Preparation and characterization of a pentaammineruthenium(III) derivative of horse heart ferricytochrome c

Modulation of Diverse Procoagulant Venom Activities by Combinations of Platinoid Compounds

Procoagulant snake venoms have been inhibited by the ruthenium containing compounds CORM-2 and RuCl₃ separately, presumably by interacting with critical histidine or other sulfur-containing amino acids on key venom enzymes. However, combinations of these and other platinoid containing compounds could potentially increase, decrease or not affect the procoagulant enzyme function of venom. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine if formulations of platinoid compounds could inhibit venom procoagulant activity and if the formulated compounds interacted to enhance inhibition. Using a human plasma coagulation kinetic model to assess venom activity, six diverse venoms were exposed to various combinations and concentrations of CORM-2, CORM-3, RuCl₃ and carboplatin (a platinum containing compound), with changes in venom activity determined with thrombelastography. The combinations of CORM-2 or CORM-3 with RuCl₃ were found to enhance inhibition significantly, but not in all venoms nor to the same extent. In sharp contrast, carboplatin-antagonized CORM-2 mediated the inhibition of venom activity. These preliminary results support the concept that platinoid compounds may inhibit venom enzymatic activity at the same or different molecular sites and may antagonize inhibition at the same or different sites. Further investigation is warranted to determine if platinoid formulations may serve as potential antivenoms.

The interactions of the ruthenium(II)-cymene complexes with lysozyme and cytochrome c

The reactions of four cymene-capped ruthenium(II) compounds with pro-apoptotic protein, cytochrome c (Cyt), and anti-proliferative protein lysozyme (Ly) in carbonate buffer were investigated by ESI-MS, UV-vis absorption, and CD spectroscopy. The complexes with two chloride ligands (C2 and C3) were more reactive toward proteins than those with only one (C1 and C4), and the complex with S,N-chelating ligand (C4) was less reactive than one with O,N-chelating ligand (C1). Dehalogenated complexes are most likely species, initially coordinating proteins for all tested complexes. During the time, protein adducts vividly exchanged non-arene organic ligand L with CO₃^2- and OH^-, while cymene moiety was retained. In water, only dehalogenated adducts were identified suggesting that in vivo, in the presence of various anions, dynamic ligand exchange could generate different intermediate protein species. Although all complexes reduced Cyt, the reduction was not dependent on their reactivity to protein, implying that initially noncovalent binding to Cyt occurs, causing its reduction, followed by coordination to protein. Cyt reduction was accompanied with rupture of ferro-Met 80 and occupation of this hem coordination site by a histidine His-33/26. Therefore, in Cyt with C2 and C3, less intensive reduction of hem iron leaves more unoccupied target residues for Ru coordination, leading to more efficient formation of covalent adducts, in comparison to C1 and C4. This study contributes to development of new protein-targeted Ru(II) cymene complexes, and to the design of new cancer therapies based on targeted delivery of Ru(II) arene complexes bound on pro-apoptotic/anti-proliferative proteins as vehicles.

Anticancer activity of complexes of the third row transition metals, rhenium, osmium, and iridium

A summary of recent developments on the anticancer activity of complexes of rhenium, osmium, and iridium is described.

{Ru(CO)x}-Core complexes with benzimidazole ligands: synthesis, X-ray structure and evaluation of anticancer activity in vivo

fac-[Ru^II(CO)₃Cl₂(MBI)] and -[Ru^II(CO)₃Cl₂(DMBI)] are CO-releasing materials able to link histidines of proteins, and the latter showed antitumor effects in murine colon cancer.

