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Cassioli ML, Fay M, Turyanska L, Bradshaw TD, Thomas NR, Pordea A. Encapsulation of copper phenanthroline within horse spleen apoferritin: characterisation, cytotoxic activity and ability to retain temozolomide. RSC Adv 2024; 14:14008-14016. [PMID: 38686295 PMCID: PMC11056943 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07430g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein capsules are promising drug delivery vehicles for cancer research therapies. Apoferritin (AFt) is a self-assembling 12 nm diameter hollow nanocage with many desirable features for drug delivery, however, control of drug retention inside the protein cage remains challenging. Here we report the encapsulation of copper(ii)-1,10-phenanthroline (Cu(phen)) within the horse spleen AFt (HSAFt) nanocage, by diffusion of the metal through the pores between the protein subunits. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of organised copper adducts inside HSAFt, without affecting protein integrity. These structures proved stable during storage (>4 months at -20 °C). Exposure to physiologically relevant conditions (37 °C) showed some selectivity in cargo release after 24 h at pH 5.5, relevant to the internalisation of AFt within the endosome (60% release), compared to pH 7.4, relevant to the bloodstream (40% release). Co-encapsulation of temozolomide, a prodrug used to treat glioblastoma multiforme, and Cu(phen) enabled entrapment of an average of 339 TMZ molecules per cage. In vitro results from MTT and clonogenic assays identified cytotoxic activity of the Cu(phen), HSAFt-Cu(phen) and HSAFt-Cu(phen)-TMZ adducts against colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116) and glioblastoma cells (U373V, U373M). However, the presence of the metal also contributed to more potent activity toward healthy MRC5 fibroblasts, a result that requires further investigation to assess the clinical viability of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Fay
- Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | | | - Tracey D Bradshaw
- Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Neil R Thomas
- Biodiscovery Institute, School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Anca Pordea
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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2
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Althobaiti I, Alserhani MSM, Arafa WAA, Ghoneim AA, Hussein MF, Ibrahim HM, Mourad AK. Efficient Protocol for Novel Hybrid Pyrimidines Synthesis: Antiproliferative Activity, DFT Analyses, and Molecular Docking Studies. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:47239-47253. [PMID: 38107937 PMCID: PMC10720285 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
An efficient, microwave/ultrasound-irradiated synthesis of novel chromenopyrimidines has been established. 2-Amino-5-oxo-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile (1) underwent cyclization reactions with various assorted reagents under sustainable conditions to afford a family of fused pyrimidine derivatives. The proposed structures of the designed fused pyrimidines were confirmed by several spectral techniques. Moreover, the targeted pyrimidines were estimated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities toward three carcinoma cell lines: breast (MCF7), hepatocyte (HepG2), and lung (A549) cancer cell lines, as well as one noncancerous cell line (MCF-10A). Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses revealed that derivatives 3 and 7 exhibited the highest potency in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells tested in vitro. Particularly, 3-amino-4-imino-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-3,4,5,7,8,9-hexahydro-6H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-6-one (3) displayed a robust impact with IC50 values ranging from 2.02 to 1.61 μM. Interestingly, compound 3 was observed to have low cytotoxicity toward noncancerous cell (MCF-10A) compared to the standard drug (Doxorubicin). Further, quantum chemical computations of the designed molecules utilizing density functional theory (DFT) were conducted and shown to be compatible with the observed antiproliferative properties. Thorough docking investigations revealed that the assembled compounds possess exceptionally low binding energies toward our three selected proteins: 4b3z-Lung, HepG2-2JW2, and 6ENV-MCV-7. Based on these intriguing results, compound 3 could be further evaluated for preclinical screening, potentially paving the way for its utilization as a promising cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim
O. Althobaiti
- Chemistry
Department, College of Science and Arts, Jouf University, Gurayat 77217, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Wael A. A. Arafa
- Chemistry
Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, P.O. Box 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Amira A. Ghoneim
- Chemistry
Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig
University, Zagazig 7120001, Egypt
| | - Modather F. Hussein
- Chemistry
Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar
University, Asyut 71524, Egypt
| | - Hamada Mohamed Ibrahim
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, P.O. Box 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Asmaa K. Mourad
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, P.O. Box 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
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3
