Promoting the Formation and Stabilization of G-Quadruplex by Dinuclear RuII Complex Ru2(obip)L4

An Overview of the Potential Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Properties of Ru(II)/(III) Complexes

This review examines the existing knowledge about Ru(II)/(III) ion complexes with a potential application in medicine or pharmacy, which may offer greater potential in cancer chemotherapy than Pt(II) complexes, which are known to cause many side effects. Hence, much attention has been paid to research on cancer cell lines and clinical trials have been undertaken on ruthenium complexes. In addition to their antitumor activity, ruthenium complexes are under evaluation for other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and HIV. Attempts are also being made to evaluate ruthenium complexes as potential photosensitizers with polypyridine ligands for use in cancer chemotherapy. The review also briefly examines theoretical approaches to studying the interactions of Ru(II)/Ru(III) complexes with biological receptors, which can facilitate the rational design of ruthenium-based drugs.

Ruthenium(II) Complexes Coupled by Erianin via a Flexible Carbon Chain as a Potential Stabilizer of c-myc G-Quadruplex DNA

Herein, two novel ruthenium(II) complexes coupled by erianin via a flexible carbon chain, [Ru(phen)₂(L₁-(CH₂)₄-erianin)](ClO₄)₂ (L₁ = 2-(2-(tri-fluoromethyphenyl))-imidazo [4,5f][1-10]phenanthroline (1) and [Ru(phen)₂(L₂-(CH₂)₄-eria)](ClO₄)₂ (L₂ = 2-(4-(tri-fluoromethyphenyl))-imidazo [4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline (2), have been synthesized and investigated as a potential G-quadruplex(G4) DNA stabilizer. Both complexes, especially 2, can bind to c-myc G4 DNA with high affinity by electronic spectra, and the binding constant calculated for 1 and 2 is about 15.1 and 2.05 × 10⁷ M^-1, respectively. This was further confirmed by the increase in fluorescence intensity for both complexes. Moreover, the positive band at 265 nm in the CD spectra of c-myc G4 DNA decreased treated with 2, indicating that 2 may bind to c-myc G4 DNA through extern groove binding mode. Furthermore, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay indicated that the melting point of c-myc G4 DNA treated with 1 and 2 increased 15.5 and 16.5 °C, respectively. Finally, molecular docking showed that 1 can bind to c-myc G4 DNA in the extern groove formed by base pairs G7-G9 and G22-A24, and 2 inserts into the small groove of c-myc G4 DNA formed by base pairs T19-A24. In summary, these ruthenium(II) complexes, especially 2, can be developed as potential c-myc G4 DNA stabilizers and will be exploited as potential anticancer agents in the future.

Theoretical study on the DNA interaction properties of copper(II) complexes

Theoretical studies on DNA-cleavage and DNA-binding properties of a series of Cu(II) complexes [Cu(bimda)(diimine)] 1-5 have been carried out by density functional theory (DFT). The optimized structures of Cu(II) complexes were docked into parallel, antiparallel and mixed G-quadruplexes, with which the binding energies of complexes 1-5 were obtained. The cytotoxicities of these complexes can be predicted preliminarily by the binding energies. To explore the energy changes of Cu(II) complexes in duplex DNA, the optimized structures of these complexes were docked into the duplex DNA, and the obtained docking models were further optimized using QM/MM method. The DNA-cleavage abilities of complexes 1-5 can be predicted accurately and explained reasonably by the computed intra-molecular reorganization energies of these complexes. This work reported here has implications for the understanding of the interaction Cu(II) complexes with the DNA, which might be helpful for the future directing the design of novel anticancer Cu(II) complexes.

Applications of Ruthenium Complex in Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy

Ruthenium complexes are a new generation of metal antitumor drugs that are currently of great interest in multidisciplinary research. In this review article, we introduce the applications of ruthenium complexes in the diagnosis and therapy of tumors. We focus on the actions of ruthenium complexes on DNA, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum of cells, as well as signaling pathways that induce tumor cell apoptosis, autophagy, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Furthermore, we highlight the use of ruthenium complexes as specific tumor cell probes to dynamically monitor the active biological component of the microenvironment and as excellent photosensitizer, catalyst, and bioimaging agents for phototherapies that significantly enhance the diagnosis and therapeutic effect on tumors. Finally, the combinational use of ruthenium complexes with existing clinical antitumor drugs to synergistically treat tumors is discussed.

