological targets before being hydrated—unless sterically prevented—and allows the establishment of an order of thermodynamic stability and of kinetic reactivity for its binding to protein residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, I-66100 Chieti, Italy.
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18
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Schmidt C, Albrecht L, Balasupramaniam S, Misgeld R, Karge B, Brönstrup M, Prokop A, Baumann K, Reichl S, Ott I. A gold(i) biscarbene complex with improved activity as a TrxR inhibitor and cytotoxic drug: comparative studies with different gold metallodrugs. Metallomics 2019; 11:533-545. [DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00306h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A stable gold(i) biscarbene complex with improved activity as a TrxR inhibitor and cytotoxic metallodrug.
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19
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Seliman AA, Altaf M, Onawole AT, Al-Saadi A, Ahmad S, Alhoshani A, Bhatia G, Isab AA. Synthesis, X-ray structure and cytotoxicity evaluation of carbene-based gold(I) complexes of selenones. Inorganica Chim Acta 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2018.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Messori L, Merlino A. Protein metalation by metal-based drugs: X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry studies. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 53:11622-11633. [PMID: 29019481 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc06442j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The combined use of X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry represents a valuable strategy to investigate and characterize protein metalation induced by anticancer metal-based drugs. Here, we summarize a series of significant results recently obtained in our laboratories upon the examination of the structures of several adducts of proteins with representative metallodrugs (mostly containing ruthenium, gold and platinum). The general mechanisms of protein metalation that emerge from a careful comparative analysis of these structures are illustrated and their mechanistic implications are discussed. Possible directions for future work in the field are delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Messori
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Italy.
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21
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Diehl T, Krause MTS, Ueberlein S, Becker S, Trommer A, Schnakenburg G, Engeser M. Synthesis of hydroxyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene gold(i) complexes and peptide conjugates. Dalton Trans 2018; 46:2988-2997. [PMID: 28198476 DOI: 10.1039/c6dt04834j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis and characterization of a series of new cationic gold(i) complexes with hydroxyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands is described. They are valuable building blocks for further derivatization: as a first example, coupling with amino acids and a dipeptide, respectively, successfully results in amino acid and peptide conjugates that are hard to obtain by other synthetic routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Diehl
- Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Melanie T S Krause
- Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Sven Ueberlein
- Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Becker
- Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Aline Trommer
- Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Gregor Schnakenburg
- Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Marianne Engeser
- Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie der Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
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22
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Basu S, Goswami U, Paul A, Chattopadhyay A. Crystalline assembly of gold nanoclusters for mitochondria targeted cancer theranostics. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:1650-1657. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb03254d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report the formation of a crystalline assembly of gold (Au) nanoclusters for cancer theranostics via active targeting of mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srestha Basu
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- Guwahati-781039
- India
| | - Upashi Goswami
- Centre For Nanotechnology
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- Guwahati-781039
- India
| | - Anumita Paul
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- Guwahati-781039
- India
| | - Arun Chattopadhyay
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- Guwahati-781039
- India
- Centre For Nanotechnology
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23
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Sullivan MP, Nieuwoudt MK, Bowmaker GA, Lam NYS, Truong D, Goldstone DC, Hartinger CG. Unexpected arene ligand exchange results in the oxidation of an organoruthenium anticancer agent: the first X-ray structure of a protein–Ru(carbene) adduct. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:6120-6123. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cc02433b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The first crystallographic study of a Ru(carbene)–protein adduct is complemented by EPR spectroscopy showing Ru oxidation upon binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Sullivan
- School of Chemical Sciences
- University of Auckland
- Auckland 1142
- New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences
| | - Michél K. Nieuwoudt
- School of Chemical Sciences
- University of Auckland
- Auckland 1142
- New Zealand
- The Photon Factory
| | - Graham A. Bowmaker
- School of Chemical Sciences
- University of Auckland
- Auckland 1142
- New Zealand
| | - Nelson Y. S. Lam
- School of Chemical Sciences
- University of Auckland
- Auckland 1142
- New Zealand
| | - Dianna Truong
- School of Chemical Sciences
- University of Auckland
- Auckland 1142
- New Zealand
| | - David C. Goldstone
- School of Biological Sciences
- University of Auckland
- Auckland 1142
- New Zealand
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24
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Cucciolito ME, Trinchillo M, Iannitti R, Palumbo R, Tesauro D, Tuzi A, Ruffo F, D'Amora A. Sugar-Incorporated N-Heterocyclic-Carbene-Containing Gold(I) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxic Evaluation. Eur J Inorg Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201700768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Cucciolito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche; Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo; Via Cintia 21 80126 Napoli Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Reattività Chimica e Catalisi; Via Celso Ulpiani 27 70126 Bari Italy
| | - Marina Trinchillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche; Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo; Via Cintia 21 80126 Napoli Italy