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Moreno-Alcántar G, Picchetti P, Casini A. Gold Complexes in Anticancer Therapy: From New Design Principles to Particle-Based Delivery Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202218000. [PMID: 36847211 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202218000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the medicinal properties of gold complexes has fuelled the design and synthesis of new anticancer metallodrugs, which have received special attention due to their unique modes of action. Current research in the development of gold compounds with therapeutic properties is predominantly focused on the molecular design of drug leads with superior pharmacological activities, e.g., by introducing targeting features. Moreover, intensive research aims at improving the physicochemical properties of gold compounds, such as chemical stability and solubility in the physiological environment. In this regard, the encapsulation of gold compounds in nanocarriers or their chemical grafting onto targeted delivery vectors could lead to new nanomedicines that eventually reach clinical applications. Herein, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art progress of gold anticancer compounds, andmore importantly we thoroughly revise the development of nanoparticle-based delivery systems for gold chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Moreno-Alcántar
- Chair of Medicinal and Bioinorganic Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching b. München, Germany
| | - Pierre Picchetti
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Nanotechnology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Angela Casini
- Chair of Medicinal and Bioinorganic Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching b. München, Germany
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4
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Obozina AS, Komedchikova EN, Kolesnikova OA, Iureva AM, Kovalenko VL, Zavalko FA, Rozhnikova TV, Tereshina ED, Mochalova EN, Shipunova VO. Genetically Encoded Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles for the Targeted Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:231. [PMID: 36678860 PMCID: PMC9861179 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted nanoparticles of different origins are considered as new-generation diagnostic and therapeutic tools. However, there are no targeted drug formulations within the composition of nanoparticles approved by the FDA for use in the clinic, which is associated with the insufficient effectiveness of the developed candidates, the difficulties of their biotechnological production, and inadequate batch-to-batch reproducibility. Targeted protein self-assembling nanoparticles circumvent this problem since proteins are encoded in DNA and the final protein product is produced in only one possible way. We believe that the combination of the endless biomedical potential of protein carriers as nanoparticles and the standardized protein purification protocols will make significant progress in "magic bullet" creation possible, bringing modern biomedicine to a new level. In this review, we are focused on the currently existing platforms for targeted self-assembling protein nanoparticles based on transferrin, lactoferrin, casein, lumazine synthase, albumin, ferritin, and encapsulin proteins, as well as on proteins from magnetosomes and virus-like particles. The applications of these self-assembling proteins for targeted delivery in vitro and in vivo are thoroughly discussed, including bioimaging applications and different therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, gene delivery, and photodynamic and photothermal therapy. A critical assessment of these protein platforms' efficacy in biomedicine is provided and possible problems associated with their further development are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna M. Iureva
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Vera L. Kovalenko
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Fedor A. Zavalko
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | | | - Elizaveta N. Mochalova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Nanobiomedicine Division, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Victoria O. Shipunova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Nanobiomedicine Division, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
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5
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Investigation (IR, UV-visible, fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric) studies of Mn(II), Fe(III) and Cr(III) complexes of thiosemicarbazone derived from 4- pyridyl thiosemicarbazide and monosodium 5-sulfonatosalicylaldehyde and evaluation of their biological applications. J Mol Struct 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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6
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Evaluation of Auranofin Loading within Ferritin Nanocages. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214162. [PMID: 36430642 PMCID: PMC9695178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF), a gold(I) compound that is currently used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is in clinical trials for its promising anticancer activity, was encapsulated within the human H-chain and the horse spleen ferritin nanocages using the alkaline disassembly/reassembly protocol. The aim of the work was to highlight possible differences in their drug loading capacity and efficacy. The drug-loaded ferritins were characterized via UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to assess AF encapsulation and to define the exact amount of gold atoms trapped in the Ft cavity. The crystal structures allowed us to define the nature of AF interaction with both ferritins and to identify the gold binding sites. Moreover, the biological characterization let us to obtain preliminary information on the cytotoxic effect of AF when bound to the human H-chain.
