Selective Inhibition of Human α-Thrombin by Cobalt(III) Schiff Base Complexes

Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probes for Binding- and Activity-Based Sensing of Redox-Active Biological Metals

Although transition metals constitute less than 0.1% of the total mass within a human body, they have a substantial impact on fundamental biological processes across all kingdoms of life. Indeed, these nutrients play crucial roles in the physiological functions of enzymes, with the redox properties of many of these metals being essential to their activity. At the same time, imbalances in transition metal pools can be detrimental to health. Modern analytical techniques are helping to illuminate the workings of metal homeostasis at a molecular and atomic level, their spatial localization in real time, and the implications of metal dysregulation in disease pathogenesis. Fluorescence microscopy has proven to be one of the most promising non-invasive methods for studying metal pools in biological samples. The accuracy and sensitivity of bioimaging experiments are predominantly determined by the fluorescent metal-responsive sensor, highlighting the importance of rational probe design for such measurements. This review covers activity- and binding-based fluorescent metal sensors that have been applied to cellular studies. We focus on the essential redox-active metals: iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, chromium, and nickel. We aim to encourage further targeted efforts in developing innovative approaches to understanding the biological chemistry of redox-active metals.

Structural stability of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease: Can metal ions affect function?

We have investigated the structural stability of the SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV-2 main protease monomer (Mpro). We quantified the spatial and angular changes in the structure using two independent analyses, one based on a spatial metrics (δ, ratio), the second on angular metrics. The order of unfolding of the 10 helices in Mpro is characterized by beta vs alpha plots similar to those of cytochromes and globins. The longest turning region is anomalous in the earliest stage of unfolding. In an investigation of excluded-volume effects, we found that the maximum spread in average molecular-volume values for Mpro, cytochrome c-b₅₆₂, cytochrome c’, myoglobin, and cytoglobin is ~10 Å³. This apparent universality is a consequence of the dominant contributions from six residues: ALA, ASP, GLU, LEU, LYS and VAL. Of the seven Mpro histidines, residues 41, 163, 164, and 246 are in stable H-bonded regions; metal ion binding to one or more of these residues could break up the H-bond network, thereby affecting protease function. Our analysis also indicated that metal binding to cysteine residues 44 and 145 could disable the enzyme.

•

Covid-19 disease is produced by SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV-2.

•

Excluded volume in the folded SARS-CoV-2 main protease is estimated.

•

Helix stabilities in the SARS-CoV-2 main protease differ dramatically.

•

Metal ion binding could inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

Physical properties, ligand substitution reactions, and biological activity of Co(iii)-Schiff base complexes

Four cobalt(iii) complexes of the general formula [Co(Schiff base)(L)2]+, where L is ammonia (NH3) or 3-fluorobenzylamine (3F-BnNH2), were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Their electrochemical properties, ligand substitution mechanisms, and ligand exchange rates in aqueous buffer were investigated. These physical properties were correlated to the cellular uptake and anticancer activities of the complexes. The complexes undergo sequential, dissociative ligand substitution, with the exchange rates depending heavily on the axial ligands. Eyring analyses revealed that the relative ligand exchange rates were largely impacted by differences in the entropy, rather than enthalpy, of activation for the complexes. Performing the substitution reactions in the presence of ascorbate led to a change in the reaction profile and kinetics, but no change in the final product. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes correlates with both the ligand exchange rate and reduction potential, with the more easily reduced and rapidly substituted complexes showing higher toxicity. These relationships may be valuable for the rational design of Co(iii) complexes as anticancer or antiviral prodrugs.

New perspectives of cobalt tris(bipyridine) system: anti-cancer effect and its collateral sensitivity towards multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancers

Platinating compounds including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are common chemotherapeutic agents, however, patients developed resistance to these clinical agents after initial therapeutic treatments. Therefore, different approaches have been applied to identify novel therapeutic agents, molecular mechanisms, and targets for overcoming drug resistance. In this study, we have identified a panel of cobalt complexes that were able to specifically induce collateral sensitivity in taxol-resistant and p53-deficient cancer cells. Consistently, our reported anti-cancer functions of cobalt complexes 1-6 towards multidrug-resistant cancers have suggested the protective and non-toxic properties of cobalt metal-ions based compounds in anti-cancer therapies. As demonstrated in xenograft mouse model, our results also confirmed the identified cobalt complex 2 was able to suppress tumor growth in vivo. The anti-cancer effect of the cobalt complex 2 was further demonstrated to be exerted via the induction of autophagy, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell invasion and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity. These data have provided alternative metal ion compounds for targeting drug resistance cancers in chemotherapies.