| | - Roberta Iannitti
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini (IBB) CNR; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Napoli Italy
| | - Rosanna Palumbo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini (IBB) CNR; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Napoli Italy
| | - Diego Tesauro
- Dipartimento di Farmacia & CIRPeB Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II; Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Napoli Italy
- Diagnostica e Farmaceutica Molecolari S.C.R.L (DFM); Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Napoli Italy
| | - Angela Tuzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche; Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo; Via Cintia 21 80126 Napoli Italy
| | - Francesco Ruffo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche; Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo; Via Cintia 21 80126 Napoli Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Reattività Chimica e Catalisi; Via Celso Ulpiani 27 70126 Bari Italy
| | - Angela D'Amora
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche; Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo; Via Cintia 21 80126 Napoli Italy
- Diagnostica e Farmaceutica Molecolari S.C.R.L (DFM); Via Mezzocannone 16 80134 Napoli Italy
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25
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McCall R, Miles M, Lascuna P, Burney B, Patel Z, Sidoran KJ, Sittaramane V, Kocerha J, Grossie DA, Sessler JL, Arumugam K, Arambula JF. Dual targeting of the cancer antioxidant network with 1,4-naphthoquinone fused Gold(i) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes. Chem Sci 2017; 8:5918-5929. [PMID: 29619196 PMCID: PMC5859730 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc02153d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To achieve a systems-based approach to targeting the antioxidant pathway, 1,4-naphthoquinone annulated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) [bis(1,3-dimesityl-4,5-naphthoquino-imidazol-2-ylidene)-gold(i)] [silver(i) dichloride] (1), [bis(1,3-dimesityl-4,5-naphthoquino-imidazol-2-ylidene)-gold(i)] chloride (2), and 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-naphthoquino-imidazol-2-ylidene)-gold(i) chloride (3)) were designed, synthesized, and tested for biological activity in a series of human cancer cell lines. The solution phase of complexes 1-3 were assigned using several spectroscopy techniques, including NMR spectroscopic analysis. Complexes 1 and 3 were further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies revealed that quinone reductions are reversible and that the electrochemically generated semiquinone and quinone dianions are stable under these conditions. Complex 1, containing two NHC-quinone moieties (to accentuate exogenous ROS via redox cycling) centered around a Au(i) center (to inactivate thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) irreversibly), was found to inhibit cancer cell proliferation to a much greater extent than the individual components (i.e., Au(i)-NHC alone or naphthoquinone alone). Treatment of A549 lung cancer cells with 1 produced a 27-fold increase in exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) which was found to localize to the mitochondria. The inhibition of TrxR, an essential mediator of ROS homeostasis, was achieved in the same cell line at low administrated concentrations of 1. TrxR inhibition by 1 was similar to that of auranofin, a gold(i) containing complex known to inhibit TrxR irreversibly. Complex 1 was found to induce cell death via an apoptotic mechanism as confirmed by annexin-V staining. Complex 1 was demonstrated to be efficacious in zebrafish bearing A549 xenografts. These results provide support for the suggestion that a dual targeting approach that involves reducing ROS tolerance while concurrently increasing ROS production can perturb antioxidant homeostasis, enhance cancer cell death in vitro, and reduce tumor burden in vivo, as inferred from preliminary zebra fish model studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R McCall
- Department of Chemistry , Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA 30460 , USA .
| | - M Miles
- Department of Chemistry , Wright State University , 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy , Dayton , Ohio 45435 , USA .
| | - P Lascuna
- Department of Biology , Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA 30460 , USA
| | - B Burney
- Department of Chemistry , Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA 30460 , USA .
| | - Z Patel
- Department of Chemistry , Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA 30460 , USA .
| | - K J Sidoran
- Department of Chemistry , St. Bonaventure University , St. Bonaventure , NY 14778 , USA
| | - V Sittaramane
- Department of Biology , Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA 30460 , USA
| | - J Kocerha
- Department of Chemistry , Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA 30460 , USA .
| | - D A Grossie
- Department of Chemistry , Wright State University , 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy , Dayton , Ohio 45435 , USA .
| | - J L Sessler
- Department of Chemistry , University of Texas , 105 E. 24th St. , Austin , TX 78712-1224 , USA
| | - K Arumugam
- Department of Chemistry , Wright State University , 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy , Dayton , Ohio 45435 , USA .
| | - J F Arambula
- Department of Chemistry , Georgia Southern University , Statesboro , GA 30460 , USA .
- Department of Chemistry , University of Texas , 105 E. 24th St. , Austin , TX 78712-1224 , USA
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26
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Russo Krauss I, Ferraro G, Merlino A. Cisplatin-Protein Interactions: Unexpected Drug Binding to N-Terminal Amine and Lysine Side Chains. Inorg Chem 2016; 55:7814-6. [PMID: 27482735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6b01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Literature studies carried out by mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography have demonstrated that cisplatin is able to bind proteins mainly close to Met, His, and free Cys side chains. To identify possible alternative modes of cisplatin binding to proteins at the molecular level, here we have solved the high-resolution X-ray structure of the adduct formed in the reaction between the drug and the model protein thaumatin, which does not contain any His and free Cys residues and possesses just one buried Met. Our data reveal unexpected cisplatin binding sites on the protein surface that could have general significance: cisplatin fragments -[Pt(NH3)2Cl](+), -[Pt(NH3)Cl2], and -[Pt(NH3)2(OH2)](2+) bind to a protein N-terminus and close to Lys and Glu side chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Russo Krauss
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II , Via Cintia, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II , Via Cintia, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II , Via Cintia, I-80126 Naples, Italy
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