Pre-association of polynuclear platinum anticancer agents on a protein, human serum albumin. Implications for drug design

Novel 4-Hydroxybenzyl Adducts in Human Hemoglobin: Structures and Mechanisms of Formation

Humans are exposed to large numbers of electrophiles from their diet, the environment, and endogenous physiological processes. Adducts formed at the N-terminal valine of hemoglobin are often used as biomarkers of human exposure to electrophilic compounds. We previously reported the formation of hemoglobin N-terminal valine adducts (added mass, 106.042 Da) in the blood of human smokers and nonsmokers and identified their structure as 4-hydroxybenzyl-Val. In the present work, mass spectrometry-based proteomics was utilized to identify additional sites for 4-hydroxybenzyl adduct formation at internal nucleophilic amino acid side chains within hemoglobin. Hemoglobin isolated from human blood was treated with para-quinone methide (para-QM) followed by global nanoLC-MS/MS and targeted nanoLC-MS/MS to identify amino acid residues containing the 4-hydroxybenzyl modification. Our experiments revealed the formation of 4-hydroxybenzyl adducts at the αHis20, αTyr24, αTyr42, αHis45, βSer72, βThr84, βThr87, βSer89, βHis92, βCys93, βCys112, βThr123, and βHis143 residues (in addition to N-terminal valine) through characteristic MS/MS spectra. These amino acid side chains had variable reactivity toward para-QM with αHis45, αTyr42, βCys93, βHis92, and βSer72 forming the largest numbers of adducts upon exposure to para-QM. Two additional mechanisms for formation of 4-hydroxybenzyl adducts in humans were investigated: exposure to 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4-HBA) followed by reduction and UV-mediated reactions of hemoglobin with tyrosine. Exposure of hemoglobin to a 5-fold molar excess of 4-HBA followed by reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride produced 4-hydroxybenzyl adducts at several amino acid side chains of which αHis20, αTyr24, αTyr42, αHis45, βSer44, βThr84, and βHis92 were verified in targeted mass spectrometry experiments. Similarly, exposure of human blood to ultraviolet radiation produced 4-hydroxybenzyl adducts at αHis20, αTyr24, αTyr42, αHis45, βSer44, βThr84, and βSer89. Overall, our results reveal that 4-hydroxybenzyl adducts form at multiple nucleophilic sites of hemoglobin and that para-QM is the most likely source of these adducts in humans.

Molecular dynamics simulation of non-covalent interactions between polynuclear platinum(II) complexes and DNA

Several studies with substitution-inert polynuclear platinum(II) complexes (SI-PPC) have been carried out in recent years due to the form of DNA binding presented by these compounds. This form of bonding is achieved by molecular recognition through the formation of non-covalent structures, commonly called phosphate clamps and forks, which generate small extensions of the major and minor grooves. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations (MD) to study the formation of these cyclical structures between six different SI-PPCs and a double DNA dodecamer, here called 24_bp_DNA. The results showed the influence of the complex expressed on the number of phosphate clamps and forks formed. Based on the conformational characterization of the DNA fragment, we show that the studied SI-PPCs interact preferentially in the minor groove, causing groove spanning, except for two of them, Monoplatin and AH44. The phosphates of C-G pairs are the main sites for such non-covalent interactions. The Gibbs interaction energy of solvated species points out to AH78P, AH78H, and TriplatinNC as the most probable ones when coupled with DNA. As far as we know, this work is the very first one related to SI-PPCs which brings MD simulations and a complete analysis of the non-covalent interactions with a double DNA dodecamer.