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Lu Y, Ma X, Chang X, Liang Z, Lv L, Shan M, Lu Q, Wen Z, Gust R, Liu W. Recent development of gold(I) and gold(III) complexes as therapeutic agents for cancer diseases. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:5518-5556. [PMID: 35699475 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00933h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Metal complexes have demonstrated significant antitumor activities and platinum complexes are well established in the clinical application of cancer chemotherapy. However, the platinum-based treatment of different types of cancers is massively hampered by severe side effects and resistance development. Consequently, the development of novel metal-based drugs with different mechanism of action and pharmaceutical profile attracts modern medicinal chemists to design and synthesize novel metal-based agents. Among non-platinum anticancer drugs, gold complexes have gained considerable attention due to their significant antiproliferative potency and efficacy. In most situations, the gold complexes exhibit anticancer activities by targeting thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) or other thiol-rich proteins and enzymes and trigger cell death via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, gold complexes were recently reported to elicit biochemical hallmarks of immunogenic cell death (ICD) as an ICD inducer. In this review, the recent progress of gold(I) and gold(III) complexes is comprehensively summarized, and their activities and mechanism of action are documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xingyu Chang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhenlin Liang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Lin Lv
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Min Shan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Qiuyue Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhenfan Wen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Ronald Gust
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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8
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Del Giudice R, Imbimbo P, Pietrocola F, Martins I, De Palma FDE, Bravo-San Pedro JM, Kroemer G, Maiuri MC, Monti DM. Autophagy Alteration in ApoA-I Related Systemic Amyloidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073498. [PMID: 35408859 PMCID: PMC8998969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloidoses are characterized by the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins into fibrils in different organs, leading to cell death and consequent organ dysfunction. The specific substitution of Leu 75 for Pro in Apolipoprotein A-I protein sequence (ApoA-I; L75P-ApoA-I) results in late onset amyloidosis, where deposition of extracellular protein aggregates damages the normal functions of the liver. In this work, we describe that the autophagic process is inhibited in the presence of the L75P-ApoA-I amyloidogenic variant in stably transfected human hepatocyte carcinoma cells. The L75P-ApoA-I amyloidogenic variant alters the redox status of the cells, resulting into excessive mitochondrial stress and consequent cell death. Moreover, L75P-ApoA-I induces an impairment of the autophagic flux. Pharmacological induction of autophagy or transfection-enforced overexpression of the pro-autophagic transcription factor EB (TFEB) restores proficient proteostasis and reduces oxidative stress in these experimental settings, suggesting that pharmacological stimulation of autophagy could be a promising target to alleviate ApoA-I amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Del Giudice
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (R.D.G.); (P.I.)
| | - Paola Imbimbo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (R.D.G.); (P.I.)
| | - Federico Pietrocola
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Isabelle Martins
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France; (I.M.); (F.D.E.D.P.); (G.K.); (M.C.M.)
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Fatima Domenica Elisa De Palma
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France; (I.M.); (F.D.E.D.P.); (G.K.); (M.C.M.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., 80145 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France; (I.M.); (F.D.E.D.P.); (G.K.); (M.C.M.)
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Ap-hp, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Maria Chiara Maiuri
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France; (I.M.); (F.D.E.D.P.); (G.K.); (M.C.M.)
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Pharmacy Department, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daria Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (R.D.G.); (P.I.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Enhanced Cellular Uptake of H-Chain Human Ferritin Containing Gold Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111966. [PMID: 34834381 PMCID: PMC8623468 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) capped with biocompatible layers have functional optical, chemical, and biological properties as theranostic agents in biomedicine. The ferritin protein containing in situ synthesized AuNPs has been successfully used as an effective and completely biocompatible nanocarrier for AuNPs in human cell lines and animal experiments in vivo. Ferritin can be uptaken by different cell types through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Despite these advantages, few efforts have been made to evaluate the toxicity and cellular internalization of AuNP-containing ferritin nanocages. In this work, we study the potential of human heavy-chain (H) and light-chain (L) ferritin homopolymers as nanoreactors to synthesize AuNPs and their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in different cell lines. The results show very low toxicity of ferritin-encapsulated AuNPs on different human cell lines and demonstrate that efficient cellular ferritin uptake depends on the specific H or L protein chains forming the ferritin protein cage and the presence or absence of metallic cargo. Cargo-devoid apoferritin is poorly internalized in all cell lines, and the highest ferritin uptake was achieved with AuNP-loaded H-ferritin homopolymers in transferrin-receptor-rich cell lines, showing more than seven times more uptake than apoferritin.
