B----Z DNA conformational changes induced by a family of dinuclear bis(platinum) complexes

Possible Physical Basis of Mirror Symmetry Effect in Racemic Mixtures of Enantiomers: From Wallach’s Rule, Nonlinear Effects, B–Z DNA Transition, and Similar Phenomena to Mirror Symmetry Effects of Chiral Objects

Effects associated with mirror symmetry may be underlying for a number of phenomena in chemistry and physics. Increase in the density and melting point of the 50%L/50%D collection of enantiomers of a different sign (Wallach’s rule) is probably based on a physical effect of the mirror image. The catalytic activity of metal complexes with racemic ligands differs from the corresponding complexes with enantiomers as well (nonlinear effect). A similar difference in the physical properties of enantiomers and racemate underlies L/D inversion points of linear helical macromolecules, helical nanocrystals of magnetite and boron nitride etc., B–Z DNA transition and phenomenon of mirror neurons may have a similar nature. Here we propose an explanation of the Wallach effect along with some similar chemical, physical, and biological phenomena related to mirror image.

Di-copper metallodrugs promote NCI-60 chemotherapy via singlet oxygen and superoxide production with tandem TA/TA and AT/AT oligonucleotide discrimination

In order to expand the current repertoire of cancer treatments and to help circumvent limitations associated with resistance, the identification of new metallodrugs with high potency and novel mechanisms of action is of significant importance. Here we present a class of di-copper(II) complex based on the synthetic chemical nuclease [Cu(Phen)2]+ (where Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) that is selective against solid epithelial cancer cells from the National Cancer Institute's 60 human cell line panel (NCI-60). Two metallodrug leads are studied and in each case two [Cu(Phen)2]+ units are bridged by a dicarboxylate linker but the length and rigidity of the linkers differ distinctly. Both agents catalyze intracellular superoxide (O2•-) and singlet oxygen (1O2) formation with radical species mediating oxidative damage within nuclear DNA in the form of double strand breaks and to the mitochondria in terms of membrane depolarization. The complexes are effective DNA binders and can discriminate AT/AT from TA/TA steps of duplex DNA through induction of distinctive Z-like DNA or by intercalative interactions.

Сhiral and Racemic Fields Concept for Understanding of the Homochirality Origin, Asymmetric Catalysis, Chiral Superstructure Formation from Achiral Molecules, and B-Z DNA Conformational Transition

The four most important and well-studied phenomena of mirror symmetry breaking of molecules were analyzed for the first time in terms of available common features and regularities. Mirror symmetry breaking of the primary origin of biological homochirality requires the involvement of an external chiral inductor (environmental chirality). All reviewed mirror symmetry breaking phenomena were considered from that standpoint. A concept of chiral and racemic fields was highly helpful in this analysis. A chiral gravitational field in combination with a static magnetic field (Earth’s environmental conditions) may be regarded as a hypothetical long-term chiral inductor. Experimental evidences suggest a possible effect of the environmental chiral inductor as a chiral trigger on the mirror symmetry breaking effect. Also, this effect explains a conformational transition of the right-handed double DNA helix to the left-handed double DNA helix (B-Z DNA transition) as possible DNA damage.

Exploiting developments in nanotechnology for the preferential delivery of platinum-based anti-cancer agents to tumours: targeting some of the hallmarks of cancer

Platinum drugs as anti-cancer therapeutics are held in extremely high regard. Despite their success, there are drawbacks associated with their use; their dose-limiting toxicity, their limited activity against an array of common cancers and patient resistance to Pt-based therapeutic regimes. Current investigations in medicinal inorganic chemistry strive to offset these shortcomings through selective targeting of Pt drugs and/or the development of Pt drugs with new or multiple modes of action. A comprehensive overview showcasing how liposomes, nanocapsules, polymers, dendrimers, nanoparticles and nanotubes may be employed as vehicles to selectively deliver cytotoxic Pt payloads to tumour cells is provided.