Synthesis, cytotoxic activity and DNA interaction studies of new dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes with an aromatic 1,5-naphthyridine bridging ligand: DNA binding mode of polynuclear platinum(ii) complexes in relation to the complex structure

The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, cytotoxic activity and DNA binding evaluation of seven new dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes Pt1-Pt7, with the general formula [{Pt(L)Cl}2(μ-1,5-nphe)](ClO4)2 (1,5-nphe is 1,5-naphthyridine; while L is two ammines (Pt1) or one bidentate coordinated diamine: ethylenediamine (Pt2), (±)-1,2-propylenediamine (Pt3), trans-(±)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (Pt4), 1,3-propylenediamine (Pt5), 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylenediamine (Pt6), and 1,3-pentanediamine (Pt7)), were reported. In vitro cytotoxic activity of these complexes was evaluated against three tumor cell lines, murine colon carcinoma (CT26), murine mammary carcinoma (4T1) and murine lung cancer (LLC1) and two normal cell lines, murine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and human fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. The results of the MTT assay indicate that all investigated complexes have almost no cytotoxic effects on 4T1 and very low cytotoxicity toward LLC1 cell lines. In contrast to the effects on LLC1 and 4T1 cells, complexes Pt1 and Pt2 had significant cytotoxic activity toward CT26 cells. Complex Pt1 had a much lower IC50 value for activity on CT26 cells compared with cisplatin. In comparison with cisplatin, all dinuclear Pt1-Pt7 complexes showed lower cytotoxicity toward normal MSC and MRC-5 cells. In order to measure the amount of platinum(ii) complexes taken up by the cells, we quantified the cellular platinum content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS). Molecular docking studies performed to evaluate the potential binding mode of dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes Pt1-Pt7 and their aqua derivatives W1-W7, respectively, at the double stranded DNA showed that groove spanning and backbone tracking are the most stable binding modes.

Interaction of the HIV NCp7 Protein with Platinum(II) and Gold(III) Complexes Containing Tridentate Ligands

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) plays significant roles in the virus life cycle and has been targeted by compounds that could lead to its denaturation or block its interaction with viral RNA. Herein, we describe the interactions of platinum(II) and gold(III) complexes with NCp7 and how the reactivity/affinity of potential inhibitors can be modulated by judicious choice of ligands. The interactions of [MCl(N₃)]ⁿ⁺ (M = Pt²⁺ (n = 1) and Au³⁺ (n = 2); N₃ = tridentate chelate ligands: bis(2-pyridylmethyl)methylamine (Mebpma, L¹) and bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (bpma, L²) with the C-terminal zinc finger of NCp7 (ZF2) were investigated by electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS). Mass spectra from the incubation of [MCl(Mebpma)]ⁿ⁺ complexes (PtL¹ and AuL¹) with ZF2 indicated that they were more reactive than the previously studied diethylenetriamine-containing analogues [MCl(dien)]ⁿ⁺. The initial product of reaction of PtL¹ with ZF2 results in loss of all ligands and release of zinc to give the platinated apopeptide {PtF} (F = apopeptide). This is in contrast to the incubation with [PtCl(dien)]⁺, in which {Pt(dien)}-peptide adducts are observed. Incubation of the Au³⁺ complex AuL¹ with ZF2 gave Au_xFⁿ⁺ species (x = 1, 2, 4, F = apopeptide) again with loss of all ligands. Furthermore, the formally substitution-inert analogues [Pt(N₃)L]²⁺ (L = 4-methylpyridine (4-pic), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (dmap), and 9-ethylguanine (9-EtGua)) were prepared to examine stacking interactions with N-acetyltryptophan (N-AcTrp), the Trp-containing ZF2, and the "full" two-finger NCp7 itself using fluorescence quenching titration. Use of bpma and Mebpma gave slightly higher affinity than analogous [Pt(dien)L)]²⁺ complexes. The dmap-containing complexes (PtL¹a and PtL²a) had the greatest association constants (K_a) for N-AcTrp and ZF2 peptide. The complex PtL¹a had the highest K_a when compared with other known Pt²⁺ analogues: [Pt(dien)(9-EtGua)]²⁺ < [Pt(bpma)(9-EtGua)]²⁺ < [Pt(dien)(dmap)]²⁺< PtL²a < PtL¹a. A K_a value of ca. 40.6 ± 1.0 × 10³ M^-1 was obtained for the full NCp7 peptide with PtL¹a. In addition, the mass spectrum of the interaction between ZF2 and PtL¹a confirms formation of a 1:1 PtL¹a/ZF2 adduct. The reactivity of selected complexes with sulfur-containing amino acid N-acetylcysteine (N-AcCys) was also investigated by ¹⁹⁵Pt and ¹H NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS. The precursor compounds [PtCl(N₃)]⁺ PtL¹ and PtL² reacted readily, whereas their [Pt(N₃)L]²⁺ analogues PtL¹a and PtL²a were inert to substitution.