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10
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Loreto D, Merlino A. The interaction of rhodium compounds with proteins: A structural overview. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.213999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Gou Y, Huang G, Li J, Yang F, Liang H. Versatile delivery systems for non-platinum metal-based anticancer therapeutic agents. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.213975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Sun X, Hong Y, Gong Y, Zheng S, Xie D. Bioengineered Ferritin Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7023. [PMID: 34209892 PMCID: PMC8268655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferritin naturally exists in most organisms and can specifically recognize the transferrin 1 receptor (TfR1), which is generally highly expressed on various types of tumor cells. The pH dependent reversible assembling and disassembling property of ferritin renders it as a suitable candidate for encapsulating a variety of anticancer drugs and imaging probes. Ferritins external surface is chemically and genetically modifiable which can serve as attachment site for tumor specific targeting peptides or moieties. Moreover, the biological origin of these protein cages makes it a biocompatible nanocarrier that stabilizes and protects the enclosed particles from the external environment without provoking any toxic or immunogenic responses. Recent studies, further establish ferritin as a multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted cancer chemotherapy and phototherapy. In this review, we introduce the favorable characteristics of ferritin drug carriers, the specific targeted surface modification and a multifunctional nanocarriers combined chemotherapy with phototherapy for tumor treatment. Taken together, ferritin is a potential ideal base of engineered nanoparticles for tumor therapy and still needs to explore more on its way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanrong Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (Y.H.); (Y.G.); (S.Z.); (D.X.)
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13
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Rensi N, Sammarco A, Moccia V, Calore A, Torrigiani F, Prosperi D, Rizzuto MA, Bellini M, De Maria R, Bonsembiante F, Ferro S, Zanetti R, Zappulli V, Cavicchioli L. Evaluation of TFR-1 Expression in Feline Mammary Cancer and In Vitro Antitumor Efficacy Study of Doxorubicin-Loaded H-Ferritin Nanocages. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061248. [PMID: 33809013 PMCID: PMC8000254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transferrin receptor one (TFR-1), recognized by ferritin, is overexpressed in many tumor cells. This feature has been exploited to produce a selective overload of drugs within tumor cells by creating an engineered ferritin nanocage loaded with doxorubicin (HFn(DOX)). This bionanotechnology has been tested in human cancer, but there are no studies in veterinary oncology. This work, after evaluating the expression of TFR-1 in feline tumors, demonstrated for the first time the effectiveness in vitro of this nanocage in animals. These results confirm that engineered bionanocages also offer unprecedented opportunities for animal cancer to be applied in veterinary medicine and in comparative studies including spontaneous animal models of cancer. Abstract The transferrin receptor 1 (TFR-1) has been found overexpressed in a broad range of solid tumors in humans and is, therefore, attracting great interest in clinical oncology for innovative targeted therapies, including nanomedicine. TFR-1 is recognized by H-Ferritin (HFn) and has been exploited to allow selective binding and drug internalization, applying an HFn nanocage loaded with doxorubicin (HFn(DOX)). In veterinary medicine, the role of TFR-1 in animal cancers remains poorly explored, and no attempts to use TFR-1 as a target for drug delivery have been conducted so far. In this study, we determined the TFR-1 expression both in feline mammary carcinomas during tumor progression, as compared to healthy tissue, and, in vitro, in a feline metastatic mammary cancer cell line. The efficacy of HFn(DOX) was compared to treatment with conventional doxorubicin in feline mammary cancer cells. Our results highlighted an increased TFR-1 expression associated with tumor metastatic progression, indicating a more aggressive behavior. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the use of HFn(DOX) resulted in less proliferation of cells and increased apoptosis when compared to the drug alone. The results of this preliminary study suggest that the use of engineered bionanocages also offers unprecedented opportunities for selective targeted chemotherapy of solid tumors in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Rensi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandro Sammarco
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Valentina Moccia
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Alessandro Calore
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Filippo Torrigiani
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Davide Prosperi
- NanoBiolab, Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (D.P.); (M.A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Rizzuto
- NanoBiolab, Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (D.P.); (M.A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Michela Bellini
- NanoBiolab, Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (D.P.); (M.A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Raffaella De Maria
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Turin, Italy;
| | - Federico Bonsembiante
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Rossella Zanetti
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Valentina Zappulli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Laura Cavicchioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (A.S.); (V.M.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.B.); (S.F.); (R.Z.); (V.Z.); (L.C.)