The Development of G-Quadruplex-Based Assays for the Detection of Small Molecules and Toxic Substances

G-Quadruplexes can be induced to form guanine-rich DNA sequences by certain small molecules or metal ions. In concert with an appropriate signal transducer, such as a fluorescent dye or a phosphorescent metal complex, the ligand-recognition event can be transduced into a luminescent response. This focus review aims to highlight recent examples of aptamer-based and metal-mediated G-quadruplex assays for the detection of small molecules and toxic substances in the last three years. We discuss the mechanisms and features of the different assays and present an outlook and a perspective for the future of this field.

Diiridium(iii) complexes: luminescent probes and sensors for G-quadruplex DNA and endoplasmic reticulum imaging

Two new dinuclear iridium (Ir) complexes bridged by a conjugated aromatic tppz ligand, (bhq)₂Ir(tppz)Ir(bhq)₂(1) and (ppy)₂Ir(tppz)Ir(ppy)₂(2) (bhq = benzo(h)quinolone, ppy = phenyl-pyridine, tppz = tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c:3′′,2′′-h:2′′′,3′′′-j]phenazine), were prepared.

G-quadruplex DNA targeted metal complexes acting as potential anticancer drugs

This review summarizes the recent development of G4 DNA targeted metal complexes and discusses their potential as anticancer drugs.

Phenanthroline-bis-oxazole ligands for binding and stabilization of G-quadruplexes

BACKGROUND

G-quadruplexes (G4) are found at important genome regions such as telomere ends and oncogene promoters. One prominent strategy to explore the therapeutic potential of G4 is stabilized it with specific ligands.

METHODS

We report the synthesis of new phenanthroline, phenyl and quinoline acyclic bisoxazole compounds in order to explore and evaluate the targeting to c-myc and human telomeric repeat 22AG G4 using FRET-melting, CD-melting, NMR, fluorescence titrations and FID assays.

RESULTS

The design strategy has led to potent compounds (Phen-1 and Phen-2) that discriminate different G4 structures (human telomeric sequences and c-myc promoter) and selectively stabilize G4 over duplex DNA. CD studies show that Phen-2 binds and induces antiparallel topologies in 22AG quadruplex and also binds c-myc promotor, increasing their T_m in about 12°C and 30°C respectively. In contrast, Phen-1 induces parallel topologies in 22AG and c-myc, with a moderate stabilization of 4°C for both sequences. Consistent with a CD melting study, Phen-2 binds strongly (K=10⁶ to 10⁷M^-1) to c-myc and 22AG quadruplexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Phen-1 and Phen-2 discriminated among various quadruplex topologies and exhibited high selectivity for quadruplexes over duplexes. Phen-2 retains antiparallel topologies for quadruplex 22AG and does not induce conformational changes on the parallel c-myc quadruplex although Phen-1 favors the parallel topology. NMR studies also showed that the Phen-2 binds to the c-myc quadruplex via end stacking.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Overall, the results suggest the importance of Phen-2 as a scaffold for the fine-tuning with substituents in order to enhance binding and stabilization to G4 structures. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.

Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes as dual inhibitors of telomerase and topoisomerase

One novel ruthenium polypyridyl complex, [Ru(bpy)2(icip)](2+) (1), and two previously reported ruthenium polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(bpy)2(pdppz)](2+) ()2 and [Ru(bpy)2(tactp)](2+) (3) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, icip = 2-(indeno[2,1-b]chromen-6-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, pdppz = phenanthro[4,5-abc]dipyrido[3,2-h:2',3'-j]phenazine, tactp = 4,5,9,18-tetraazachryseno[9,10-b]-triphenylene), have been synthesised. As expected, these complexes show inhibition towards telomerase by inducing and stabilising the G-quadruplex structure, and behave as topoisomerase I/II poisons at the same time. Additionally, the acute and chronic cytotoxicities of the complexes are considered. Furthermore, cell apoptosis experiments are used to briefly study the mechanism. Because studies involving multi-target inhibition towards topoisomerase and telomerase of Ru(II) complexes have not been reported previously, the present research may help to develop innovative chemical strategies and therapies.