Molecular Basis for Differential Recognition of G-Quadruplex versus Double-Helix DNA by Bis-Phenanthroline Metal Complexes

1,10-Phenanthroline (Phen) derivatives are attractive ligands to provide metal complexes that are selective for different DNA secondary structures. Herein, we analyze the binding processes of two bis-Phen analogues and their Ni(II) complexes toward double-stranded DNA and telomeric G-quadruplex DNA by calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques. The free ligands can adapt to both DNA arrangements. Conversely, metal ion coordination produces an increase in ligand affinity for the tetrahelical structure, whereas it dramatically decreases binding to double-stranded DNA as a result of distinct binding modes on the two templates. In fact, Ni(II) complexes effectively stack on the G-quadruplex terminals, with an entropic loss counterbalanced by favorable enthalpy changes, whereas they cause a conformational reshaping of the double-helix form with a substantial decrease in the binding free energy. Consistently, no Ni(II) -DNA ionic pair has ever been identified. These results provide a rationale for the selective recognition of distinct DNA arrangements in view of targeted pharmacological applications.

Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of multinuclear platinum(IV) prodrugs with enhanced drug uptake and the activity of overcoming drug resistance

Here, a nanoparticle-mediated delivery of multinuclear platinum(IV) prodrugs [biodegradable polymer-di-cisPt(IV)] for overcoming cisplatin drug resistance is reported. From the MTT assays, lower IC50 values of polymer-di-cisPt(IV) on A2780DDP cells than A2780 were observed with the lowest resistance factor of 0.7. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy results showed that more drugs were delivered into cancer cells and greater number of Pt-DNA adducts were formed with the use of the polymer-di-cisPt(IV) conjugate nanoparticles. By a mechanistic study with endocytosis inhibitors to treat A2780 cells, we proved that polymer-di-cisPt(IV) conjugate nanoparticles were internalized by the cancer cells through endocytosis rather than through passive diffusion or copper transporter 1-mediated active transportation. This well illustrates the way how the polymer-di-cisPt(IV) micelles overcome cisplatin resistance.

Lighting up left-handed Z-DNA: photoluminescent carbon dots induce DNA B to Z transition and perform DNA logic operations

Left-handed Z-DNA has been identified as a transient structure occurred during transcription. DNA B-Z transition has attracted much attention because of not only Z-DNA biological importance but also their relation to disease and DNA nanotechnology. Recently, photoluminescent carbon dots, especially highly luminescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots, have attracted much attention on their applications to bioimaging and gene/drug delivery because of carbon dots with low toxicity, highly stable photoluminescence and controllable surface function. However, it is still unknown whether carbon dots can influence DNA conformation or structural transition, such as B-Z transition. Herein, based on our previous series work on DNA interactions with carbon nanotubes, we report the first example that photoluminescent carbon dots can induce right-handed B-DNA to left-handed Z-DNA under physiological salt conditions with sequence and conformation selectivity. Further studies indicate that carbon dots would bind to DNA major groove with GC preference. Inspired by carbon dots lighting up Z-DNA and DNA nanotechnology, several types of DNA logic gates have been designed and constructed based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer between photoluminescent carbon dots and DNA intercalators.

The use of polymeric platinum(IV) prodrugs to deliver multinuclear platinum(II) drugs with reduced systemic toxicity and enhanced antitumor efficacy

Two dinuclear platinum(IV) prodrugs were prepared from cisplatin and oxaliplatin, and tethered to amphiphilic biodegradable block copolymers. The polymeric dinuclear platinum(IV) prodrugs were allowed to self-assemble into nanomicelles, which showed reduced systemic toxicity, relatively long blood circulation, and enhanced antitumor efficacy. In this way, the bottleneck of present multinuclear platinum drugs, especially their severe systemic toxicity, might be overcome.

Metal ion-promoted conformational changes of oligonucleotides

The review will discuss the influence of metal ions on conformational changes of oligonucleotides. First, a short definition of the torsion angles is given, followed by a concise yet critical overview of the commonly applied experimental techniques. Finally, the possible role of metals upon the following conformational changes of oligonucleotides is discussed: (i) the denaturation of double-strands, (ii) the transition from B- to A-DNA, (iii) the transition from right- to left-handed DNA and RNA, (iv) the condensation, (v) and other conformational changes. We conclude with a summary and outlook.