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14
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Arsenoplatin-Ferritin Nanocage: Structure and Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041874. [PMID: 33668605 PMCID: PMC7918638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenoplatin-1 (AP-1), the prototype of a novel class of metallodrugs containing a PtAs(OH)2 core, was encapsulated within the apoferritin (AFt) nanocage. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy measurements confirmed metallodrug encapsulation and allowed us to determine the average amount of AP-1 trapped inside the cage. The X-ray structure of AP-1-encapsulated AFt was solved at 1.50 Å. Diffraction data revealed that an AP-1 fragment coordinates the side chain of a His residue. The biological activity of AP-1-loaded AFt was comparatively tested on a few representative cancer and non-cancer cell lines. Even though the presence of the cage reduces the overall cytotoxicity of AP-1, it improves its selectivity towards cancer cells.
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15
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Abstract
Recent advances in structural studies unveiling the basis of the metal compounds/protein recognition process are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo
- Napoli
- Italy
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16
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Aslan TN, Aşık E, Güray NT, Volkan M. The potential application of gold-apoferritin nanocages conjugated with 2-amino-2-deoxy-glucose for imaging of breast cancer cells. J Biol Inorg Chem 2020; 25:1139-1152. [PMID: 33128617 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-020-01830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Development of biocompatible and multifunctional nanoprobes for tumor targeting, imaging, and therapy still remains a great challenge. Herein, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized in the cavity of horse spleen apoferritin protein (HoSAF) and protein surface was labeled with 2-amino-2-deoxy-glucose (2DG) as a cell surface glucose transport protein specific targeting probe to study the feasibility of its usage as a computer tomography (CT) contrast agent with tumor targeting capability through in vitro experiments. 2DG conjugated and gold-loaded apoferritin (Au-HoSAF-2DG) nanoparticles (NPs) showed selective targeting for human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells when compared to normal breast (MCF-10A) cells. This AuNP-based imaging agent was found to be non-cytotoxic in a given concentration range with an apoptotic effect upon longer exposure times towards MCF-7 cells, while MCF-10A cells were affected less. This selective cell death would also be useful for further cancer treatments with the ability of X-ray attenuation in in vitro X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Nur Aslan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, 42090, Turkey
| | - Elif Aşık
- Department of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - N Tülin Güray
- Department of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Mürvet Volkan
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
- Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
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17
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Zhang C, Zhang X, Zhao G. Ferritin Nanocage: A Versatile Nanocarrier Utilized in the Field of Food, Nutrition, and Medicine. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10091894. [PMID: 32971961 PMCID: PMC7557750 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Compared with other nanocarriers such as liposomes, mesoporous silica, and cyclodextrin, ferritin as a typical protein nanocage has received considerable attention in the field of food, nutrition, and medicine owing to its inherent cavity size, excellent water solubility, and biocompatibility. Additionally, ferritin nanocage also serves as a versatile bio-template for the synthesis of a variety of nanoparticles. Recently, scientists have explored the ferritin nanocage structure for encapsulation and delivery of guest molecules such as nutrients, bioactive molecules, anticancer drugs, and mineral metal ions by taking advantage of its unique reversible disassembly and reassembly property and biomineralization. In this review, we mainly focus on the preparation and structure of ferritin-based nanocarriers, and regulation of their self-assembly. Moreover, the recent advances of their applications in food nutrient delivery and medical diagnostics are highlighted. Finally, the main challenges and future development in ferritin-directed nanoparticles’ synthesis and multifunctional applications are discussed.