Multi-platinum anti-cancer agents. Substitution-inert compounds for tumor selectivity and new targets

Substitution-inert polynuclear platinum complexes are inherently dual-function anti-cancer agents combining extra and intra-cellular effects in one structural chemotype.

Understanding the interaction of an antitumoral platinum(II) 7-azaindolate complex with proteins and DNA

The reactivity of the [Pt(dmba)(aza-N1)(dmso)] complex 1, (a potential antitumoral drug with lower IC50 than cisplatin in several tumoral cell lines) with different proteins and oligonucleotides is investigated by means of mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF MS). The results obtained show a particular binding behaviour of this platinum(II) complex. The interaction of 1 with the assayed proteins apparently takes place by Pt-binding to the most accessible coordinating amino acids, presumably at the surface of the protein -this avoiding protein denaturation or degradation- with the subsequent release of one or two ligands of 1. The specific reactivity of 1 with distinct proteins allows to conclude that the substituted initial ligand (dmso or azaindolate) is indicative of the nature of the protein donor atom finally bound to the platinum(II) centre, i.e. N- or S-donor amino acid. Molecular modeling calculations suggest that the release of the azaindolate ligand is promoted by a proton transfer to the non-coordinating N present in the azaindolate ring, while the release of the dmso ligand is mainly favoured by the binding of a deprotonated Cys. The interaction of complex 1 with DNA takes always place through the release of the azaindolate ligand. Interestingly, the interaction of 1 with DNA only proceeds when the oligonucleotides are annealed forming a double strand. Complex 1 is also capable to displace ethidium bromide from DNA and it also weakly binds to DNA at the minor groove, as shown by Hoechst 33258 displacement experiments. Furthermore, complex 1 is also a good inhibitor of cathepsin B (an enzyme implicated in a number of cancer related events). Therefore, although compound 1 is definitely able to bind proteins that can hamper its arrival to the nuclear target, it should be taken into consideration as a putative anticancer drug due to its strong interaction with oligonucleotides and its effective inhibition of cat B.

Application of mass spectrometric techniques to delineate the modes-of-action of anticancer metallodrugs

Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as an important tool for studying anticancer metallodrugs in complex biological samples and for characterising their interactions with biomolecules and potential targets on a molecular level. The exact modes-of-action of these coordination compounds and especially of next generation drug candidates have not been fully elucidated. Due to the fact that DNA is considered a crucial target for platinum chemotherapeutics, metallodrug-DNA binding studies dominated the field for a long time. However, more recently, alternative targets were considered, including enzymes and proteins that may play a role in the overall pharmacological and toxicological profile of metallodrugs. This review focuses on MS-based techniques for studying anticancer metallodrugs in vivo, in vitro and in situ to delineate their modes-of-action.

Investigations of the binding of [Pt2(DTBPA)Cl2](II) and [Pt2(TPXA)Cl2](II) to DNA via various cross-linking modes

We have constructed models for a series of platinum-DNA adducts that represent the binding of two agents, [Pt₂(DTBPA)Cl₂](II) and [Pt₂(TPXA)Cl₂](II), to DNA via inter- and intra-strand cross-linking, and carried out molecular dynamics simulations and DNA conformational dynamics calculations. The effects of trans- and cis-configurations of the centers of these di-nuclear platinum agents, and of different bridging linkers, have been investigated on the conformational distortions of platinum-DNA adducts formed via inter- and intra-strand cross-links. The results demonstrate that the DNA conformational distortions for the various platinum-DNA adducts with differing cross-linking modes are greatly influenced by the difference between the platinum-platinum distance for the platinum agent and the platinum-bound N7–N7 distance for the DNA molecule, and by the flexibility of the bridging linkers in the platinum agent. However, the effects of trans/cis-configurations of the platinum-centers on the DNA conformational distortions in the platinum-DNA adducts depend on the inter- and intra-strand cross-linking modes. In addition, we discuss the relevance of DNA base motions, including opening, shift and roll, to the changes in the parameters of the DNA major and minor grooves caused by binding of the platinum agent.