Arene-Ru(II)-chloroquine complexes interact with DNA, induce apoptosis on human lymphoid cell lines and display low toxicity to normal mammalian cells

The complexes [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(CQ)Cl(2)] (1), [Ru(eta(6)-benzene)(CQ)Cl(2)] (2), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(CQ)(H(2)O)(2)][BF(4)](2) (3), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(en)(CQ)][PF(6)](2) (4), [Ru(eta(6)-p-cymene)(eta(6)-CQDP)][BF(4)](2) (5) (CQ = chloroquine base; CQDP = chloroquine diphosphate; en = ethylenediamine) interact with DNA to a comparable extent to that of CQ and in analogous intercalative manner with no evidence for any direct contribution of the metal, as shown by spectrophotometric and fluorimetric titrations, thermal denaturation measurements, circular dichroism spectroscopy and electrophoresis mobility shift assays. Complexes 1-5 induced cytotoxicity in Jurkat and SUP-T1 cancer cells primarily via apoptosis. Despite the similarities in the DNA binding behavior of complexes 1-5 with those of CQ the antitumor properties of the metal drugs do not correlate with those of CQ, indicating that DNA is not the principal target in the mechanism of cytotoxicity of these compounds. Importantly, the Ru-CQ complexes are generally less toxic toward normal mouse splenocytes and human foreskin fibroblast cells than the standard antimalarial drug CQDP and therefore this type of compound shows promise for drug development.

Structural consequences of a 3'-->3' DNA interstrand cross-link by a trinuclear platinum complex: unique formation of two such cross-links in a 10-mer duplex

Combined multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry was used to analyze the platinated DNA adduct of the phase II anticancer drug [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)-mu-[trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)(NH(2)(CH(2))(6)NH(2))(2)]](NO(3))(4) (BBR3464) with [5'-d(ACG*TATACG*T)-3'](2). Two 1,2-interstrand cross-links were formed by concomitant binding of two trinuclear moieties to the oligonucleotide. The four DNA-bound platinum atoms coordinated in the major groove at N7 positions of guanines in the 3' --> 3' direction and the central platinum unit is expected to lie in the DNA minor groove. This is the first report of such a DNA lesion. The melting temperature of the adduct is 76 degrees C and is 42 degrees C higher than that of the unplatinated DNA. The sugar residues of the platinated bases are in the N-type conformation and the G9 nucleoside is in the syn orientation, while the G3 nucleoside appears to retain the anti configuration. The secondary structure of DNA was significantly changed upon cross-linking of the two BBR3464 molecules. Base destacking occurs between A1/C2 and C2/G3 and weakened stacking is seen for the C8/G9 and G9/T10 bases. The lack of Watson-Crick base pairing is also seen for A1-T10 and C2-G9 base pairs, whereas Watson-Crick base pairs in the central sequence of the DNA (T4 --> A7) are well maintained. While DNA repair proteins may "see" different platinated adducts as bulky "lesions", the subtle differences involved in base pairing and stacking, as summarized here, may extend to their role as a substrate for repair enzymes. Thus, differences in protein recognition and repair efficiency among the various interstrand cross-links are likely and a subject worthy of detailed exploration.

DNA interaction and antiproliferative behavior of the water soluble platinum supramolecular squares [(en)Pt(N–N)]4(NO3)8 (en=ethylenediamine, N–N=4,4′-bipyridine or 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)tetrafluorobenzene)

The interaction with DNA of two water soluble platinum supramolecular squares [(en)Pt(N-N)]4(NO3)8 (en=ethylenediamine, N-N=1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)tetrafluorobenzene, compound 1, N-N=4,4'-bipyridine, compound 2) has been studied by circular dichroism, electrophoretic mobility and atomic force microscopy. the two complexes drastically modify the second and tertiary structures of DNA, but compound 2 does it strongly due probably to its smaller size by comparison with compound 1 and its more suitable structural features for intercalation between base pairs. The two supramolecular squares were assayed against the HL-60 tumor cell line for 24 and 72 h. The IC50 values for 24 h are smaller than that of cisplatin for this time, however for 72 h the IC50 have higher values being the corresponding to compound 2 comparable to that of cisplatin. Apoptotic assays were also carried out for the compounds 1 and 2 against the tumor cell line.

Influence of the position of substituents in the cytotoxic activity of trans platinum complexes with hydroxymethyl pyridines

The synthesis and chemical characterization of two trans platinum complexes, (1) trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(2-hydroxymethylpyridine)] and (2) trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(3-hydroxymethylpyridine)], are described. The structures and chemical behaviour of these compounds have been compared to those of their isomer (3) trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] previously studied. X-ray structures of all of them were solved and some interesting differences were found. The values of the dihedral angle (85 degrees , 57 degrees and 42 degrees for 1, 2 and 3, respectively) demonstrate how important is the position of substituent from a structural point of view. Studies of circular dichroism (CD), electrophoretic mobility (EM) in agarose gel and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed differences in the modifications caused by the three complexes on DNA. Studies of antiproliferative activity of complexes 1 and 2 against cell tumour lines (HL-60) and apoptosis assays have also been carried out, showing that 1 as well as 2 are far less active than the previously described complex 3 (IC(50)=19; 19 and 3 microM, respectively). This fact probes that slight modifications on the drug's design may generate significant differences in the final antitumour activity by modifying the DNA-drug adducts, performance of resistance mechanisms and all the factors that play a fundamental role in Pt complexes' cytotoxicity.