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18
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Taking advantage of cellular uptake of ferritin nanocages for targeted drug delivery. J Control Release 2020; 325:176-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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19
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pH induced reorganization of protein-protein interface in liposome encapsulated Ferritin at air/fluid and fluid/solid interfaces. J Mol Liq 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.113422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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20
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Khalid M, Hassani S, Abdollahi M. Metal-induced oxidative stress: an evidence-based update of advantages and disadvantages. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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21
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22
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Li J, Luo J, Zhang Y, Tang C, Wang J, Chen C. Silencing of soluble epoxide hydrolase 2 gene reduces H 2O 2-induced oxidative damage in rat intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells via activating PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. Cytotechnology 2020; 72:23-36. [PMID: 31907700 PMCID: PMC7002799 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-019-00354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of intestinal injury. Soluble epoxide hydrolase 2 gene (EPHX2) is a class of hydrolytic enzymes. We aim to explore the effects and molecular mechanism of siEPHX2 on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in rat intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells. IEC-6 cells were transfected with EPHX2-siRNA and control si RNA plasmids by lipofectamine™ 2000 transfection reagent. The transfected samples were treated with H2O2 (50, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 µmol/L) for 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Cell viability was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed by respective detection kits. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels of factors were determined by flow cytometer, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays, respectively. We found that the IC50 of H2O2 was 200 µmol/L at 24 h, and the transfection of siEHPX2 in H2O2-induced IEC-6 cells significantly promoted the cell viability, SOD activity and MMP rate, and reduced the rates of ROS and apoptosis as well as LDH and MDA contents. siEHPX2 up-regulated the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) level and down-regulated the levels of fibroblast-associated (Fas), Fas ligand (Fasl), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase-3. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK3β) were up-regulated. We proved that siEPHX2 had a protective effect on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in IEC-6 cells through activating PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61, Jiefang West Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Jihui Luo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Burn Plastic Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunming Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61, Jiefang West Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Chaowu Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61, Jiefang West Road, Furong District, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
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23
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Pinto G, D'Acierno M, Illiano A, Petruk G, Ferraro G, Merlino A, Monti DM, Godovac-Zimmermann J, Amoresano A. Label-free quantitative proteomics of the MCF-7 cellular response to a ferritin–metallodrug complex. Mol Omics 2020; 16:165-173. [DOI: 10.1039/c9mo00158a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Schematic summary of the experimental workflow based on label-free quantitative proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pinto
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | | | - Anna Illiano
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - Ganna Petruk
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
- Department of Chemistry Ugo Schiff
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - Daria Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | | | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- University of Naples Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
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24
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Mansour AM, Shehab OR. Pyridylbenzimidazole-Based Gold(III) Complexes: Lysozyme Metalation, DNA Binding Studies, and Biological Activity. Eur J Inorg Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201900155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Mansour
- Chemistry Department; Faculty of Science, Gamma Street, Giza; Cairo University; 12613 Cairo Egypt
| | - Ola R. Shehab
- Chemistry Department; Faculty of Science, Gamma Street, Giza; Cairo University; 12613 Cairo Egypt
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25
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Monti DM, Ferraro G, Merlino A. Ferritin-based anticancer metallodrug delivery: Crystallographic, analytical and cytotoxicity studies. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 20:101997. [PMID: 31028889 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The encapsulation of anticancer metal-based drugs within a protein nanocage represents a valuable strategy to improve the efficacy and selectivity of these compounds towards cancer cells. The preparation, characterization of the in vitro cytotoxicity and X-ray structures of several ferritin-metallodrug nanocomposites (mainly containing platinum-, ruthenium- and gold-based anticancer agents) are here reviewed. The molecular mechanisms of action of these Ft-metallodrug adducts are discussed and future directions in the field are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dara Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
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26
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Petruk G, Monti DM, Ferraro G, Pica A, D'Elia L, Pane F, Amoresano A, Furrer J, Kowalski K, Merlino A. Encapsulation of the Dinuclear Trithiolato-Bridged Arene Ruthenium Complex Diruthenium-1 in an Apoferritin Nanocage: Structure and Cytotoxicity. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:594-602. [PMID: 30674089 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The effects of encapsulating the cytotoxic dinuclear trithiolato-bridged arene ruthenium complex [(η6 -p-MeC6 H4 iPr)2 Ru2 (μ2 -S-p-C6 H4 tBu)3 ]Cl (DiRu-1) within the apoferritin (AFt) nanocage were investigated. The DiRu-1-AFt nanocarrier was characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, ICP-MS, CD and X-ray crystallography. In contrast to previously reported Au- and Pt-based drug-loaded AFt carriers, we found no evidence of direct interactions between DiRu-1 and AFt. DiRu-1-AFt is cytotoxic toward immortalized murine BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts transformed with SV40 virus (SVT2) and human epidermoid carcinoma A431 malignant cells, and exhibits moderate selectivity for these cancer cells over normal BALB/c-3T3 cells. DiRu-1-AFt triggers the production of reactive oxygen species, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and induces cell death via p53-mediated apoptosis. Comparison between our data and previous results suggests that the presence of specific interactions between a metal-based drug and AFt within the protein cage is not essential for drug encapsulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganna Petruk
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Daria Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Pica
- EMBL, CS 90181, 71 AV des Martyrs, 38009, Grenoble (38), France
| | - Luigi D'Elia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pane
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Kowalski
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Łódź, Tamka 12, 91-403, Poland
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
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27
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Jung M, Mertens C, Tomat E, Brüne B. Iron as a Central Player and Promising Target in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020273. [PMID: 30641920 PMCID: PMC6359419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for virtually all organisms. On the one hand, it facilitates cell proliferation and growth. On the other hand, iron may be detrimental due to its redox abilities, thereby contributing to free radical formation, which in turn may provoke oxidative stress and DNA damage. Iron also plays a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis due to its major function in tumor cell survival and reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, pathways of iron acquisition, export, and storage are often perturbed in cancers, suggesting that targeting iron metabolic pathways might represent opportunities towards innovative approaches in cancer treatment. Recent evidence points to a crucial role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) as a source of iron within the tumor microenvironment, implying that specifically targeting the TAM iron pool might add to the efficacy of tumor therapy. Here, we provide a brief summary of tumor cell iron metabolism and updated molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular and systemic iron homeostasis with regard to the development of cancer. Since iron adds to shaping major hallmarks of cancer, we emphasize innovative therapeutic strategies to address the iron pool of tumor cells or cells of the tumor microenvironment for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Jung
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Christina Mertens
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Elisa Tomat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721-0041, USA.