High-throughout identification of telomere-binding ligands based on photo-induced electron transfer

A fast and cost-effective method is developed for high-throughout screening G-quadruplex-binding ligands based on the photo-induced electron transfer.

Effects of deficient of the Hoogsteen base-pairs on the G-quadruplex stabilization and binding mode of a cationic porphyrin

Background

In stabilization of the G-quadruplex, formation of a Hoogsteen base-pair between the guanine (G) bases is essential. However, the contribution of each Hoogsteen base-pair at different positions to whole stability of the G-quadruplex has not been known. In this study, the effect of a deficiency of the Hoogsteen type hydrogen bond in the G-quadruplex stability was investigated. Spectral properties of meso-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMPyP) associated with various G-quadruplexes were also examined.

Methods

The thermal stability of the thrombin-binding DNA aptamer 5′G₁G₂TTG₅G₆TG₈TG₁₀G₁₁TTG₁₄G₁₅ G-quadruplex, in which the guanine (G) base at 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8th positions was replaced with an inosine (I) base, one at a time, was investigated by circular dichroism (CD). The absorption, CD and fluorescence decay curve for the G-quadruplex associated TMPyP were also measured.

Results

The transition from the G-quadruplex to a single stranded form was endothermic and induced by an increase in entropy. The order in stability was 0>8>6>2>5>1, where the numbers denote the position of the replacement and 0 represents no replacements of the G base, suggesting the significant contribution of the G₁ base in the stability of the G-quadruplex. Alteration in the spectral property of TMPyP briefly followed the order in thermal stability.

Conclusions

Replacement of a G base with an I base resulted in destabilization of the G-quadruplex. The missing hydrogen bond at position 1 destabilized the G-quadruplex most efficiently. TMPyP binds near the I base-replaced location namely, the side of the G-quadruplex.

General significance

The Hoogsteen base-pairing is confirmed to be essential in stabilization of G-quadruplex. When G is replaced with I, the latter base is mobile to interact with cationic porphyrin.

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Thermal stability of a quadruplex, 5´G₁G₂TTG₅G₆TG₈TG₉G₁₀TTG₁₁G₁₂ was investigated.

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Replacement of G by I base decreases melting temperature.

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The stability decreased 0>8>6>2>5>1, where numbers denotes the position replaced.

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Replaced I base interacts with a cationic porphyrin, TMPyP.

Simultaneous enhancement of fluorescence and solubility by N-alkylation and functionalization of 2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline with heterocyclic bridges

A family of TIP based aromatic heterocyclic compounds has been designed and synthesized by introducing alkyl chains and extended S-, N- and O-containing tails, where simultaneous enhancement of fluorescence and solubility has been achieved.

Two structurally analogous ruthenium complexes as naked-eye and reversible molecular "light switch" for G-quadruplex DNA

A pair of symmetrical furyl based ruthenium(II) complexes ([Ru(phen)2dpq-df](2+) (1) and [Ru(bpy)2dpq-df](2+) (2) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, dpq-df=dipyrido (3,2-a:2',3'-c) quinoxaline-difuran) have been prepared and characterized. The binding properties of both complexes toward G-quadruplex DNA have been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting assays and molecular docking studies. The experimental results indicated that both Ru-complexes exhibited a remarkable "light switch" effect in the presence of hybrid G-quadruplex DNA. Interestingly, the "light switch" can be repeated off and on through the successive addition of Cu(2+) ions and EDTA, and all these behaviors can be observed even by the naked eyes. Moreover, FRET melting assay revealed that both complexes could be potential stabilizers for G-quadruplex architectures. The computational studies not only confirmed that the two complex molecules bound to one G-quadruplex DNA molecule, but also explained the "light switch" effect.

