Substituted titanocenes induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in human epidermoid carcinoma cells in vitro and exhibit antitumour activity in vivo

Novel Titanocene Y derivative with albumin affinity exhibits improved anticancer activity against platinum resistant cells

The antitumor activity of Ti(IV)-based compounds put them in the spotlight for cancer treatment in the past, but their lack of stability in vivo due to a high rate of hydrolysis has hindered their development as antitumor drugs. As a possible solution for this problem, we have reported a synthesis strategy through which we combined a titanocene fragment, a tridentate ligand, and a long aliphatic chain. This strategy allowed us to generate a titanium compound (Myr-Ti) capable of interacting with albumin, highly stable in water and with cytotoxic activity in tumor cells[1]. Following a similar strategy, now we report the synthesis of a new compound (Myr-TiY) derived from titanocene Y that shows antitumoral activity in a cisplatin resistant model with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 41-76 μM. This new compound shows high stability and a strong interaction with human serum albumin. Myr-TiY has a significant antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect on the tested cancer cells and shows potential tumor selectivity when assayed in non-tumor human epithelial cells being more selective (1.3-3.8 times) for tumor cells than cisplatin. These results lead us to think that the described synthesis strategy could be useful to generate compounds for the treatment of both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cancers.

Bioactive O^N^O^ Schiff base appended homoleptic titanium(iv) complexes: DFT, BSA/CT-DNA interactions, molecular docking and antitumor activity against HeLa and A549 cell lines

Five new homoleptic derivatives of titanium(iv) have been developed and characterized by physicochemical techniques. Metal complexes, TiH2L1 [(C38H26N6O4)Ti], TiH2L2 [(C38H24F2N6O4)Ti], TiH2L3 [(C38H24Cl2N6O4)Ti], TiH2L4 [(C38H24Br2N6O4)Ti] and TiH2L5 [(C38H24N8O8)Ti], were obtained by treating Ti(OPri)4 with appropriate ONO ligands (H2L1-H2L5) in anhydrous THF as solvent. The electronic structures and properties of titanium(iv) complexes (TiH2L1-TiH2L5) and ligands (H2L1-H2L5) were examined by DFT studies. The stability of all synthesized derivatives was assessed by a UV-visible technique using 10% DMSO, GSH medium and n-octanol/water systems. The binding interactions of BSA and CT-DNA with respective titanium(iv) complexes were successfully evaluated by employing UV-visible absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) techniques and docking studies. The in vitro cytotoxicity of TiH2L2, TiH2L3 and TiH2L4 complexes was assessed against HeLa (human epithelioid cervical cancer cells) and A549 (lung carcinoma) cell lines. The IC50 values of TiH2L2, TiH2L3 and TiH2L4 were observed to be 28.8, 14.7 and 31.2 μg mL-1 for the HeLa cell line and 38.2, 32.9 and 67.78 μg mL-1 for A549 cells, respectively. Complex TiH2L3 exhibited remarkably induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and 77.99% ROS production selectivity in the HeLa cell line.

Ginsenoside Rh2 stimulates the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and induces apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transfer chain complex

Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) is a monomeric compound that extracted from ginseng and possesses anti-cancer activities both in vitro and in vivo. Previously, we reported that G-Rh2 induces apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells and that the process was related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the upstream mechanisms of G-Rh2, along with its cellular targets, remain to be elucidated. In the present study, the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry and Hoechst staining revealed that G-Rh2 significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. However, G-Rh2 was demonstrated to be non-toxic to End1/e6e7 cells. JC-1, rhodamine 123 staining, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis capacity assays demonstrated that G-Rh2 exposure caused an immediate decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential due to its inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, as well as glycolysis, both of which reduced cellular ATP production. Western blotting and electron transport chain (ETC) activity assays revealed that G-Rh2 significantly inhibited the activity of ETC complexes I, III and V. Overexpression of ETC complex III partially significantly restored mitochondrial ROS and inhibited the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells induced by G-Rh2. The predicted results of binding energy in molecular docking, confirmed that G-Rh2 was highly likely to induce mitochondrial ROS production and promote cell apoptosis by targeting the ETC complex, especially for ETC complex III. Taken together, the present results revealed the potential anti-cervical cancer activity of G-Rh2 and provide direct evidence for the contribution of impaired ETC complex activity to cervical cancer cell death.