Ru(II)-diimine functionalized metalloproteins: From electron transfer studies to light-driven biocatalysis

The unique photochemical properties of Ru(II)-diimine complexes have helped initiate a series of seminal electron transfer studies in metalloenzymes. It has thus been possible to experimentally determine rate constants for long-range electron transfers. These studies have laid the foundation for the investigation of reactive intermediates in heme proteins and for the design of light-activated biocatalysts. Various metalloenzymes such as hydrogenase, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, nitrogenase, laccase and cytochrome P450 BM3 have been functionalized with Ru(II)-diimine complexes. Upon visible light-excitation, these photosensitized metalloproteins are capable of sustaining photocatalytic activity to reduce small molecules such as protons, acetylene, hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide or activate molecular dioxygen to produce hydroxylated products. The Ru(II)-diimine photosensitizers are hence able to deliver multiple electrons to metalloenzymes buried active sites, circumventing the need for the natural redox partners. In this review, we will highlight the key achievements of the light-driven biocatalysts, which stem from the extensive electron transfer investigations. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biodesign for Bioenergetics--the design and engineering of electronic transfer cofactors, proteins and protein networks, edited by Ronald L. Koder and J.L. Ross Anderson.

Cytotoxic activity and protein binding through an unusual oxidative mechanism by an iridium(i)–NHC complex

A new NHC iridium(i) complex (1) showing significant antiproliferative properties in vitro is described here.

Continuous flow reactor for the production of stable amyloid protein oligomers

The predominant working hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease is that the proximate pathologic agents are oligomers of the amyloid β-protein (Aβ). "Oligomer" is an ill-defined term. Many different types of oligomers have been reported, and they often exist in rapid equilibrium with monomers and higher-order assemblies. This has made formal structure-activity determinations difficult. Recently, Ono et al. [Ono, K., et al. (2009) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 106, 14745-14750] used rapid, zero-length, in situ chemical cross-linking to stabilize the oligomer state, allowing the isolation and study of pure populations of oligomers of a specific order (number of Aβ monomers per assembly). This approach was successful but highly laborious and time-consuming, precluding general application of the method. To overcome these difficulties, we developed a "continuous flow reactor" with the ability to produce theoretically unlimited quantities of chemically stabilized Aβ oligomers. We show, in addition to its utility for Aβ, that this method can be applied to a wide range of other amyloid-forming proteins.

Perspectives for Photobiology in Molecular Solar Fuels

This paper presents an overview of the prospects for bio-solar energy conversion. The Global Artificial Photosynthesis meeting at Lord Howe Island (14–18 August 2011) underscored the dependence that the world has placed on non-renewable energy supplies, particularly for transport fuels, and highlighted the potential of solar energy. Biology has used solar energy for free energy gain to drive chemical reactions for billions of years. The principal conduits for energy conversion on earth are photosynthetic reaction centres – but can they be harnessed, copied and emulated? In this communication, we initially discuss algal-based biofuels before investigating bio-inspired solar energy conversion in artificial and engineered systems. We show that the basic design and engineering principles for assembling photocatalytic proteins can be used to assemble nanocatalysts for solar fuel production.

Biophysical characterisation of adducts formed between anticancer metallodrugs and selected proteins: new insights from X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry studies

There is considerable interest today for the reactions of anticancer metallodrugs with proteins as these interactions might feature processes that are crucial for the biodistribution, the toxicity and even the mechanism of action of this important group of anticancer agents. We survey here the results of research activities carried out in our "Laboratory of Metals in Medicine" (Department of Chemistry, University of Florence) during the last three years, concerning the molecular characterisation of adducts formed between platinum, ruthenium and gold metallodrugs and a few model proteins. Valuable structural and functional information on these adducts could be derived from several biophysical studies mainly relying on the application of X-ray diffraction and ESI MS techniques. The value and the limitations of both approaches are outlined through a number of examples. Remarkably, the structural and functional information achieved on the respective metallodrug-protein adducts allowed us to identify some general trends in the reactivity of anticancer metallodrugs with protein targets.