Dinuclear nickel(II) triple-stranded supramolecular cylinders: syntheses, characterization and G-quadruplexes binding properties

Three dinuclear nickel triple-stranded supramolecular cylinders [Ni2(L1)3][ClO4]4 (1), [Ni2(L2)3][ClO4]4 (2) and [Ni2(L3)3][ClO4]4 (3) with bis(pyridylimine) Schiff base containing triphenyl groups in the spacers as ligands were synthesized and characterized. The human telomeric G-quadruplexes binding properties of cylinders 1-3 were evaluated by means of UV-Vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting assay. UV-Vis studies revealed that the supramolecular cylinders 1-3 could bind to G-quadruplex DNA with high binding constants (Kb values ranging from 0.11-2.2×10(6) M(-1)). FRET melting studies indicated that the cylinders 1-3 had much stronger stabilizing effect on G-quadruplex DNA (ΔTm up to 24.5°C) than the traditional cylinder Ni2L3(4+) just containing diphenylmethane spacers (ΔTm=10.6 °C). Meanwhile, cylinders 1-3 were found to have a modest degree of selectivity for the quadruplex DNA versus duplex DNA in competition FRET assays. Moreover, CD spectroscopy revealed that complex 1 could induce G-quadruplex formation in the absence of metal ions solution and convert antiparallel G-quadruplex into hybrid structure in Na(+) solution. These results provided a new insight into the development of supramolecular cylinders as potential anticancer drugs targeting G-quadruplex DNA.

Interactions of ruthenium complexes containing indoloquinoline moiety with human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA

G-quadruplex structures are attractive targets for the development of anticancer drugs, as their formation in human telomere could impair telomerase activity, thus inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Vast majority of G-quadruplex binding molecules have been designed and synthesized. Ruthenium complexes have also been reported to induction or stabilization of G-quadruplex structure of human telomeric sequence, whereas most of them generally promote the formation of antiparallel or hybrid-type G-quadruplex structure. Ruthenium complex that selectively promotes the formation of parallel G-quadruplex structure has rarely been reported. We reported here the interaction of two ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)2(mitatp)](2+)1 and [Ru(phen)2(mitatp)](2+)2 (bpy=2,2' bipyridine, phen=1,10-phenanthroline, mitatp=5-methoxy-isatino[1,2-b]-1,4,8,9-tetraazatriphenylene) containing indoloquinoline moiety with human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA (Telo22). Complex 1 binds to Telo22 tightly via a stable π-π stacking interaction and efficiently stabilizes the G-quadruplex structure. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra titration results suggest that complex 1 could induce Telo22 to fold into antiparallel G-quadruplex conformation. Complex 2 exhibits moderate G-quadruplex binding and stabilizing ability, while CD titration data reveals that complex 2 could promote the formation of parallel G-quadruplex structure.

Targeting human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA and inhibition of telomerase activity with [(dmb)2Ru(obip)Ru(dmb)2](4+)

Inhibition of telomerase by inducing/stabilizing G-quadruplex formation is a promising strategy to design new anticancer drugs. We synthesized and characterized a new dinuclear complex [(dmb)₂Ru(obip)Ru(dmb)₂]⁴⁺ (dmb = 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridine, obip = (2-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) with high affinity for both antiparallel and mixed parallel / antiparallel G-quadruplex DNA. This complex can promote the formation and stabilize G-quadruplex DNA. Dialysis and TRAP experiments indicated that [(dmb)₂Ru(obip)Ru(dmb)₂]⁴⁺ acted as an excellent telomerase inhibitor due to its obvious selectivity for G-quadruplex DNA rather than double stranded DNA. In vitro co-culture experiments implied that [(dmb)₂Ru(obip)Ru(dmb)₂]⁴⁺ inhibited telomerase activity and hindered cancer cell proliferation without side effects to normal fibroblast cells. TUNEL assay indicated that inhibition of telomerase activity induced DNA cleavage further apoptosis in cancer cells. Therefore, Ru^II complex represents an exciting opportunity for anticancer drug design by specifically targeting cancer cell G-quadruplexes DNA.