Evaluating Ligand Modifications of the Titanocene and Auranofin Moieties for the Development of More Potent Anticancer Drugs

Over time platinum-based anticancer drugs have dominated the market, but their side effects significantly impact the quality of life of patients. Alternative treatments are being developed all over the world. The titanocene and auranofin families of compounds, discovered through an empirical search for other metal-based therapeutics, hold tremendous promise to improve the outcomes of cancer treatment. Herein we present a historical perspective of these compounds and review current efforts focused on the evolution of their ligands to improve their physiological solution stability, cancer selectivity, and antiproliferative performance, guided by a clear understanding of the coordination chemistry and aqueous speciation of the metal ions, of the cytotoxic mechanism of action of the compounds, and the external factors that limit their therapeutic potential. Newer members of these families of compounds and their combination in novel bimetallic complexes are the result of years of scientific research. We believe that this review can have a positive impact in the development and understanding of the metal-based drugs of gold, titanium, and beyond.

Preparation of Titanocene-Gold Compounds Based on Highly Active Gold(I)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Anticancer Agents: Preliminary in vitro Studies in Renal and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

Heterometallic titanocene-based compounds containing gold(I)-phosphane fragments have been extremely successful against renal cancer in vitro and in vivo. The exchange of phosphane by N-heterocyclic carbene ligands to improve or modulate their pharmacological profile afforded bimetallic complexes effective against prostate cancer, but less effective against renal cancer in vitro. Herein we report the synthesis of new bimetallic Ti-Au compounds by the incorporation of two previously reported highly active gold(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene fragments derived from 4,5-diarylimidazoles. The two new compounds [(η5 -C5 H5 )2 TiMe(μ-mba)Au(NHC)] (where NHC=1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-diphenylimidazol-2-ylidene, NHC-Bn 2 a; or 1,3-diethyl-4,5-diphenylimidazol-2-ylidene, NHC-Et 2 b) with the dual linker (-OC(O)-p-C6 H4 -S-) containing both a carboxylate and a thiolate group were evaluated in vitro against renal and prostate cancer cell lines. The compounds were found to be more cytotoxic than previously described Ti-Au compounds containing non-optimized gold(I)-N-heterocyclic fragments. We present studies to evaluate their effects on cell death pathways, migration, inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. The results show that the incorporation of a second metallic fragment such as titanocene into biologically active gold(I) compounds improves their pharmacological profile.

Using titanium complexes to defeat cancer: the view from the shoulders of titans

Seeking ‘unifying mechanisms of action’ in titanium anti-cancer agents: a 40 year odyssey.

Enantiopure titanocene complexes--direct evidence for paraptosis in cancer cells

Tolerated by normal tissues, anti-cancer therapies based on titanium compounds are limited by low efficacy/selectivity and lack of understanding of their mode(s) of action. In vitro antitumour activity and mode of cell death incurred by enantiopure TiCl2{η-C5H4CHEt(2-MeOPh)}2 (abbreviated Cp(R)2TiCl2) has been investigated. The in vitro anti-tumour activity of Cp(R)2TiCl2 is selective for cancer cells; in clonogenic assays, (S,S)-Cp(R)2TiCl2 was twice as effective at inhibiting colony formation than other stereoisomers after 24 h exposure. HPLC, MS and NMR techniques determined hydrolysis of Cp(R)2TiCl2; data strongly correlate with soluble [Cp(R)2Ti(OH)(OH2)](+) being the biological trigger. Treatment of cells with Cp(R)2TiCl2 provoked extensive cytoplasmic vacuolization, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) swelling and activation of MAPKinase signal transduction, consistent with ligand-induced paraptosis, type III cell death, which is morphologically distinct from, and independent of apoptosis. Indeed, distinct from cisplatin, Cp(R)2TiCl2 failed to perturb cell cycle dynamics, induce γH2AX foci or evoke apoptosis in MDA-MB-468 and HCT-116 cells.

Insights into molecular mechanism of action of salan titanium(IV) complex with in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity

Titanium compounds, in particular, Ti(IV) based diaminobis(phenolato) "salan" complexes demonstrate high cytotoxicity towards a wide range of cancer cell lines in vitro, and still, very little is known on their mode of action. A representative salan Ti(IV) complex was tested both in vitro and in vivo on human HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma and A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells. Both cell lines were sensitive in vitro with A2780 demonstrating an enhanced rate of uptake and intracellular accumulation and thus an earlier response to the drug. HT-29 cells responded in vivo by impaired tumor development in nude mice. Both cell lines responded in vitro (but to a different extent) by upregulation of p53 with no apparent effect on p21 followed by cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and necrosis as demonstrated by sub-G1 cell accumulation and staining by Annexin-V and propidium iodide. Furthermore, time dependent activation of cysteine-aspartic proteases9 (caspase9) as well as some minor activation of cysteine-aspartic proteases3 (caspase3) support a direct effect on the apoptotic pathway. The differential response of the two cell lines to the salan titanium(IV) complex suggests that more than one pathway is involved in their growth regulation and thus could inhibit development of drug resistant variants.