Platinum and Palladium Polyamine Complexes as Anticancer Agents: The Structural Factor

Since the introduction of cisplatin to oncology in 1978, Pt(II) and Pd(II) compounds have been intensively studied with a view to develop the improved anticancer agents. Polynuclear polyamine complexes, in particular, have attracted special attention, since they were found to yield DNA adducts not available to conventional drugs (through long-distance intra- and interstrand cross-links) and to often circumvent acquired cisplatin resistance. Moreover, the cytotoxic potency of these polyamine-bridged chelates is strictly regulated by their structural characteristics, which renders this series of compounds worth investigating and their synthesis being carefully tailored in order to develop third-generation drugs coupling an increased spectrum of activity to a lower toxicity. The present paper addresses the latest developments in the design of novel antitumor agents based on platinum and palladium, particularly polynuclear chelates with variable length aliphatic polyamines as bridging ligands, highlighting the close relationship between their structural preferences and cytotoxic ability. In particular, studies by vibrational spectroscopy techniques are emphasised, allowing to elucidate the structure-activity relationships (SARs) ruling anticancer activity.

Chimeric platinum-polyamines and DNA binding. Kinetics of DNA interstrand cross-link formation by dinuclear platinum complexes with polyamine linkers

The first observation of a polyamine-DNA interaction using 2D [(1)H, (15)N] HSQC NMR spectroscopy allows study of the role of the linker in polynuclear platinum-DNA interactions and a novel "anchoring" of the polyamine by Pt-DNA bond formation allows examination of the details of conformational B → Z transitions induced by the polyamine. The kinetics and mechanism of the stepwise formation of 5'-5' 1,4-GG interstrand cross-links (IXLs) by fully (15)N-labeled [{trans-PtCl((15)NH(3))(2)}(2){μ-((15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2))}](3+) (1,1/t,t-6,6, 1) and [{trans-PtCl((15)NH(3))(2)}(2){μ-((15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2)(CH(2))(2)(15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2))}](4+) (1,1/t,t-6,2,6, 1') with the self-complementary oligonucleotide 5'-{d(ATATGTACATAT)(2)} (duplex I) are compared to the analogous reaction with 1,0,1/t,t,t (BBR3464) under identical conditions (pH 5.4, 298 K). Initial electrostatic interactions with the DNA are delocalized and followed by aquation to form the monoaqua monochloro species. The rate constant for monofunctional adduct formation, k(MF), for 1 (0.87 M(-1) s(-1)) is 3.5 fold higher than for 1,0,1/t,t,t (0.25 M(-1) s(-1); the value could not be calculated for 1' due to peak overlap). The evidence suggests that several conformers of the bifunctional adduct form, whereas for 1,0,1/t,t,t only two discrete conformers were observed. The combined effect of the conformers observed for 1 and 1' may play a crucial role in the increased potency of these novel complexes compared to 1,0,1/t,t,t. Treated as a single final product, the rate of formation of the 5'-5' 1,4-GG IXL, k(CH), for 1 (k(CH) = 4.37 × 10(-5) s(-1)) is similar to that of 1,0,1/t,t,t, whereas the value for 1' is marginally higher (k(CH) = 5.4 × 10(-5) s(-1)).

