Complex formation of cytochrome C with a calixarene carboxylic acid derivative: a novel solubilization method for biomolecules in organic media

Thiacalixarene Carboxylic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of Lysozyme Fibrillation

Amyloid fibroproliferation leads to organ damage and is associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases affecting populations worldwide. There are several ways to protect against fibril formation, including inhibition. A variety of organic compounds based on molecular recognition of amino acids within the protein have been proposed for the design of such inhibitors. However, the role of macrocyclic compounds, i.e., thiacalix[4]arenes, in inhibiting fibrillation is still almost unknown. In the present work, the use of water-soluble thiacalix[4]arene derivatives for the inhibition of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) amyloid fibrillation is proposed for the first time. The binding of HEWL by the synthesized thiacalix[4]arenes (logKa = 5.05-5.13, 1:1 stoichiometry) leads to the formation of stable supramolecular systems capable of stabilizing the protein structure and protecting against fibrillation by 29-45%. The macrocycle conformation has little effect on protein binding strength, and the native HEWL secondary structure does not change via interaction. The synthesized compounds are non-toxic to the A549 cell line in the range of 0.5-250 µg/mL. The results obtained may be useful for further investigation of the anti-amyloidogenic role of thiacalix[4]arenes, and also open up future prospects for the creation of new ways to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Protein-Calixarene Complexation: From Recognition to Assembly

ConspectusThis Account summarizes the progress in protein-calixarene complexation, tracing the developments from binary recognition to the glue activity of calixarenes and beyond to macrocycle-mediated frameworks. During the past 10 years, we have been tackling the question of protein-calixarene complexation in several ways, mainly by cocrystallization and X-ray structure determination as well as by solution state methods, NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and light scattering. Much of this work benefitted from collaboration, highlighted here. Our first breakthrough was the cocrystallization of cationic cytochrome c with sulfonato-calix[4]arene leading to a crystal structure defining three binding sites. Together with NMR studies, a dynamic complexation was deduced in which the calixarene explores the protein surface. Other cationic proteins were similarly amenable to cocrystallization with sulfonato-calix[4]arene, confirming calixarene-arginine/lysine encapsulation and consequent protein assembly. Calixarenes bearing anionic substituents such as sulfonate or phosphonate, but not carboxylate, have proven useful.Studies with larger calix[n]arenes (n = 6, 8) demonstrated the bigger better binder phenomenon with increased affinities and more interesting assemblies, including solution-state oligomerization and porous frameworks. While the calix[4]arene cavity accommodates a single cationic side chain, the larger macrocycles adopt different conformations, molding to the protein surface and accommodating several residues (hydrophobic, polar, and/or charged) in small cavities. In addition to accommodating protein features, the calixarene can bind exogenous components such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), metal ions, buffer, and additives. Ternary cocrystallization of cytochrome c, sulfonato-calix[8]arene, and spermine resulted in altered framework fabrication due to calixarene encapsulation of the tetraamine. Besides host-guest chemistry with exogenous components, the calixarene can also self-assemble, with numerous instances of macrocycle dimers.Calixarene complexation enables protein encapsulation, not merely side chain encapsulation. Cocrystal structures of sulfonato-calix[8]arene with cytochrome c or Ralstonia solanacearum lectin (RSL) provide evidence of encapsulation, with multiple calixarenes masking the same protein. NMR studies of cytochrome c and sulfonato-calix[8]arene are also consistent with multisite binding. In the case of RSL, a C₃ symmetric trimer, up to six calixarenes bind the protein yielding a cubic framework mediated by calixarene dimers. Biomolecular calixarene complexation has evolved from molecular recognition to framework construction. This latter development contributes to the challenge in design and preparation of porous molecular materials. Cytochrome c and sulfonato-calix[8]arene form frameworks with >60% solvent in which the degree of porosity depends on the protein:calixarene ratio and the crystallization conditions. Recent developments with RSL led to three frameworks with varying porosity depending on the crystallization conditions, particularly the pH. NMR studies indicate a pH-triggered assembly in which two acidic residues appear to play key roles. The field of supramolecular protein chemistry is growing, and this Account aims to encourage new developments at the interface between biomolecular and synthetic/supramolecular chemistry.