Heterometallic titanium-gold complexes inhibit renal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Following recent work on heterometallic titanocene-gold complexes as potential chemotherapeutics for renal cancer, we report here on the synthesis, characterization and stability studies of new titanocene complexes containing a methyl group and a carboxylate ligand (mba = S-C6H4-COO-) bound to gold(I)-phosphane fragments through a thiolate group ([(η-C5H5)2TiMe(μ-mba)Au(PR3)]. The compounds are more stable in physiological media than those previously reported and are highly cytotoxic against human cancer renal cell lines. We describe here preliminary mechanistic data involving studies on the interaction of selected compounds with plasmid (pBR322) DNA used as a model nucleic acid, and with selected protein kinases from a panel of 35 protein kinases having oncological interest. Preliminary mechanistic studies in Caki-1 renal cells indicate that the cytotoxic and anti-migration effects of the most active compound 5 ([(η-C5H5)2TiMe(μ-mba)Au(PPh3)] involve inhibition of thioredoxin reductase and loss of expression of protein kinases that drive cell migration (AKT, p90-RSK, and MAPKAPK3). The co-localization of both titanium and gold metals (1:1 ratio) in Caki-1 renal cells was demonstrated for 5 indicating the robustness of the heterometallic compound in vitro. Two compounds were selected for further in vivo studies on mice based on their selectivity in vitro against renal cancer cell lines when compared to non-tumorigenic human kidney cell lines (HEK-293T and RPTC) and the favourable preliminary toxicity profile in C57BL/6 mice. Evaluation of Caki-1 xenografts in NOD.CB17-Prkdc SCID/J mice showed an impressive tumor reduction (67%) after treatment for 28 days (3 mg/kg/every other day) with heterometallic compound 5 as compared with the previously described [(η-C5H5)2Ti{OC(O)-4-C6H4-P(Ph2)AuCI}2] 3 which was non-inhibitory. These findings indicate that structural modifications on the ligand scaffold affect the in vivo efficacy of this class of compounds.

Metallomics insights into the programmed cell death induced by metal-based anticancer compounds

Since the discovery of cisplatin more than 40 years ago, enormous research efforts have been dedicated to developing metal-based anticancer agents and to elucidating the mechanisms involved in the action of these compounds. Abnormal metabolism and the evasion of apoptosis are important hallmarks of malignant transformation, and the induction of apoptotic cell death has been considered to be a main pathway by which cytotoxic metal complexes combat cancer. However, many cancers have cellular defects involving the apoptotic machinery, which results in an acquired resistance to apoptotic cell death and therefore reduced chemotherapeutic effectiveness. Over the past decade, it has been revealed that a growing number of cell death pathways induced by metal complexes are not dependent on apoptosis. Metal complexes specifically triggering these alternative cell death pathways have been identified and explored as novel cancer treatment options. In this review, we discuss recent examples of metallomics studies on the different types of cell death induced by metal-based anticancer drugs, especially on the three major forms of programmed cell death (PCD) in mammalian cells: apoptosis, autophagy and regulated necrosis, also called necroptosis.

Organometallic Titanocene-Gold Compounds as Potential Chemotherapeutics in Renal Cancer. Study of their Protein Kinase Inhibitory Properties