Non-Covalent Polynuclear Platinum Compounds as Polyamine Analogs

Polynuclear platinum compounds (PPCs) represent a discrete class of antitumor agents that bear structural resemblance to polyamines. This chapter reviews developments on the chemistry and biology of polynuclear platinum drugs and especially the recognition that “non-covalent” agents based on this motif represent a further challenge to the structure-activity paradigms for platinum antitumor agents. Pt-DNA bond formation is not a strict requirement for DNA affinity leading to manifestation of promising cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. Non-covalent PPCs bind to DNA in a non-covalent manner through a novel binding motif, the phosphate clamp, analogous to the arginine fork. This binding mode is discrete from “classical” intercalation and minor groove binding. In solution, analysis of 1-D and 2-D 1HNMR data places the compounds in the minor groove of the DNA, spanning several base pairs. A melphalan protection assay indicated that the complex was at least as effective in blocking melphalan access to the minor groove as distamycin. Further biological consequences of the structure are remarkably enhanced cellular accumulation, further distinguishing the non-covalent group as a unique class of agents.

Studying the interactions of a platinum(II) 9-aminoacridine complex with proteins and oligonucleotides by ESI-TOF MS

The interaction of a novel Pt complex, [Pt(dmba)(N9-9AA)(PPh(3))](+)1 (dmba = N,N-dimethylbenzylamine-κN,κC; 9AA = 9-aminoacridine), which exhibits anti-tumor activity, with certain key proteins has been monitored by ESI-MS. Also, the interaction of 1 with a designed double-stranded oligonucleotide containing the GG motif has been followed by mass spectrometry as well as by fluorimetry. The results obtained show the low interaction of 1 with the considered proteins and the absence of covalent interaction with the oligonucleotides, but the fluorimetric data confirm the π-π interaction of 1 with the double-stranded DNA, which is probably the reason of the previously reported activity of 1 in several tumor cell lines.

Effects of noncovalent platinum drug-protein interactions on drug efficacy: use of fluorescent conjugates as probes for drug metabolism

The overall efficacy of platinum based drugs is limited by metabolic deactivation through covalent drug-protein binding. In this study the factors affecting cytotoxicity in the presence of glutathione, human serum albumin (HSA) and whole serum binding with cisplatin, BBR3464, and TriplatinNC, a "noncovalent" derivative of BBR3464, were investigated. Upon treatment with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), to reduce cellular glutathione levels, cisplatin and BBR3464-induced apoptosis was augmented whereas TriplatinNC-induced cytotoxicity was unaltered. Treatment of A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells with HSA-bound cisplatin (cisplatin/HSA) and cisplatin preincubated with whole serum showed dramatic decreases in cytotoxicity, cellular accumulation, and DNA adduct formation compared to treatment with cisplatin alone. Similar effects are seen with BBR3464. In contrast, TriplatinNC, the HSA-bound derivative (TriplatinNC/HSA), and TriplatinNC pretreated with whole serum retained identical cytotoxic profiles and equal levels of cellular accumulation at all time points. Confocal microscopy of both TriplatinNC-NBD, a fluorescent derivative of TriplatinNC, and TriplatinNC-NBD/HSA showed nuclear/nucleolar localization patterns, distinctly different from the lysosomal localization pattern seen with HSA. Cisplatin-NBD, a fluorescent derivative of cisplatin, was shown to accumulate in the nucleus and throughout the cytoplasm while the localization of cisplatin-NBD/HSA was limited to lysosomal regions of the cytoplasm. The results suggest that TriplatinNC can avoid high levels of metabolic deactivation currently seen with clinical platinum chemotherapeutics, and therefore retain a unique cytotoxic profile after cellular administration.

Solution studies of dinuclear polyamine-linked platinum-based antitumour complexes