Host-Guest Extraction of Heavy Metal Ions with p-t-Butylcalix[8]arene from Ammonia or Amine Solutions

The capacities of the p-t-butylcalix[8]arene (abbreviated as H8L) host to extract toxic divalent heavy metal ions and silver from aqueous solution phases containing ammonia or ethylene diamine to an organic phase (nitrobenzene, dichloromethane, or chloroform) were carried out. When the metal ions were extracted from an aqueous ammonia solution, the metal ion selectivity for extraction was found to decrease in the order Cd2+> Ni2+> Cu2+> Ag+> Co2+> Zn2+. When the aqueous phase contained ethylene diamine, excellent extraction efficiencies of 97% and 90% were observed for the heavy metal ions Cu2+ and Cd2+, respectively. Under the same conditions the extraction of octahedral type metal ions, namely, Co2+ and Ni2+, was suppressed. The extraction of transition metal cations by H8L in ammonia and/or amine was found to be pH dependent. Detailed analysis of extraction behavior was investigated by slope analysis, the continuous variation method, and by loading tests.

The cytochrome c–cyclo[6]aramide complex as a supramolecular catalyst in methanol

A hydrogen-bonded aromatic amide macrocycle forms a host–guest complex with cytochrome c, which acts as a supramolecular catalyst for the oxidation of benzhydrol even at low temperatures.

Selective recognition of the di/trimethylammonium motif by an artificial carboxycalixarene receptor

Chemical tools that recognise post-translational modifications have promising applications in biochemistry and in therapy. We report a simple carboxycalixarene that selectively binds molecules containing di/trimethylammonium moieties in isolation, in cell lysates and when incorporated in histone peptides. Our findings reveal the potential of using carboxycalixarene-based receptors to study epigenetic regulation.

Fostering protein–calixarene interactions: from molecular recognition to sensing

An highly selective direct sensing of cytochrome c by a bis-calix[4]arene-carbazole conjugate (CCC-1) in aqueous-based medium at nanomolar levels is disclosed. An electron transfer (ET) between complexed partners mediates the sensory event.

Langmuir monolayers and thin films of amphifilic thiacalix[4]arenes. Properties and matrix for the immobilization of cytochrome c

Formation and properties of Langmuir films of thiacalix[4]arene (TCA) derivatives containing N-donor groups on the lower rim (Y═O(CH2)3CN; OCH2CN; NH2; OCH2ArCN-p) in 1,3-alternate conformation on aqueous subphase and solid substrates have been studied. Only tetra-cyanopropoxy-p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene 1 forms a typical monomolecular layer with perpendicular orientation of the macrocycle relative to the water-air interface that is able to immobilize cytochrome c in the entire range of the surface pressure. Obtained monolayers were transferred by Langmuir-Schaefer technique onto quartz, indium-tin oxide (ITO), and silicon. It was demonstrated that protein activity is retained after immobilization on the substrate.

Protein surface recognition by calixarenes

The present review summarizes recently developed calixarene derivatives for protein surface recognition which are able to identify, inhibit, and separate specific proteins.

Dominant structural factors for complexation and denaturation of proteins using carboxylic acid receptors

Complexation accompanied by denaturation of protein with synthetic carboxylic acid receptors was investigated, to evaluate the key factors for recognition of proteins. The synthetic receptors used were tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) derivatives and receptors bearing multiple (2-8) carboxylic acid groups. The complexation behavior was quantified from the absorption in the far UV CD spectrum attributed to the secondary structure of the protein. TPP derivatives bearing multiple carboxylic acid groups in the side chains exhibited higher affinity than other receptors that were smaller and had fewer carboxylic acid groups. As the degree of complexation was influenced by the pH and ionic strength in aqueous solution, electrostatic interaction was one of the most important factors for the recognition of proteins. Complexation was also estimated by observation of fluorescence quenching of the TPP derivatives. The stoichiometry of the complexes between lysozyme and the porphyrins was investigated by quantitative analysis of the denaturation using CD spectra. From the results of Job plots and slope analysis for the amount of denatured protein, formation of 1:1 complexes was confirmed. The equilibrium association constants (K(ass)) for lysozyme and the TPP receptors ranged from 0.6×10(6) to 1.1×10(6)M(-1). The lytic activity of lysozyme was partially lost in the presence of anionic TPP derivatives, due to complexation and denaturation.