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany.
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28
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Annunziata A, Cucciolito ME, Esposito R, Imbimbo P, Petruk G, Ferraro G, Pinto V, Tuzi A, Monti DM, Merlino A, Ruffo F. A highly efficient and selective antitumor agent based on a glucoconjugated carbene platinum(ii) complex. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:7794-7800. [DOI: 10.1039/c9dt01614g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A Pt(ii) complex with a glucosylated carbene shows very high in vitro cytotoxicity and selectivity toward malignant cells.
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29
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Ferraro G, Pica A, Petruk G, Pane F, Amoresano A, Cilibrizzi A, Vilar R, Monti DM, Merlino A. Preparation, structure, cytotoxicity and mechanism of action of ferritin-Pt(II) terpyridine compound nanocomposites. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2018; 13:2995-3007. [PMID: 30501559 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM A Pt(II)-terpyridine compound, bearing two piperidine substituents at positions 2 and 2' of the terpyridine ligand (1), is highly cytotoxic and shows a mechanism of action distinct from cisplatin. 1 has been incorporated within the ferritin nanocage (AFt). MATERIALS & METHODS Spectroscopic and crystallographic data of the Pt(II)-AFt nanocomposite have been collected and in vitro anticancer activity has been explored using cancer cells. RESULTS Pt(II)-containing fragments bind His49, His114 and His132. Pt(II)-AFt nanocomposite is less cytotoxic than 1, but it is more toxic than cisplatin at high concentrations. The Pt(II)-AFt nanocomposite triggers necrosis in cancer cells, as free 1 does. CONCLUSION Pt(II)-AFt nanocomposites are promising vehicles to deliver Pt-based drugs to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Pica
- EMBL Grenoble, 71 avenue des Martyrs, CS 90181, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Ganna Petruk
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Pane
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Agostino Cilibrizzi
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Daria Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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30
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Ciambellotti S, Pratesi A, Severi M, Ferraro G, Alessio E, Merlino A, Messori L. The NAMI A - human ferritin system: a biophysical characterization. Dalton Trans 2018; 47:11429-11437. [PMID: 30063237 DOI: 10.1039/c8dt00860d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The reaction of the antimetastatic ruthenium(iii) drug NAMI A with human H-chain ferritin (HuHf) was investigated through a variety of biophysical methods. We observed that the addition of HuHf to NAMI A solutions significantly increases the rate of spontaneous NAMI A hydrolysis suggesting the occurrence of a direct metallodrug-protein interaction. The resulting hydrolyzed Ru species binds the protein mostly forming a relatively tight 1 : 1 ruthenium/ferritin (subunit) adduct that was then separated and characterized. Notably, this adduct shows a characteristic CD spectrum in the visible region, which is diagnostic of the existence of at least one protein bound ruthenium center. The crystal structure of this NAMI A/HuHf adduct was subsequently solved at 1.58 Å resolution; clear evidence is given for the selective binding of a single Ru ion to His105 of each subunit with concomitant release of all other original Ru ligands in agreement with previous observations. We also noted that NAMI A produces a partial inhibition of HuHf ferroxidase activity. The implications of the above results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ciambellotti
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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31
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Ferraro G, Petruk G, Maiore L, Pane F, Amoresano A, Cinellu MA, Monti DM, Merlino A. Caged noble metals: Encapsulation of a cytotoxic platinum(II)-gold(I) compound within the ferritin nanocage. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 115:1116-1121. [PMID: 29709536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.04.