Bis(thiosemicarbazone) Complexes of Cobalt(III). Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Potential

Nine bis(thiosemicarbazone) (BTSC) cobalt(III) complexes of the general formula [Co(BTSC)(L)2]NO3 were synthesized, where BTSC = diacetyl bis(thiosemicarbazone) (ATS), pyruvaldehyde bis(thiosemicarbazone) (PTS), or glyoxal bis(thiosemicarbazone) (GTS) and L = ammonia, imidazole (Im), or benzylamine (BnA). These compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography. Their stability in phosphate-buffered saline was investigated and found to be highly dependent on the nature of the axial ligand, L. These studies revealed that complex stability is primarily dictated by the axial ligand following the sequence NH3 > Im > BnA. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in cancer cells were also determined. Both the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were significantly affected by the nature of the equatorial BTSC. Complexes of ATS were taken up much more effectively than those of PTS and GTS. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was correlated to that of the free ligand. Cell uptake and cytotoxicity were also determined under hypoxic conditions. Only minor differences in the hypoxia activity and uptake were observed. Treatment of the cancer cells with the copper-depleting agent tetrathiomolybdate decreased the cytotoxic potency of the complexes, indicating that they may operate via a copper-dependent mechanism. These results provide a structure-activity relationship for this class of compounds, which may be applied for the rational design of new cobalt(III) anticancer agents.

Tuning cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes as activated protein inhibitors

Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes ([Co(acacen)(L)2](+), where L = NH3) inhibit histidine-containing proteins through dissociative exchange of the labile axial ligands (L). This work investigates axial ligand exchange dynamics of [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) complexes toward the development of protein inhibitors that are activated by external triggers such as light irradiation. We sought to investigate ligand exchange dynamics to design a Co(III) complex that is substitutionally inert under normal physiological conditions for selective activation. Fluorescent imidazoles (C3Im) were prepared as axial ligands in [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) to produce complexes (CoC3Im) that could report on ligand exchange and, thus, complex stability. These fluorescent imidazole reporters guided the design of a new dinuclear Co(III) Schiff base complex containing bridging diimidazole ligands, which exhibits enhanced stability to ligand exchange with competing imidazoles and to hydrolysis within a biologically relevant pH range. These studies inform the design of biocompatible Co(III) Schiff base complexes that can be selectively activated for protein inhibition with spatial and temporal specificity.

Targeted Inhibition of Snail Activity in Breast Cancer Cells by Using a Co(III) -Ebox Conjugate

The transition from a non-invasive to an invasive phenotype is an essential step in tumor metastasis. The Snail family of transcription factors (TFs) is known to play a significant role in this transition. These TFs are zinc fingers that bind to the CAGGTG Ebox consensus sequence. Co(III) -Ebox is a cobalt(III) complex attached to an Ebox oligonucleotide that confers specificity towards Snail TFs. Co(III) -Ebox has been shown to inhibit Snail-mediated embryonic neural crest development in Xenopus laevis, but its efficacy in inhibiting Snail-induced cancer cell invasiveness has not been explored. Here, we describe the efficacy of Co(III) -Ebox in inhibiting the invasive aspects of heregulin-β1(HRG)-treated breast cancer cells. Co(III) -Ebox was found to inhibit the capacity of Snail to repress target genes after HRG induction. Snail inhibition by Co(III) -Ebox reduced the invasive propensity of cells in 2D and 3D, thereby demonstrating promise in inhibiting metastasis.

Light-activated protein inhibition through photoinduced electron transfer of a ruthenium(II)-cobalt(III) bimetallic complex

We describe a mechanism of light activation that initiates protein inhibitory action of a biologically inert Co(III) Schiff base (Co(III)-sb) complex. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) occurs from a Ru(II) bipyridal complex to a covalently attached Co(III) complex and is gated by conformational changes that occur in tens of nanoseconds. Reduction of the Co(III)-sb by PET initiates displacement of the inert axial imidazole ligands, promoting coordination to active site histidines of α-thrombin. Upon exposure to 455 nm light, the rate of ligand exchange with 4-methylimidazole, a histidine mimic, increases by approximately 5-fold, as observed by NMR spectroscopy. Similarly, the rate of α-thrombin inhibition increases over 5-fold upon irradiation. These results convey a strategy for light activation of inorganic therapeutic agents through PET utilizing redox-active metal centers.