Biochemistry of anionic calix[n]arenes

This review treats the biological properties of the various anionic calix[n]arenes, both as soluble forms and in the colloidal state. The complexation of these molecules with amino-acids, peptides and proteins is discussed, as is their interaction with model membranes. The complexations with various Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients as complexes, for tamoxifen as solid state and colloidal structures, are treated in depth. Two sections deal with the direct biological action of the calix[n]arenes and their use as biosensors. A final section deals with the toxicity, in reality the lack of toxicity of the calix[n]arenes.

Calixarene-Assisted Protein Refolding via Liquid−Liquid Extraction

In this paper we report on protein refolding by means of a liquid-liquid transfer technique using a calixarene. We have found that a calix[6]areneacetic acid derivative forms a supramolecular complex with urea-denatured cytochrome c at the oil-water interface, which enables quantitative transfer of the protein from an 8 M urea aqueous solution into an organic phase through a proton-exchange mechanism. Denatured cytochrome c is completely separated from the denaturant and is isolated from other denatured cytochrome c molecules to suppress the generation of aggregates due to protein-protein interactions. The recovery of cytochrome c from the organic phase is successfully achieved under acidic conditions using an appropriate amount of 1-butanol. UV-vis, CD, and fluorescence spectroscopic characterizations demonstrate that cytochrome c transferred into a denaturant-free aqueous solution regains its native structure. The reduction kinetics of refolded cytochrome c using ascorbic acid indicates that the protein provides approximately 72% of native activity as an electron-transfer protein.

Extractive solubilization, structural change, and functional conversion of cytochrome c in ionic liquids via crown ether complexation

This article reports on the extraction behavior of heme proteins from an aqueous phase into ionic liquids (ILs) with dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6), and the structure-function relationship of cytochrome c (Cyt-c) dissolved in ILs. We have found that DCH18C6 enables transfer of Lys-rich proteins into ILs via supramolecular complexation. The hydrophobicity and functional groups of ILs have a great influence on protein partitioning, and a hydroxyl group-containing IL with DCH18C6 is capable of the quantitative partitioning of Cyt-c. On the other hand, protein transfer using conventional organic solvents is negligibly small. UV-visible, CD, and resonance Raman spectroscopic characterizations indicate that the sixth ligand Met 80 in the heme group of the Cyt-c-DCH18C6 complex in IL is replaced by other amino acid residues of the peptide chain and that a non-natural, six-coordinate, low-spin ferric heme structure is induced in IL. Solubilization of Cyt-c in IL causes the environmental change of the heme vicinity of Cyt-c, which triggers the functional conversion of Cyt-c from an electron-transfer protein to peroxidase. The Cyt-c-DCH18C6 complex in IL provides remarkably high peroxidase activity compared with native Cyt-c, because of enhancement of the affinity for H2O2.

Electron-transfer mechanism of the triplet state quenching of aluminium tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine by cytochrome c

The mechanism of electron-transfer from aluminium tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine triplet state to cytochrome c was investigated in this work. This reaction successfully quenches the dye triplet state due to the formation of complexes between the solute and the protein at the active site. The electron-transfer rate constant is around 3x10(7) s(-1), and is in accordance with previous results for the singlet excited state quenching [C.A.T. Laia, S.M.B. Costa, D. Phillips, A. Beeby. Electron-transfer kinetics in sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanines/cytochrome c complexes, J. Phys. Chem. B 108 (2004) 7506-7514.] in the framework of the Marcus theory, with a reorganization energy equal to 0.94 eV. The complex formation is diffusion controlled, but heterogeneities of the protein surface charge distribution lead to quenching rate constants smaller than predicted on a hard-spheres model with electrostatic interactions. Also the binding equilibrium constant is strongly affected by this phenomenon. Ionic strength plays an important role on the complex formation, but its effect on the unimolecular electron-transfer rate constant is negligible within experimental error.

Selective extraction and recovery of cytochrome c by liquid-liquid extraction using a calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative

Recently, we reported that a calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative can selectively extract the lysine-rich protein cytochrome c by interacting with amino groups on the protein surface. In the present article, quantitative extraction and recovery of cytochrome c using this calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative are described. Both adjustment of the pH under acidic conditions and addition of an alcohol are necessary to strip the extracted protein from an organic solution to an aqueous solution. Separation of cytochrome c and lysozyme using the calix[6]arene was achieved under the optimal conditions. In the forward extraction stage, 93% of the cytochrome c was extracted, while lysozyme remained in the solution. In the subsequent stripping stage, the extracted cytochrome c was quantitatively recovered in an aqueous solution. Finally, separation of these proteins, which have similar molecular weights and isoelectric points, was accomplished.