Phenanthroline-2,9-bistriazoles as selective G-quadruplex ligands

G-quadruplex (G4) ligands are currently receiving considerable attention as potential anticancer therapeutics. A series of phenanthroline-2,9-bistriazoles carrying tethered positive end groups has been synthesized and evaluated as G4 stabilizers. The compounds were efficiently assembled by copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) in CH2Cl2 and water in the presence of a complexing agent. Characterization of the target compounds on telomeric and c-KIT G4 sequences led to the identification of guanidinium-substituted compounds as potent G4 DNA ligands with high selectivity over duplex DNA. The diisopropylguanidium ligands exhibited high selectivity for the proto-oncogenic sequence c-KIT over the human telomeric sequence in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, whereas the compounds appeared potent on both G4 structures in the FRET melting temperature assay. The phenanthroline-2,9-bistriazole ligands were thus identified as potent G4 ligands with high selectivity over duplex DNA, and preliminary results indicate that the scaffold may form basis for the development of subtype-specific G4 ligands.

Shedding light on the interactions of guanine quadruplexes with tricationic metalloporphyrins

G-quadruplex DNA presents a potential target for the design and development of novel anticancer drugs. The porphyrin TMPyP4 was early reported to be a suitable motif for G-quadruplex DNA interaction. We inserted various metal ions such as Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(III) in the center of the aromatic core of tricationic TMPyP4-like porphyrin and examined their interactions with an antiparallel G-quadruplex DNA by a combination of spectroscopy and Job plot methods. Porphyrin metallation allowed the conclusion that the presence of one axial ligand perpendicular to the aromatic plane did not hamper π-π stacking interactions between quadruplex and the aromatic parts of porphyrin on the other face while porphyrin with two axial ligands was unable to undergo such interaction due to geometrical factors. Free base porphyrin and porphyrin without axial ligands are able to stabilize the quadruplex structure to a greater extent than the other metal complexes and thus may be potential anti-cancer drugs.

Induction of G-quadruplex DNA structure by Zn(II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin

G-quadruplexes (GQ) are formed by the association of guanine-rich stretches of DNA. Certain small molecules can influence kinetics and thermodynamics of this association. Understanding the mechanism of ligand-assisted GQ folding is necessary for the design of more efficient cancer therapeutics. The oligonucleotide d(TAGGG)(2) forms parallel bimolecular GQ in the presence of ≥66 mM K(+); GQs are not formed under Na(+), Li(+) or low K(+) conditions. The thermodynamic parameters for GQ folding at 60 μM oligonucleotide and 100 mM KCl are ΔH = -35 ± 2 kcal mol(-1) and ΔG(310) = -1.4 kcal mol(-1). Quadruplex [d(TAGGG)(2)](2) binds 2-3 K(+) ions with K(d) of 0.5 ± 0.2 mM. Our work addresses the question of whether metal free 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin (TMPyP4) and its Zn(II), Cu(II), and Pt(II) derivatives are capable of facilitating GQ folding of d(TAGGG)(2) from single stranded, or binding to preformed GQ, using UV-vis and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies. ZnTMPyP4 is unique among other porphyrins in its ability to induce GQ structure of d(TAGGG)(2), which also requires at least a low amount of potassium. ZnTMPyP4 binds with 2:1 stoichiometry possibly in an end-stacking mode with a ~10(6) M(-1) binding constant, determined through UV-vis and ITC titrations. This process is entropically driven and has ΔG(298) of -8.0 kcal mol(-1). TMPyP4 binds with 3:1 stoichiometry and K(a) of ~10(6) M(-1). ZnTMPyP4 and TMPyP4 are efficient stabilizers of [d(TAGGG)(2)](2) displaying ΔT(1/2) of 13.5 and 13.8 °C, respectively, at 1:2 GQ to porphyrin ratio; CuTMPyP4 shows a much weaker effect (ΔT(1/2) = 4.7 °C) and PtTMPyP4 is weakly destabilizing (ΔT(1/2) = -2.9 °C). The selectivity of ZnTMPyP4 for GQ versus dsDNA is comparable to that of TMPyP4. The ability of ZnTMPyP4 to bind and stabilize GQ, to induce GQ formation, and speed up its folding may suggest an important biological activity for this molecule.