Ruthenium anticancer drugs and proteins: a study of the interactions of the ruthenium(III) complex imidazolium trans-[tetrachloro(dimethyl sulfoxide)(imidazole)ruthenate(III)] with hen egg white lysozyme and horse heart cytochrome c

The interactions with protein targets of the ruthenium(III) complex imidazolium trans-[tetrachloro(dimethyl sulfoxide)(imidazole)ruthenate(III)], NAMI-A, an effective anticancer and antimetastatic agent now in clinical trials, deserve great attention as they are believed to be at the basis of the mechanism of action of this innovative molecule. Here, we report on the reactions of NAMI-A with two well-known model proteins, namely, hen egg white lysozyme and horse heart cytochrome c; these reactions were investigated by a variety of physicochemical methods, including optical spectroscopy, (1)H NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The combined use of the analytical techniques mentioned resulted in a rather exhaustive description of the NAMI-A-protein interactions; in particular, the formation of fairly stable metal-protein adducts was clearly documented and the nature of the resulting protein-bound metallic fragments ascertained in most cases. Notably, greatly different patterns of interaction were found to be operative for NAMI-A toward these two proteins. The biological implications of the present findings are discussed.

Electron-transfer-mediated binding of optically active cobalt(III) complexes to horse heart cytochrome c

Optically active cobalt(II) complexes are used as reducing agents in the electron-transfer reaction involving horse heart cytochrome c. Analysis of the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of reaction products indicates that the corresponding cobalt(III) species of both enantiomers of [CoII(alamp)] (H2alamp=N,N'-[(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(methylene)]-bis[alanine]) are partly attached to the protein during electron transfer by coordination to an imidazole unit of one of the histidine residues. His-26 and His-33 are both solvent exposed, and the results suggest that one of these histidine residues acts as a bridge in the electron transfer to and from the haem iron of cytochrome c. The reaction is enantioselective: the ratio of the relative reactivity at 15 degrees C is 2.9 in favour of the R,R-enantiomer. A small induced CD activity in the haem chromophore reveals that some structural changes in the protein occur consecutively with the binding of the cobalt(III) complex.

The protein-folding speed limit: intrachain diffusion times set by electron-transfer rates in denatured Ru(NH3)5(His-33)-Zn-cytochrome c

The kinetics of electron transfer from the triplet-excited Zn-porphyrin to a Ru(NH(3))(5)(His-33)(3+) complex have been measured in Zn-substituted ruthenium-modified cytochrome c under denaturing conditions. In the folded protein, the electron-tunneling rate constant is 7.5 x 10(5) s(-1). As the protein is denatured with guanidine hydrochloride, a faster adiabatic electron-transfer reaction appears (4.0 x 10(6) s(-1), [guanidine hydrochloride] = 5.4 M) that is limited by the rate of intrachain diffusion to bring the Zn-porphyrin and Ru complex into contact. The 250-ns contact time for formation of a 15-residue loop in denatured cytochrome c is in accord with a statistical model developed by Camacho and Thirumalai [Camacho, C. J. & Thirumalai, D. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92, 1277-1281] that predicts that the most probable transient loops formed in denatured proteins are comprised of 10 amino acids. Extrapolation of the cytochrome c contact time to a 10-residue loop sets the folding speed limit at approximately 10(7) s(-1).

Ruthenium bisbipyridine complexes of horse heart cytochrome c: characterization and comparative intramolecular electron-transfer rates determined by pulse radiolysis and flash photolysis