Calixarene derivative as a tool for highly sensitive detection and oriented immobilization of proteins in a microarray format through noncovalent molecular interaction

One important factor in fabricating protein microarray is to immobilize proteins without losing their activity on a solid phase. To keep them functional, it is necessary to immobilize proteins in a way that preserve their folded structural integrity. In a previous study, we developed novel Calixarene derivatives for the immobilization of proteins on the surface of a glass slide (1). In this study, we compared the sensitivity and the specificity of the linker molecules with those of five other protein attachment agents on glass slides using a prostate-specific antigen and its antibodies as a model system. The Calixcrown-coated protein chip showed a superior sensitivity and a much lower detection limit than those chips prepared by other methods. When we tested the capability of Calixcrown to immobilize antibody molecules, it appeared that Calixcrown makes arrangement of antibody be more regular with the vertical orientation than the covalent-bond agent. We also observed that the Calixcrown chip could be used for the diagnostic application with clinical samples from prostate cancer and HIV patients. Finally, we applied the Calixcrown chip using an antibody microarray to identify up- or down-regulated proteins in specific tissue and detected several up- or down-regulated proteins from a rat liver by administering toxin. Thus, the Calixcrown chip can be used as a powerful tool with a wide range of applications, including protein-protein interaction, protein-DNA interaction, and an enzyme activity assay.

Cytochrome c−Crown Ether Complexes as Supramolecular Catalysts: Cold-Active Synzymes for Asymmetric Sulfoxide Oxidation in Methanol

A series of supramolecular complexes of various cytochrome c proteins with 18-crown-6 derivatives behave as cold-active synzymes in the H2O2 oxidation of racemic sulfoxides. This interesting behavior contrasts with native functionality, where the employed proteins act as electron transfer carriers. ESI-MS. UV, CD, and Raman spectroscopic characterizations reveal that four or five 18-crown-6 molecules strongly bind to the surface of the cytochrome c and also that nonnatural low-spin hexacoordinate heme structures are induced in methanol. Significantly, crown ether complexation can convert catalytically inactive biological forms to catalytically active artificial forms. Horse heart, pigeon breast, and yeast cytochromes c all stereoselectively oxidize (S)-isomers of methyl tolyl sulfoxide and related sulfoxides upon crown ether complexation. These supramolecular catalysts show the highest efficiency and enantiomer selectivity at -40 degrees C in the H202-dependent sulfoxide oxidation, while oxidative decomposition of the heme moieties predominantly occurs at room temperature. The oxidation reactivity of the employed sulfoxides is apparently related to steric constraints and electrochemical oxidation potentials of their S=O bonds. Among the cytochrome c complexes, yeast cytochrome c demonstrates the lowest catalytic activity and degradation reactivity. It has a significantly different protein sequence, suggesting that crown ether complexation effectively activates heme coordination but may additionally alter the native backbone structure. The proper combination of cytochrome c proteins, 18-crown-6 receptors, and external circumstances can be used to successfully generate "protein-based supramolecular catalysts" exhibiting nonbiological reactivities.

Chemical activation of cytochrome c proteins via crown ether complexation: cold-active synzymes for enantiomer-selective sulfoxide oxidation in methanol

Supramolecular complexation with 18-crown-6 significantly converted catalytically inactive cytochrome c (biological form) to catalytically active synzyme (artificial form). Although a family of cytochrome c proteins does not work as enzymes in nature, crown ether complexation modified their heme coordination structures and functionally activated them to promote the asymmetric oxidation of racemic sulfoxides at low temperature. Horse heart, pigeon breast, and yeast cytochrome c proteins were demonstrated to form supramolecular complexes with 18-crown-6 in methanol, which effectively oxidized (S)-isomers of naphthyl methyl sulfoxide, methyl tolyl sulfoxide, isopropyl phenyl sulfoxide, benzyl methyl sulfoxide, and 4-methylsulfenyl acetophenone at -40 degrees C. Because horse heart and pigeon breast cytochromes c exhibited more efficient and higher enantiomer-selective activities than yeast cytochrome c, a proper combination of cytochrome c and crown ether offers a new class of cold-active synzymes promoting nonbiological asymmetric oxidation.