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The encapsulation of Pt and Au-based anticancer agents within a protein cage is a promising way to enhance the selectivity of these potential drugs. Here a cytotoxic organometallic compound containing platinum(II) and gold(I) has been encapsulated within a ferritin nanocage (AFt). Inductively plasma coupled mass spectrometry data, collected to evaluate the amount of Pt and Au within the cage, indicate disruption of the starting heterobimetallic complex upon encapsulation within the nanocage. The drug-loaded protein (Pt(II)/Au(I)-AFt) has been characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism and X-ray diffraction analysis. Data indicate that the protein maintains its fold upon encapsulation of the metallodrug and that Au(I) and Pt(II)-containing fragments are encapsulated within the AFt cage, with Au(I) ion that binds the side chain of Cys126 and Pt(II) in the bulk, respectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity of Pt(II)Au(I)-AFt, as well as that of the free heterobimetallic complex, has been comparatively evaluated on human cervix and breast cancer cells and against cardiomyoblasts and keratinocytes non-tumorigenic cells. Our data demonstrate that it is possible to obtain a protein nanocarrier containing both Pt and Au atoms starting from a bimetallic compound, opening the way for the design and development of new potential drugs based on protein nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ganna Petruk
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Maiore
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Pane
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Daria Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
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Huang KB, Wang FY, Tang XM, Feng HW, Chen ZF, Liu YC, Liu YN, Liang H. Organometallic Gold(III) Complexes Similar to Tetrahydroisoquinoline Induce ER-Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Pro-Death Autophagy in A549 Cancer Cells. J Med Chem 2018; 61:3478-3490. [PMID: 29606001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Agents inducing both apoptosis and autophagic death can be effective chemotherapeutic drugs. In our present work, we synthesized two organometallic gold(III) complexes harboring C^N ligands that structurally resemble tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ): Cyc-Au-1 (AuL1Cl2, L1 = 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine) and Cyc-Au-2 (AuL2Cl2, L2 = methylenedioxyphenethylamine). In screening their in vitro activity, we found both gold complexes exhibited lower toxicity, lower resistance factors, and better anticancer activity than those of cisplatin. The organometallic gold(III) complexes accumulate in mitochondria and induce elevated ROS and an ER stress response through mitochondrial dysfunction. These effects ultimately result in simultaneous apoptosis and autophagy. Importantly, compared to cisplatin, Cyc-Au-2 exhibits lower toxicity and better anticancer activity in a murine tumor model. To the best of our knowledge, Cyc-Au-2 is the first organometallic Au(III) compound that induces apoptosis and autophagic death. On the basis of our results, we believe Cyc-Au-2 to be a promising anticancer agent or lead compound for further anticancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Bin Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Feng-Yang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan 410083 , P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Hai-Wen Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - Yan-Cheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China
| | - You-Nian Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan 410083 , P.R. China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin , Guangxi 541004 , P.R. China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan 410083 , P.R. China
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33
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Cucciolito ME, D’Amora A, De Feo G, Ferraro G, Giorgio A, Petruk G, Monti DM, Merlino A, Ruffo F. Five-Coordinate Platinum(II) Compounds Containing Sugar Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxic Activity, and Interaction with Biological Macromolecules. Inorg Chem 2018; 57:3133-3143. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b03118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Cucciolito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Reattività Chimica e Catalisi (CIRCC), via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela D’Amora
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gianmarco De Feo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Giorgio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ganna Petruk
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daria Maria Monti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Ruffo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Reattività Chimica e Catalisi (CIRCC), via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, Italy
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34
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Cucciolito ME, De Luca Bossa F, Esposito R, Ferraro G, Iadonisi A, Petruk G, D'Elia L, Romanetti C, Traboni S, Tuzi A, Monti DM, Merlino A, Ruffo F. C-Glycosylation in platinum-based agents: a viable strategy to improve cytotoxicity and selectivity. Inorg Chem Front 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8qi00664d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The glycosylation of five-coordinate Pt(ii) compounds through a Pt–C linkage can be a very effective strategy for attacking cancer cells, while preserving the survival of the healthy ones.
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