The aquation profiles of two novel dinuclear polyamine-linked, platinum-based antitumour complexes [{trans-PtCl((15)NH(3))(2)}(2){μ-((15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2))}](3+) (BBR3007, 1,1/t,t-6,6, 1) and [{trans-PtCl((15)NH(3))(2)}(2){μ-((15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2)(CH(2))(2)(15)NH(2)(CH(2))(6)(15)NH(2))}](4+) (BBR3610, 1,1/t,t-6,2,6, 1') have been probed using 2D [(1)H, (15)N] HSQC NMR spectroscopy. Reported herein are the rate constants for the hydrolysis of 1 and 1', as well as the acid dissociation constants of the coordinated aqua ligands in their aquated derivatives. The aquation and anation rate constants for the single step aquation model in 15 mM NaClO(4) (pH 5.4) at 298 K are, for 1, k(1) = 7.2 ± 0.1 ×10(-5) s(-1), k(-1) = 0.096 ± 0.002 M(-1) s(-1) and, for 1', k(1) = 4.0 ± 0.2 × 10(-5) s(-1), k(-1) = 1.4 ± 0.1 M(-1) s(-1). The effect of the linker backbone (Pt(tetra(m)mine vs. polyamine) was evaluated by comparison with previous data for the trinuclear complex [{trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)}(2)(μ-trans-Pt(NH(3))(2){NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2)}(2))](4+) (1,0,1/t,t,t or BBR3464). The pK(1) for 1,0,1/t,t,t (3.44) is closest to that of 1 (3.12), while the pronounced difference for 1' (4.54), means that 1' is the least aquated of the three complexes at equilibrium. pK(a) values of 5.92 were calculated for the aquated forms of both 1 and 1', which are 0.3 pK units higher than for either 1,0,1/t,t,t, or the dinuclear 1,1/t,t. The higher pK(a) values for both polyamine-linked compounds may be attributed to the formation of macrochelates between the central NH(2) groups and the {PtN(3)O} coordination sphere of the aquated species.

Excursions in polynuclear platinum DNA binding

Polynuclear platinum agents are a structurally unique class of anti-cancer drugs, distinct from the cisplatin family. To describe the chemistry and biology of this class, it was necessary to challenge the accepted paradigms for the structure-activity relationships; design new chemotypes and delineate the structures and consequences of their DNA binding modes. This article summarizes the structural changes induced in DNA by both covalent (bond-forming) and non-covalent (ligand recognition) adducts. Solution (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), solid state (crystallography) and gas-phase (Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry) techniques have all been used to describe the new DNA structures along with molecular biological techniques. The combined approaches allow molecular description of hitherto unobserved adducts such as long-range major-groove interstrand crosslinks; directional isomers on DNA and a third class of ligand-DNA binding, the phosphate clamp. The phosphate recognition is distinct from ''classic'' minor-groove recognition or intercalation.

The trans influence in the modulation of platinum anticancer agent biology: the effect of nitrite leaving group on aquation, reactions with S-nucleophiles and DNA binding of dinuclear and trinuclear compounds

To examine the effect of leaving group and trans influence on the general reactivity of polynuclear platinum antitumor agents we investigated substitution of the chloride leaving groups with nitrite ion, which forms strong bonds to Pt. It was of interest to explore whether nitrite could be used to modulate biological properties of these agents, in particular the deactivating reactions that occur on reaction with S-nucleophiles, involving loss of the linking diamine under the trans influence of sulfur. Reported herein is a study of the synthesis, aquation, DNA binding and reactions with glutathione (GSH), methionine (Met) and acetylmethione (AcMet) of nitrito derivatives of di- and trinuclear platinum antitumor compounds: [{trans-PtNO(2)(NH(3))(2)}(2)(mu-NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2))](NO(3))(2) (1-NO(2)) and [{trans-PtNO(2)(NH(3))(2)}(2)(mu-trans-Pt(NH(3))(2){NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2)}(2))](NO(3))(4) (1'-NO(2)). {(1)H,(15)N}-HSQC NMR studies revealed that 1-NO(2) is inert to aquation reactions, even after prolonged incubation at physiological pH. Monitoring of the interaction of 1-NO(2) with the duplex 5'-d(ATATGTACATAT)(2) (I) showed only unreacted complex, consistent with activation by aquation being a requirement for covalent DNA binding. The reaction of 1-NO(2) with GSH was studied by (1)H, (195)Pt, (15)N and {(1)H,(15)N}-HSQC NMR spectroscopy. For the parent dichlorido compounds (1 and 1') substitution of chloride by GS(-) leads to drug degradation involving liberation of the diamine linker. While the same final products trans-[Pt(SG)(2)(NH(3))(2)] (5) and trans-[{Pt(SG)(NH(3))(2)}(2)-mu-SG] (6) are formed, different mechanisms are involved, consistent with the trans influence NO(2)(-) > Cl(-); the half-life is slightly longer for 1-NO(2) (1.8 h) compared with 1 (1.3 h). Identification of the intermediate trans-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(NO(2))(SG)] (4) shows that the nitrito group remains coordinated while the linker amine is substituted by coordination of GS(-), and then trans labilization of the nitrito group occurs leading to 5 and 6. Reaction of the trinuclear 1'-NO(2) with GSH follows essentially the same reaction pathway. Reaction of 1-NO(2) with Met and AcMet is much slower and only 20 % liberated amine was observed after reaction with Met for 24 h at 37 degrees C. The final product from reaction with AcMet is trans-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(NO(2))(AcMet)], as in this case coordination of the S-nucleophile does not lead to trans labilization of the nitrito group.