Early-late transition metal TiAu2 compounds [(η-C5H5)2Ti{OC(O)CH2PPh2AuCl}2] (3) and new [(η-C5H5)2Ti{OC(O)-4-C6H4PPh2AuCl}2] (5) were evaluated as potential anticancer agents in vitro against renal and prostate cancer cell lines. The compounds were significantly more effective than monometallic titanocene dichloride and gold(I) [{HOC(O)RPPh2}AuCl] (R = -CH2- 6, -4-C6H4- 7) derivatives in renal cancer cell lines, indicating a synergistic effect of the resulting heterometallic species. The activity on renal cancer cell lines (for 5 in the nanomolar range) was considerably higher than that of cisplatin and highly active titanocene Y. Initial mechanistic studies in Caki-1 cells in vitro coupled with studies of their inhibitory properties on a panel of 35 kinases of oncological interest indicate that these compounds inhibit protein kinases of the AKT and MAPKAPK families with a higher selectivity toward MAPKAPK3 (IC503 = 91 nM, IC505 = 117 nM). The selectivity of the compounds in vitro against renal cancer cell lines when compared to a nontumorigenic human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293T) and the favorable preliminary toxicity profile on C57black6 mice indicate that these compounds (especially 5) are excellent candidates for further development as potential renal cancer chemotherapeutics.

Alterations of phosphoproteins in NCI-H526 small cell lung cancer cells involved in cytotoxicity of cisplatin and titanocene Y

First-line treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with combination chemotherapy consisting of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) and etoposide is frequently followed by early relapses and a dismal prognosis. Survival of a fraction of tumor cells and development of chemoresistance may be influenced by an initial cellular stress response against the administered xenobiotics. Therefore, we compared the short-term effects of cisplatin and non-cross-resistant bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] titanium(IV) dichloride (Titanocene Y) on phosphorylation of 46 sites of a total of 38 signaling proteins in tumor suppressor protein 53 (p53)-wild-type NCI-H526 SCLC cells. The functional significance of selected kinases for the cytotoxicity of both drugs was tested using specific inhibitors and an activator. The cisplatin-induced cellular stress response involved activation of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase, whereas Titanocene Y-triggered signaling affected c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) was increased by both drugs, which promoted cell survival, as indicated by results obtained using AMPK inhibitor compound C and AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-d-ribofuranoside. This is in good agreement with previous reports, where AMPKα1 was demonstrated to represent an important factor for the sensitivity to cisplatin in colon and ovarian cancers, most likely by induction of autophagy. Thus, AMPKα1 constitutes a potential target to be exploited for chemotherapeutic treatment of SCLC to circumvent resistance to metal-based compounds.

Titanocene-phosphine derivatives as precursors to cytotoxic heterometallic TiAu2 and TiM (M = Pd, Pt) compounds. Studies of their interactions with DNA

A series of tri- and bimetallic titanium-gold, titanium-palladium, and titanium-platinum derivatives of the general formulas [Ti{η(5)-C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(n)PPh(2)(AuCl)}(2)]·2THF [n = 0 (1); n = 2 (2); n = 3 (3)] and [TiCl(2){η(5)-C(5)H(4)κ-(CH(2))(n)PPh(2)}(2)(MCl(2))]·2THF [M = Pd, n = 0 (4); n = 2 (5); n = 3 (6) ; M = Pt, n = 0 (7); n = 2 (8); n = 3 (9)] have been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of compounds 1-9 have been investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. The calculated IR spectra of the optimized structures fit well with the experimental IR data obtained for 1-9. The stability of the heterometallic compounds in deuterated solvents [CDCl(3), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-d(6), and mixtures 50:50 DMSO-d(6)/D(2)O and 1:99 DMSO-d(6)/D(2)O at acidic and neutral pH] has been evaluated by (31)P and (1)H NMR spectroscopy showing a higher stability for these compounds than for Cp(2)TiCl(2) or precursors [Ti{η(5)-C(5)H(4)(CH(2))(n)PPh(2)}(2)]. The new compounds display a lower acidity (1-2 units) than Cp(2)TiCl(2). The decomposition products have been identified over time. Complexes 1-9 have been tested as potential anticancer agents, and their cytotoxicity properties were evaluated in vitro against HeLa human cervical carcinoma and DU-145 human prostate cancer cells. TiAu(2) and TiPd compounds were highly cytotoxic for these two cell lines. The interactions of the compounds with calf thymus DNA have been evaluated by thermal denaturation (1-9) and by circular dichroism (1, 3, 4, and 7) spectroscopic methods. All of these complexes show a stronger interaction with DNA than that displayed by Cp(2)TiCl(2) at neutral pH. The data are consistent with electrostatic interactions with DNA for TiAu(2) compounds and for a covalent binding mode for TiM (M = Pd, Pt) complexes.

Effects of magnolol on UVB-induced skin cancer development in mice and its possible mechanism of action

Background

Magnolol, a plant lignan isolated from the bark and seed cones of Magnolia officinalis, has been shown to have chemopreventive effects on chemically-induced skin cancer development. The objectives of this investigation are to study the anticarcinogenic effects of magnolol on UVB-induced skin tumor development in SKH-1 mice, a model relevant to humans, and determine the possible role of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest involved in the skin tumor development.