The reaction of [Ru(bpy)2L(H2O)]2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, L = imidazole, water) with reduced horse heart cytochrome c results in coordination of [RuII(bpy)2L] at the His 33 and His 26 sites. Coordination at the His 33 site gave a diastereomeric [RuII(bpy)2L]-His-cyt c(II) mixture favoring the lambda-Ru form regardless of the substituent on the bipyridine ligands, while substitution at the more buried His 26 site gave an isomeric distribution that varies according to the substituent on the bipyridine ligands. The diastereomeric aquoproteins (L = H2O) are distinguished by their redox potentials and their conversion to the corresponding fluorescent imidazole proteins. Intramolecular electron transfer between the reduced ruthenium bipyridine and cyt c(III) in [RuII(bpy.)(bpy)L]-His33-cyt c(III) was determined by reductive pulse radiolysis using the aqueous electron as a reducing agent, kret = (2.0 +/- 0.3) x 10(5) s-1, and kret is independent of the sixth ligand L = H2O, imidazole. In addition, the rate constant for intramolecular electron transfer from cyt c(II) to the ruthenium(III) center in [RuIII(bpy)2L]-His33-cyt c(II) was determined by oxidative pulse radiolysis using azide and carbonate radicals. This rate is very sensitive to the nature of the sixth ligand. When L = H2O, the intramolecular electron-transfer rate for the major diastereomer lambda-cis-[RuIII (bpy)2(H2O)]-His33-cyt c(II) is k = 1.1 x 10(4) s-1 and is independent of pH between 5.6 and 8.3. The minor delta-cis-[RuIII(bpy)2(H2O)]-His33-cyt c(II) isomer has pH-dependent electrochemistry and a lower rate of intramolecular electron transfer. Complete conversion from L = H2O to L = imidazole is slow, requiring more than 7 days in 1 M imidazole. A lower limit (k > 2 x 10(6) s-1) for the intramolecular electron-transfer rate constant in [RuIII(bpy)2(L)]-His33-cyt c(II), L = imidazole, could be obtained by pulse radiolysis in the absence of the slower reacting aquo species. This observation is in agreement with the value of 3 x 10(6) s-1 measured by flash photolysis. Earlier pulse radiolysis experiments primarily measured the aquoligated ruthenium protein, while the flash photolysis experiments measured the imidazole-ligated fraction because it is the only species oxidatively quenched in the photoinduced reactions. Intramolecular electron-transfer reactions for a new series of ruthenium bipyridine complexes, [Ru(dabpy)2L]-His33-cyt c proteins (dabpy = 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-bipyridine) (L = imidazole, pyridine, isonicotinamide and pyrazine), proceed with lower driving force, resulting in slower rate constants amenable to measurement by oxidative pulse radiolysis. The electron-transfer rate constants for this series spanned a wide range of the Marcus log k vs delta G plot.

Chemistry for the analysis of protein-protein interactions: rapid and efficient cross-linking triggered by long wavelength light

Chemical cross-linking is a potentially useful technique for probing the architecture of multiprotein complexes. However, analyses using typical bifunctional cross-linkers often suffer from poor yields, and large-scale modification of nucleophilic side chains can result in artifactual results attributable to structural destabilization. We report here the de novo design and development of a type of protein cross-linking reaction that uses a photogenerated oxidant to mediate rapid and efficient cross-linking of associated proteins. The process involves brief photolysis of tris-bipyridylruthenium(II) dication with visible light in the presence of the electron acceptor ammonium persulfate and the proteins of interest. Very high yields of cross-linked products can be obtained with irradiation times of <1 second. This chemistry obviates many of the problems associated with standard cross-linking reagents.

Postcolumn derivatization of peptides with fluorescamine in capillary electrophoresis

Fluorescamine is used as a postcolumn derivatization reagent for fluorescence detection detection of peptides after separation by capillary electrophoresis. The problems resulting from the use of an organic solvent have been solved by introducing LiC1O4 and 5% water into the postcolumn derivatization reagent. The reaction rate and detection sensitivity of amino acids and small peptides observed with fluorescamine and OPA were compared. Fluorescamine gives much higher sensitivity than o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) for small peptides, with detection limits for the selected peptides and amino acids below 0.1 mumol 1-1. Under optimized experimental conditions, the method has a good reproducibility and separation efficiency for peptides. The method was applied for the analysis of the protein tryptic digests. Only submicromolar concentrations of proteins were required.