Synthesis and characterization of palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with Schiff bases derivatives of 2-pyridincarboxyaldehyde. Study of their interaction with DNA

Several Schiff bases ligand derivatives of 2-pyridincarboxyaldehyde and different amines, together with their palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes have been synthesised and characterised. The aim of this study is to probe the influence of substituents beared on the pyridyl/toulene ring at different position to their possible antitumor activity. The amines used were o-, m-, p-toluidine and 4-hydroxyaniline. All the compounds were characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. The formation of DNA adducts were analysed by circular dichroism and electrophoretic mobility. Atomic force microscopy images of the compounds with plasmid DNA pBR322 were also obtained. In all cases changes in the second and tertiary structure of DNA could be observed as a consequence of the covalent interaction of the palladium(II) or platinum(II) ions with the N of the nucleobases. However, there are not significant differences in the behavior of the complexes related to the position of the methyl groups or the presence of the OH group. Values of IC50 were also calculated for the platinum(II) complexes for several pairs of ovarian tumor cell lines which were either sensitive or resistant to cisplatin. Finally in vitro apoptosis studies for platinum(II) complexes with ovarian tumor cell lines A2780/A2780cisR were carried out. The results indicated interesting antiproliferative activity and significant apoptosis induction.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of trans-platinum(II) and trans-platinum(IV) complexes with 4-hydroxymethylpyridine

The synthesis and chemical characterization of two new trans platinum complexes, trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] (1) and trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] (2) are described. Their ability to interact with 5'-GMP by themselves and in the presence of reducing agents in the case of trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] were tested. Circular dichroism, electrophoretic mobility in agarose gel, and atomic force microscopy studies showed that the interaction of complex 1 with DNA is stronger than that of complex 2. Cytotoxicity tests against HL-60 tumor cells also showed higher activity for trans-[PtCl(2)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)] than for trans-[PtCl(4)NH(3)(4-hydroxymethylpyridine)]. Complex 1 presents similar behavior to cisplatin, but with a lower IC(50) at 24 h. Complex 1 also showed high apoptosis induction.

Synthesis and DNA conformational changes of non-covalent polynuclear platinum complexes

Polynuclear platinum compounds demonstrate many novel phenomena in their interactions with DNA and proteins as well as novel anti-cancer activities. Previous studies indicated that the high positive charge and the non-coordinated "central linker" of the polynuclear compounds could have major contributions to these features. Therefore, a series of non-covalent polynuclear platinum complexes, [[Pt(NH(3))(3)](2)-mu-Y](n+) (Y=polyamine linker or [trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)(H(2)N(CH(2))(6)NH(2))(2)]) was synthesized and the DNA interactions of these platinum complexes were investigated. The conformational changes induced by these compounds in polymer DNA were studied by circular dichroism and the reversibility of the transition was tested by subsequent titration with the DNA intercalating agent ethidium bromide (EtBr). Fluorescent quenching was also used to assess the ability of EtBr to intercalate into A and Z-DNA induced by the compounds. The non-covalent polynuclear platinum complexes induced both B-->A and B-->Z conformational changes in polymer DNA. These conformational changes were partially irreversible. The platinum compound with the spermidine linker, [[Pt(NH(3))(3)](2)-mu-spermidine-N(1),N(8)]Cl(5).2H(2)O, is more efficient in inducing the conformational changes of DNA and it is less reversible than complexes with other linkers. The melting point study showed that the non-covalent polynuclear platinum complexes stabilized the duplex DNA and the higher the electrical charge of the complexes the greater the stabilization observed.