Modulation of amyloid-β aggregation by histidine-coordinating Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes

Oligomers of the Aβ42 peptide are significant neurotoxins linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Histidine (His) residues present at the N terminus of Aβ42 are believed to influence toxicity by either serving as metal-ion binding sites (which promote oligomerization and oxidative damage) or facilitating synaptic binding. Transition metal complexes that bind to these residues and modulate Aβ toxicity have emerged as therapeutic candidates. Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes (Co-sb) were evaluated for their ability to interact with Aβ peptides. HPLC-MS, NMR, fluorescence, and DFT studies demonstrated that Co-sb complexes could interact with the His residues in a truncated Aβ16 peptide representing the Aβ42 N terminus. Coordination of Co-sb complexes altered the structure of Aβ42 peptides and promoted the formation of large soluble oligomers. Interestingly, this structural perturbation of Aβ correlated to reduced synaptic binding to hippocampal neurons. These results demonstrate the promise of Co-sb complexes in anti-AD therapeutic approaches.

Spectroscopic elucidation of the inhibitory mechanism of Cys2His2 zinc finger transcription factors by cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes

Transcription factors are key regulators in both normal and pathological cell processes. Affecting the activity of these proteins is a promising strategy for understanding gene regulation and developing effective therapeutics. Co(III) Schiff base complexes ([Co(acacen)(L)2](+) where L=labile axial ligands) have been shown to be potent inhibitors of a number of zinc metalloproteins including Cys2His2 zinc finger transcription factors. Inhibition by [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) of the target protein is believed to occur through a dissociative exchange of the labile axial ligands for histidine (His) residues essential for function. Here, we report a series of spectroscopic investigations with model peptides of zinc fingers that elucidate the interaction between [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) complexes and zinc finger transcription factors. Observed changes in NMR chemical shifts and 2D (1)H-(1)H NOESY NMR spectra demonstrate the preference of [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) complexes to coordinate His residues over other amino acids. The conformation of [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) upon His coordination was characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, near-UV CD, and electronic absorption. These studies reveal that the resulting His-coordinated [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) complex possesses an octahedral structure. The effects of [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) complexes on the zinc-finger structure were assessed by the degree of hydrogen bonding (probed by 2D NMR spectroscopy) and secondary-structure profiles measured by far-UV CD. These structural studies demonstrate the ability of [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) complexes to disrupt the ββα structure of zinc fingers, resulting in primarily random-coil conformations. A mechanism is described wherein [Co(acacen)(L)2](+) complexes inhibit zinc finger transcription factor activity through selectively coordinating His residues in the zinc finger by dissociative ligand exchange and disrupting the ββα structural motif required for gene regulation.

Photoinduced electron transfer from PbS quantum dots to cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes: light activation of a protein inhibitor

This paper describes the activation of a biologically inert Co(III) Schiff base [Co(III)-SB] complex to its protein inhibitor form by photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from a colloidal PbS quantum dot (QD, radii of 1.5-1.7 nm) to the cobalt center, with a charge separation time constant of 125 ns. Reduction of the Co(III)-SB complex initiates release of the native axial ligands, promoting replacement with the histidine mimic 4-methylimidazole. The rate of ligand displacement increases by a factor of approximately 8 upon exposure of the PbS QD/Co(III)-SB mixture to light with an energy greater than the energy of the first excitonic state of the QDs, from which PET occurs. These results suggest an approach for the preparation of inorganic therapeutic agents that can be specifically coupled to a biologically active site by cooperative redox binding ligation.

Axial ligand exchange of N-heterocyclic cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes: molecular structure and NMR solution dynamics

The kinetic and thermodynamic ligand exchange dynamics are important considerations in the rational design of metal-based therapeutics and therefore, require detailed investigation. Co(III) Schiff base complex derivatives of bis(acetylacetone)ethylenediimine [acacen] have been found to be potent enzyme and transcription factor inhibitors. These complexes undergo solution exchange of labile axial ligands. Upon dissociation, Co(III) irreversibly interacts with specific histidine residues of a protein, and consequently alters structure and causes inhibition. To guide the rational design of next generation agents, understanding the mechanism and dynamics of the ligand exchange process is essential. To investigate the lability, pH stability, and axial ligand exchange of these complexes in the absence of proteins, the pD- and temperature-dependent axial ligand substitution dynamics of a series of N-heterocyclic [Co(acacen)(X)(2)](+) complexes [where X = 2-methylimidazole (2MeIm), 4-methylimidazole (4MeIm), ammine (NH(3)), N-methylimidazole (NMeIm), and pyridine (Py)] were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The pD stability was shown to be closely related to the nature of the axial ligand with the following trend toward aquation: 2MeIm > NH(3) ≫ 4MeIm > Py > Im > NMeIm. Reaction of each [Co(III)(acacen)(X)(2)](+) derivative with 4MeIm showed formation of a mixed ligand Co(III) intermediate via a dissociative ligand exchange mechanism. The stability of the mixed ligand adduct was directly correlated to the pD-dependent stability of the starting Co(III) Schiff base with respect to [Co(acacen)(4MeIm)(2)](+). Crystal structure analysis of the [Co(acacen)(X)(2)](+) derivatives confirmed the trends in stability observed by NMR spectroscopy. Bond distances between the Co(III) and the axial nitrogen atoms were longest in the 2MeIm derivative as a result of distortion in the planar tetradentate ligand, and this was directly correlated to axial ligand lability and propensity toward exchange.