Methods

UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis model in SKH-1 mice was used for determining the preventive effects of magnolol on skin cancer development. Western blottings and flow cytometric analysis were used to study the effects of magnolol on apoptosis and cell cycle.

Results

Magnolol pretreated groups (30, 60 μ g) before UVB treatments (30 mJ/cm², 5 days/week) resulted in 27-55% reduction in tumor multiplicity as compared to control group in SKH-1 mice. Magnolol pretreatment increased the cleavage of caspase-8 and poly-(-ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), increased the expression of p21, a cell cycle inhibitor, and decreased the expression of proteins involved in the G2/M phase of cell cycle in skin samples from SKH-1 mice.

Treatment of A431 cells with magnolol decreased cell viability and cell proliferation in a concentration dependent manner. Magnolol induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in A431 cells at 12 h with a decreased expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin B1, cyclin A, CDK4, Cdc2 and simultaneous increase in the expression of Cip/p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Magnolol induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro with an increased cleavage of caspase-8 and PARP. Phospho-signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Tyr⁷⁰⁵), B-Raf, p-MEK, and p-AKT were down-regulated, whereas phosphorylation of ERK was induced by magnolol in A431 cells.

Conclusions

Magnolol pretreatments prevent UVB-induced skin cancer development by enhancing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and affecting various signaling pathways. Magnolol could be a potentially safe and potent anticarcinogenic agent against skin cancer.

Pharmaceutical formulation affects titanocene transferrin interactions

Since the discovery of the anticancer activity of titanocene dichloride (TDC), many derivatives have been developed and evaluated. MKT4, a soluble, water-stable formulation of TDC, was used for both Phase I and Phase II human clinical trials. This formulation is investigated here by using (1)H and (13)C NMR, FT-ICR mass spectrometry, and UV/vis-detected pH-dependent speciation. DFT calculations are also utilized to assess the likelihood of proposed species. Human serum transferrin has been identified as a potential vehicle for the Ti anticancer drugs; these studies examine whether and how formulation of TDC as MKT4 may influence its interactions, both thermodynamic and kinetic, with human serum transferrin by using UV/vis absorption and fluorescence quenching. MKT4 binds differently than TDC to transferrin, showing different kinetics of binding as well as a different molar absorptivity of binding (7500 M(-1) cm(-1) per site). Malate, used in the buffer for MKT4 administration, acts as a synergistic anion for Ti binding, shifting the tyrosine to Ti charge transfer energy and decreasing the molar absorptivity to 5000 M(-1) cm(-1) per site. These differences may have had consequences after the change from TDC to MKT4 in human clinical trials.

Anticancer activity and mode of action of titanocene C

Titanocenes constitute a class of metal-based anticancer agents that seem to display a mode of action distinct from that of platinum complexes and to be more tolerable with a differing spectrum of activity. In the present study, titanocene C (bis-(N,N-dimethylamino-2(N-methylpyrrolyl)-methyl-cyclopentadienyl) titanium(IV) dichloride) was shown to exhibit antiproliferative activity against human tumor cell lines with a mean IC₅₀ value of 48.3 ± 32.5 µM. In particular, high activity was found against small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines with a profile different from cisplatin. Titanocene C induced cell cycle arrest at the G1/0-S interphase. Cross-resistance to either cisplatin or oxoplatin, respectively, was low for titanocene C and absent for titanocene Y in variant HL-60 cell lines. Alterations in gene expression of NCI-H526 SCLC cells induced by titanocene C were investigated using genome-wide expression arrays. Downregulation was found for genes coding for topoisomerases I and IIα, histones of the HIST1H4 cluster, enzymes involved in glycolysis, components of the cytoskeleton and vesicular transport, among others. In contrast, expression of genes involved in apoptosis, stress response, particularly members of the metallothionein gene cluster 1, DNA damage and growth factors was upregulated following exposure to titanocene C. Approximately 50% of those genes downregulated by titanocene C and cisplatin were concordant, including the previously identified markers of cisplatin-sensitivity, tubulin and stathmin, indicating partial overlap of the pathways affected by these metal complexes. The present findings point helicases/topoisomerases and HIST1H4 core histones out as targets of titanocene C and metallothioneins as putative main effectors of drug resistance.