Photochemical initiation of electron transfer reactions

It is quite apparent that the use of photoinitiated electron transfer has become a powerful, if not dominating, technique in the study of biological electron transfer. It provides a means to measure directly very fast processes and, through the choice of approach (flavin semiquinones or related, metal substitution in hemes or modification with ruthenium) and experimental conditions, provides the ability to probe different features of the electron transfer mechanism. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to fully understand biological electron transfer. The use of photoinitiated electron transfer has clearly established a role for a number of factors involved in controlling the kinetics of electron transfer, including driving force, distance, intervening media, dynamics (conformational gating) and orientation of redox centers. However, we have only scratched the surface in regard to understanding in molecular terms the details of electron transfer in physiologically relevant systems. Thus, even relatively simple and well characterized systems like cytochrome c-cytochrome c peroxidase remain obscure in terms of the through-protein electron paths (intervening media) and the role of protein dynamics in controlling electron transfer kinetics. Indeed, it is the through-protein paths and conformational gating that are unique to biological systems and provide nature with the capability of modulating electron transfer kinetics to optimize biological function. Of the techniques described here, the use of flavin semiquinones is clearly the least invasive in that there is no evidence that flavin semiquinones bind to or perturb physiologically relevant systems. However, this approach is constrained in that precise distances and orientations are not always known, and the range of driving forces available is limited. In contrast, metal substitution and ruthenation allow the positions of interacting redox centers to be reasonably well defined and can provide a very large range of driving force. This latter point is particularly important since it provides a means to discriminate between rate limiting electron transfer and conformational gating. Nevertheless, chemically modifying redox proteins runs the risk of structural and electrostatic alterations which can be difficult to detect but have profound effects on the redox kinetics. Moreover, the intrinsic protein dynamics can be affected, resulting, in the worst case, in changes in conformational gating which cannot be resolved from rate limiting electron transfer. Given the early stage of development of photo-initiated electron transfer, substantial progress can be expected in the next few years. No doubt new approaches will be developed and existing approaches further refined. Especially important, the theoretical basis for interpreting and understanding electron transfer will continue to evolve.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Directional electron transfer in ruthenium-modified horse heart cytochrome c

Cytochrome c can be modified by [(NH3)5RuII/III-] specifically at the imidazole moiety of histidine 33, and we have recently discussed the thermodynamics and kinetics of electron transfer within this modified protein. X-ray crystal structures of the oxidized and reduced forms of tuna cytochrome c indicate that the separation between the haem group of cytochrome c and the ruthenium label is 12-16 A. Internal electron transfer from the [(NH3)5RuII-] centre to the Fe(III) haem centre occurs with a rate constant k congruent to 53 s-1 (25 degrees C) (delta H = 3.5 kcal mol-1, delta S = -39 EU), as measured by pulse radiolysis. The measured unimolecular rate constant, k congruent to 53 s-1, is on the same timescale as a number of conformational changes that occur within the cytochrome c molecule. These results raise the question of whether electron transfer or protein conformational change is the rate limiting step in this process. We describe here an experiment that probes this intramolecular electron transfer step further. It involves reversing the direction of electron transfer by changing the redox potential of the ruthenium label. Electron transfer in the new ruthenium-cytochrome c derivative described here is from haem(II) to the Ru(III) label, whereas in (NH3)5Ru-cytochrome c the electron transfer is from Ru(II) to haem(III). Intramolecular electron transfer from haem(II) to Ru(III) in the new ruthenium-cytochrome c described here proceeds much slower (greater than 10(5) times) than the electron transfer from Ru(II) to haem(III) in the (NH3)5Ru-cytochrome c. We therefore conclude that electron transfer in cytochrome c is directional, with the protein envelope presumably involved in this directionality.

Preparation and characterization of pentaammineruthenium-(histidine-83)azurin: thermodynamics of intramolecular electron transfer from ruthenium to copper

The reaction between a5RuH2O2+ (a is NH3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin at pH 7, followed by oxidation, yields a5Ru(His-83)3+-azurin(Cu2+) as the major product. Spectroscopic measurements (UV-visible, CD, EPR, and resonance Raman) indicate that the native structure is maintained in the modified protein. The site of ruthenium binding (His-83) was identified by peptide mapping. The a5RuHis/Cu ratio in the modified protein, determined from the EPR spectrum, is 1:1, and the reduction potentials (vs. normal hydrogen electrode, pH 7.0, 25 degrees C) are blue copper (Cu2+/1+), 320 +/- 2 mV; a5Ru(His-83)3+/2+, 50 +/- 10 mV. From measurements of the reduction potentials at several temperatures in the 5-40 degrees C range, delta H degree for intramolecular Ru2+ ----Cu2+ electron transfer was estimated to be -12.4 kcal mol-1 (1 cal = 4.184 J). Analysis of kinetic data in light of the electron transfer exothermicity indicates that the reorganizational enthalpy of the blue copper site can be no larger than 7.1 kcal mol-1.