Albumin-based nanoparticles as magnetic resonance contrast agents: II. Physicochemical characterisation of purified and standardised nanoparticles

We are developing a nanoparticulate histochemical reagent designed for histochemistry in living animals (molecular imaging), which should finally be useful in clinical imaging applications. The iterative development procedure employed involves conceptual design of the reagent, synthesis and testing of the reagent, then redesign based on data from the testing; each cycle of testing and development generates a new generation of nanoparticles, and this report describes the synthesis and testing of the third generation. The nanoparticles are based on human serum albumin and the imaging modality selected is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Testing the second particle generation with newly introduced techniques revealed the presence of impurities in the final product, therefore we replaced dialysis with diafiltration. We introduced further testing methods including thin layer chromatography, arsenazo III as chromogenic assay for gadolinium, and several versions of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, for physicochemical characterisation of the nanoparticles and intermediate synthesis compounds. The high grade of chemical purity achieved by combined application of these methodologies allowed standardised particle sizes to be achieved (low dispersities), and accurate measurement of critical physicochemical parameters influencing particle size and imaging properties. Regression plots confirmed the high purity and standardisation. The good degree of quantitative physicochemical characterisation aided our understanding of the nanoparticles and allowed a conceptual model of them to be prepared. Toxicological screening demonstrated the extremely low toxicity of the particles. The high magnetic resonance relaxivities and enhanced mechanical stability of the particles make them an excellent platform for the further development of MRI molecular imaging.

Factors affecting DNA-DNA interstrand cross-links in the antiparallel 3'-3' sense: a comparison with the 5'-5' directional isomer

Reported herein is a study of the unusual 3'-3' 1,4-GG interstrand cross-link (IXL) formation in duplex DNA by a series of polynuclear platinum anticancer complexes. To examine the effect of possible preassociation through charge and hydrogen-bonding effects the closely related compounds [{trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)}(2)(mu-trans-Pt(NH(3))(2){NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2)}(2))](4+) (BBR3464, 1), [{trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)}(2)(mu-NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2))](2+) (BBR3005, 2), [{trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)}(2)(mu-H(2)N(CH(2))(3)NH(2)(CH(2))(4))](3+) (BBR3571, 3) and [{trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)}(2){mu-H(2)N(CH(2))(3)-N(COCF(3))(CH(2))(4)}](2+) (BBR3571-COCF(3), 4) were studied. Two different molecular biology approaches were used to investigate the effect of DNA template upon IXL formation in synthetic 20-base-pair duplexes. In the "hybridisation directed" method the monofunctionally adducted top strands were hybridised with their complementary 5'-end labelled strands; after 24 h the efficiency of interstrand cross-linking in the 5'-5' direction was slightly higher than in the 3'-3' direction. The second method involved "postsynthetic modification" of the intact duplex; significantly less cross-linking was observed, but again a slight preference for the 5'-5' duplex was present. 2D [(1)H, (15)N] HSQC NMR spectroscopy studies of the reaction of [(15)N]-1 with the sequence 5'-d{TATACATGTATA}(2) allowed direct comparison of the stepwise formation of the 3'-3' IXL with the previously studied 5'-5' IXL on the analogous sequence 5'-d(ATATGTACATAT)(2). Whereas the preassociation and aquation steps were similar, differences were evident at the monofunctional binding step. The reaction did not yield a single distinct 3'-3' 1,4-GG IXL, but numerous cross-linked adducts formed. Similar results were found for the reaction with the dinuclear [(15)N]-2. Molecular dynamics simulations for the 3'-3' IXLs formed by both 1 and 2 showed a highly distorted structure with evident fraying of the end base pairs and considerable widening of the minor groove.