Cobalt derivatives as promising therapeutic agents

Inorganic complexes are versatile platforms for the development of potent and selective pharmaceutical agents. Cobalt possesses a diverse array of properties that can be manipulated to yield promising drug candidates. Investigations into the mechanism of cobalt therapeutic agents can provide valuable insight into the physicochemical properties that can be harnessed for drug development. This review presents examples of bioactive cobalt complexes with special attention to their mechanisms of action. Specifically, cobalt complexes that elicit biological effects through protein inhibition, modification of drug activity, and bioreductive activation are discussed. Insights gained from these examples reveal features of cobalt that can be rationally tuned to produce therapeutics with high specificity and improved efficacy for the biomolecule or pathway of interest.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of irreversible inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 2 by a Co(III) Schiff base complex

Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes have been used as potent inhibitors of protein function through the coordination to histidine residues essential for activity. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the binding mechanism of Co(acacen)(NH(3))(2)Cl [Co(acacen); where H(2)acacen is bis(acetylacetone)ethylenediimine] enzyme inhibition has been examined through the inactivation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) protease activity. Co(acacen) is an irreversible inhibitor that exhibits time- and concentration-dependent inactivation of MMP-2. Co(acacen) inhibition of MMP-2 is temperature-dependent, with the inactivation increasing with temperature. Examination of the formation of the transition state for the MMP-2/Co(acacen) complex was determined to have a positive entropy component indicative of greater disorder in the MMP-2/Co(acacen) complex than in the reactants. With further insight into the mechanism of Co(acacen) complexes, Co(III) Schiff base complex protein inactivators can be designed to include features regulating activity and protein specificity. This approach is widely applicable to protein targets that have been identified to have clinical significance, including matrix metalloproteinases. The mechanistic information elucidated here further emphasizes the versatility and utility of Co(III) Schiff base complexes as customizable protein inhibitors.

Targeted inactivation of Snail family EMT regulatory factors by a Co(III)-Ebox conjugate

Snail family proteins are core EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) regulatory factors that play essential roles in both development and disease processes and have been associated with metastasis in carcinomas. Snail factors are required for the formation of neural crest stem cells in most vertebrate embryos, as well as for the migratory invasive behavior of these cells. Snail factors have recently been linked to the formation of cancer stem cells, and expression of Snail proteins may be associated with tumor recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We report that Co(III)-Ebox is a potent inhibitor of Snail- mediated transcriptional repression in breast cancer cells and in the neural crest of Xenopus. We further show that the activity of Co(III)-Ebox can be modulated by temperature, increasing the utility of this conjugate as a Snail inhibitor in model organisms. We exploit this feature to further delineate the requirements for Snail function during neural crest development, showing that in addition to the roles that Snail factors play in neural crest precursor formation and neural crest EMT/migration, inhibition of Snail function after the onset of neural crest migration leads to a loss of neural crest derived melanocytes. Co(III)-Ebox-mediated inhibition therefore provides a powerful tool for analysing the function of these core EMT factors with unparalleled temporal resolution. Moreover, the potency of Co(III)-Ebox as a Snail inhibitor in breast cancer cells suggests its potential as a therapeutic inhibitor of tumor progression and metastasis.

Specific inhibition of the transcription factor Ci by a cobalt(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugate

We describe the use of Co(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugates, a versatile class of research tools that target C2H2 transcription factors, to inhibit the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. In developing mammalian embryos, Hh signaling is critical for the formation and development of many tissues and organs. Inappropriate activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been implicated in a variety of cancers including medulloblastomas and basal cell carcinomas. It is well-known that Hh regulates the activity of the Gli family of C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors in mammals. In Drosophila the function of the Gli proteins is performed by a single transcription factor with an identical DNA binding consensus sequence, Cubitus Interruptus (Ci). We have demonstrated previously that conjugation of a specific 17 base-pair oligonucleotide to a Co(III) Schiff base complex results in a targeted inhibitor of the Snail family C2H2 zinc finger transcription factors. Modification of the oligonucleotide sequence in the Co(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugate to that of Ci's consensus sequence (Co(III)-Ci) generates an equally selective inhibitor of Ci. Co(III)-Ci irreversibly binds the Ci zinc finger domain and prevents it from binding DNA in vitro. In a Ci responsive tissue culture reporter gene assay, Co(III)-Ci reduces the transcriptional activity of Ci in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, injection of wild-type Drosophila embryos with Co(III)-Ci phenocopies a Ci loss of function phenotype, demonstrating effectiveness in vivo. This study provides evidence that Co(III) Schiff base-DNA conjugates are a versatile class of specific and potent tools for studying zinc finger domain proteins and have potential applications as customizable anticancer therapeutics.

A convenient synthesis of novel symmetrical bis-Schiff bases of 2, 2'-thio-bis[4-methyl(2-aminophenoxy)phenyl ether] in solution and under solvent-free conditions

A convenient and straightforward procedure for the synthesis of novel symmetrical bis-Schiff bases has been achieved through the condensation of the symmetrical primary bis-amine 2,2'-thio-bis[4-methyl(2-aminophenoxy) phenyl ether] with a series of aryl aldehydes in organic solvents at room temperature and in solvent-free media, in moderate to high yields.

(E)-6-Chloro-N'-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzyl-idene)-nicotinohydrazide

The title Schiff base compound, C₁₃H₈Cl₃N₃O₂, was synthesized by the condensation reaction of 3,5-dichloro­salicyl­aldehyde with 6-chloro­nicotinic acid hydrazide in 95% ethanol. The mol­ecule is nearly planar, with a dihedral angle of 1.9 (2)° between the aromatic ring planes, and an intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond is observed. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are connected by inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into infinite chains propagating in [100].

Targeting proteins with metal complexes

Unique properties of metal complexes, such as structural diversity, adjustable ligand exchange kinetics, fine-tuned redox activities, and distinct spectroscopic signatures, make them exciting scaffolds not only for binding to nucleic acids but increasingly also to proteins as non-traditional targets. This feature article discusses recent trends in this field. These include the use of chemically inert metal complexes as structural scaffolds for the design of enzyme inhibitors, new strategies for inducing selective coordination chemistry at the protein binding site, recent advances in the development of catalytic enzyme inhibitors, and the design of metal complexes that can inject electrons or holes into redox enzymes. A common theme in many of the discussed examples is that binding selectivity is at least in part achieved through weak interactions between the ligand sphere and the protein binding site. These examples hint to an exciting future in which "organic-like" molecular recognition principles are combined with properties that are unique to metals and thus promise to yield compounds with novel and unprecedented properties.

Synthesis, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity evaluation of some new bis-Schiff bases of isatin and their derivatives

Twelve new bis-Schiff bases of isatin, benzylisatin and 5-fluoroisatin 3a-3l were prepared by condensation of isatin, benzylisatin and 5-fluoroisatin with primary aromatic amines. The chemical structures of the products were confirmed by 1H- and 13CNMR, IR and mass spectral data. The compounds were screened for antiviral activity against a panel of DNA and RNA viruses. Minimum cytotoxic and minimum virus-inhibitory concentrations of these compounds were determined. Compounds 3c and 3i were the most cytotoxic in HEL cells. These newly synthesized bis-Schiff bases were also tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. They did not display activity against S. cerevisiae (ATCC 28383) or C. albicans (CIP 1180-79).

Ruthenium complexes as protein kinase inhibitors

[reaction: see text] Replacing complex natural products with simple metal complexes could lead to a new class of metallopharmaceuticals in which the metal center plays mainly a structural role. A strategy is introduced for the creation of ruthenium complex-based protein kinase inhibitors 1 (X = CO or CH(2)), morphed out of the class of indolocarbazole inhibitors with the alkaloid staurosporine as its most prominent member.

Inhibition of thermolysin and human alpha-thrombin by cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes

Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes have been shown to inhibit the replication of the ocular herpes virus. It is well known that these complexes have a high affinity for nitrogenous donors such as histidine residues, and it is possible that they bind to (and inhibit) an enzyme that is crucial to viral replication. In model studies, we have found that [Co(acacen)(NH3)2]+ is an effective irreversible inhibitor of thermolysin at millimolar concentrations; it also inhibits human alpha-thrombin. Axial ligand exchange with an active-site histidine is the proposed mechanism of inhibition. The activity of thermolysin and thrombin can be protected by binding a reversible inhibitor to the active site before addition of the cobalt(III) complex.