Solution behaviour and biomolecular interactions of two cytotoxic trans-platinum(II) complexes bearing aliphatic amine ligands

A novel trans-platinum(II) complex bearing one dimethylamine (dma) and one methylamine (ma) ligand, namely trans-[PtCl(2)(dma)(ma)], recently synthesised and characterised in our laboratory, displayed relevant antiproliferative properties in vitro, being more active than the parent complex, trans-[PtCl(2)(dma)(ipa)], which has isopropylamine (ipa) in place of methylamine. We have analysed comparatively the solution behaviour of these two complexes under various experimental conditions, and investigated their reactivity with horse heart cytochrome c by mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), 2D [(1)H,(15)N],[(1)H,(13)C] HSQC and [(1)H,(1)H] NOESY NMR. Some important changes that occurred in the [(1)H,(13)C] HSQC NMR spectrum of cytochrome c treated with trans-[PtCl(2)(dma)(ma)] in water, after two days' incubation, most probably arose from direct platinum coordination to the protein side chain; this was proved conclusively by [(1)H,(1)H] NOESY NMR and [(1)H,(15)N] HSQC NMR measurements. Met65 was identified as the primary Pt binding site on cytochrome c. Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESIMS) results provided evidence for extensive platinum-protein adduct formation. A fragment of the [Pt(amine)(amine')] type was established to be primarily responsible for protein metalation. ICP-OES analysis revealed that these trans-platinum(II) complexes bind preferentially to the serum proteins albumin and transferrin rather than to calf thymus DNA. Pt binding to DNA was found to be far lower than in the case of cisplatin. The implications of the results for the mechanism of action of novel cytotoxic trans-platinum complexes are discussed.

Amide-based prodrugs of spermidine-bridged dinuclear platinum. Synthesis, DNA binding, and biological activity

The chemistry and biology of acetyl-protected spermidine-bridged dinuclear platinum complexes [{ trans-PtCl(NH 3) 2] 2-mu-NH 2(CH 2) 3N(COR)(CH 2) 4NH 2]X 2 (R = H, X = Cl (1,1/t,t-spermidine, BBR3571); R = CH 3 , X = Cl ( 2); R = CH 2 Cl, X = ClO 4 ( 3); R = CF 3 , X = Cl ( 4)) are compared with their carbamate analogues. The compounds are potential prodrugs for the parent compound 1, a highly potent antitumor agent. At pH 6-8 hydrolysis of the blocking group with the release of the "parent" protonated species follows the order 4 > 3 >> 2. For 4, rate constants for the deprotection increase in this pH range. The DNA binding profile of 4 is similar to the Boc derivative, confirming the central influence of charge on DNA binding properties. The differences in cytotoxicity for the protected compounds in ovarian carcinoma cell lines sensitive and resistant to cisplatin cannot completely be explained by spontaneous release of 1,1/t,t-spermidine at physiological pH. Inherent cytotoxicity and cell line specificity may contribute to the observed behavior. The properties of the compounds present them also as possible "second-generation" analogues of the clinically relevant trinuclear complex [{ trans-PtCl(NH 3) 2} 2-mu- trans-Pt(NH 3) 2(NH 2(CH 2) 6NH 2) 2](NO 3) 4, ( 8, BBR3464).