Circular dichroism study of the irreversibility of conformational changes induced by polyamine-linked dinuclear platinum compounds

In this work, the reversibility of both the B-->Z and B-->A conformational change in polymer DNA induced by polynuclear platinum compounds was studied. The compounds examined were: [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)[NH(2) (CH(2))(6)NH(2)]](2+) (BBR3005); [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)[mu-spermine-N1,N12]](4+) (BBR3535); [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)[mu-spermidine-N1,N8]](3+) (BBR3571); [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)[mu-BOC-spermidine]](2+) (BBR3537); and [[trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2)](2)[mu-trans-Pt(NH(3))(2)(H(2)N(CH(2))(6)NH(2))(2)]](4+) (BBR3464). The conformational changes were assessed by circular dichroism and the reversibility of the transitions was tested by subsequent titration with the DNA intercalator ethidium bromide (EtBr). Fluorescent quenching was also used to assess the ability of ethidium bromide to intercalate into A and/or Z-DNA induced by the compounds. The results were compared with those produced by the simple hexamminecobalt cation [Co(NH(3))(6)](3+). The data suggest that while conformational changes induced by electrostatic interactions are confirmed to be reversible, covalent binding induces irreversible changes in both the A and Z conformation. The relevance of these changes to the novel biological action of polynuclear platinum compounds is discussed.

Cytotoxic effects of metal complexes of biogenic polyamines. I. Platinum(II) spermidine compounds: prediction of their antitumour activity

Cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition studies were performed for three distinct polynuclear platinum(II) complexes of spermidine, which showed to have significant cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties on the HeLa cancer cell line. The chemical environment of the metal centres in the drugs, as well as the coordination pattern of the ligand, were found to be strongly determinant of their cytotoxic ability. In the light of the results gathered, the most effective anticancer compound among the ones tested (IC50=5 microM) was found to be the one displaying three difunctional (PtCl2N2) moieties ((PtCl2)3(spd)2). Both the cytotoxic activity and the antiproliferative properties of the complexes studied showed to be irreversible for all the concentrations tested.

The binding of [(en)Pt(mu-dpzm)2Pt(en)]4+ to G/C-rich regions of DNA

The non-covalent binding of [(en)Pt(mu-dpzm)2Pt(en)]4+ to segments of DNA containing only G and C bases has been studied to gain an understanding of the pre-covalent binding association of cationic polynuclear platinum(II) anti-cancer drugs at G/C sites. 1H-NMR and CD spectroscopy were used to study the binding of the metal complex to the oligonucleotide d(GC)5 and the polynucleotide poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), respectively. NOE contacts between the metal complex protons and the oligonucleotide sugar H1' protons observed in NOESY spectra indicated that the metal complex bound in the minor groove at the central C4 to G7 region of the oligonucleotide. This result indicates that even though cationic polynuclear platinum(II) complexes bind covalently in the major groove at G/C sites, the pre-covalent binding association is favoured in the minor groove. CD spectra indicated that the addition of the metal complex to poly(dG-dC)-poly(dG-dC) induced some conformational changes, but it was not possible to conclude that [(en)Pt(mu-dpzm)2Pt(en)]4+ induced a B- to Z-type DNA transition. In addition, in vitro transcription assays using the lac UV5 promoter showed that the non-covalent binding of [(en)Pt(mu-dpzm)2Pt(en)]4+ was sufficiently stable to inhibit transcription, and at particular sites.

Characterization of the Ni(III) intermediate in the reaction of (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)nickel(II) perchlorate with KHSO5: implications to the mechanism of oxidative DNA modification

We report the detection and characterization of the Ni(III) intermediates generated by reaction of (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)nickel(II) perchlorate with KHSO5. Four Ni(III) intermediates can be trapped or detected through variation in Cl- or KHSO5 concentrations. Upon oxidation of [Ni(cyclam)]2+ by 2.5 equiv of KHSO5, deprotonation of the cyclam ligand generates two red Ni(III) species with lambda max = 530 nm and g perpendicular = 2.20 and g parallel = 2.02 or g perpendicular = 2.16 and g parallel = 2.01 for the axial 4-coordinate or 6-coordinate dichloride species, respectively. These forms decay to Ni(II) products via complex ligand oxidation mechanisms. The Ni(III) dichloride species can be reprotonated and subsequently binds to DNA via an outer-sphere interaction as evidenced by the inverted sign of the CD signal near 400 nm. Cumulatively, the results indicate that the Ni(III) center is coordinately saturated under excess chloride conditions but is still able to interact with DNA substrates. This suggests alternative mechanistic pathways for DNA modification by reaction of [Ni(cyclam)]2+ with KHSO5 and possibly other Ni(II) complexes as well.

Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and in vitro DNA damage induced by potassium chromate

Cr(6+) is a known human cytotoxic and carcinogenic agent that requires intracellular reduction for activation. We have analyzed the cytotoxic and DNA binding properties of K(2)CrO(4) (Cr(6+)) in comparison with those of Cl(3)Cr (Cr(3+)). The results indicate that K(2)CrO(4) exhibits higher cytotoxicity than Cl(3)Cr in several human and murine cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of K(2)CrO(4) is also indicated by the fact that is able to produce cell killing through apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant cells transformed by H-ras oncogene. Moreover, in vitro DNA binding experiments show that, in the presence of ascorbate (the major intracellular reductant of Cr(6+)), K(2)CrO(4) induces both interstrand cross-links and strand breaks. Because the chromate anion is by itself unreactive toward DNA, these data suggest that the cytotoxicity of K(2)CrO(4) may be associated with the DNA binding of reactive intermediate chromium species resulting from reduction of Cr(6+).

DNA interaction and antitumor activity of a Pt(III) derivative of 2-mercaptopyridine

The complex [Pt2(Spy-)4Cl2], where Spy- is deprotonated 2-mercaptopyridine, was prepared and analyzed spectroscopically. A single signal in the 195Pt NMR spectrum indicates the equivalence of the two Pt(III) ions. The interaction of this complex with DNA was studied by circular dichroism and the modifications caused by the complex in plasmid pBR322 DNA were imaged by atomic force microscopy. Preliminary results showed higher activity against HeLa and U937 tumor lines for the Pt-2-mercaptopyridine complex in comparison with cisplatin. The values of LC50 were lower than those obtained for cisplatin. Promising perspectives for this compound are expected due to its similarity with the analogous Pt and 2-mercaptopyrimidine antitumor compound.

Sequence-dependent conformational changes in DNA induced by polynuclear platinum complexes

In this work, the B-->Z transition of poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) and the B-->A transition of poly(dG).poly(dC) and of calf thymus (CT) DNA fragments modified by antitumor bifunctional polynuclear platinum complexes were investigated by circular dichroism (CD). The transition from the B- to Z-form of DNA was inducible with all three compounds studied, as indicated by an inversion of the B-form spectra. The B-->A transition in poly(dG).poly(dC) was induced easily by platinum complex binding alone, while the B-->A transition in CT DNA was induced by ethanol but inhibited by coordination of all polynuclear platinum compounds used here. It was shown that the compound [¿cis-PtCl(NH3)2¿2 mu-¿H2N(CH2)6NH2¿] (NO3)2 (1,1/c,c) was most effective at inhibiting the B-->A transition in CT DNA, and [¿trans-PtCl(NH3)2¿2 mu-¿trans-Pt(NH3)2(H2N(CH2)6NH2)2¿] (NO3)4 (1,0,1/t,t,t) was least effective, while the effectiveness of [¿trans-PtCl(NH3)2¿2 mu-¿H2N(CH2)6NH2¿] (NO3)2 (1,1/t,t) fell between the two. This corresponded to the relative amounts of interstrand crosslinks in double-stranded DNA caused by each compound.

A novel charged trinuclear platinum complex effective against cisplatin-resistant tumours: hypersensitivity of p53-mutant human tumour xenografts

Multinuclear platinum compounds were rationally designed to bind to DNA in a different manner from that of cisplatin and its mononuclear analogues. A triplatinum compound of the series (BBR 3464) was selected for preclinical development, since, in spite of its charged nature, it was very potent as cytotoxic agent and effective against cisplatin-resistant tumour cells. Anti-tumour efficacy studies were performed in a panel of human tumour xenografts refractory or poorly responsive to cisplatin. The novel platinum compound exhibited efficacy in all tested tumours and an impressive efficacy (including complete tumour regressions) was displayed in two lung carcinoma models, CaLu-3 and POCS. Surprisingly, BBR 3464 showed a superior activity against p53-mutant tumours as compared to those carrying the wild-type gene. The involvement of p53 in tumour response was investigated in an osteosarcoma cell line, SAOS, which is null for p53 and is highly sensitive to BBR 3464, and in the same cells following introduction of the wild-type p53 gene. Thus the pattern of cellular response was investigated in a panel of human tumour cells with a different p53 gene status. The results showed that the transfer of functional p53 resulted in a marked (tenfold) reduction of cellular chemosensitivity to the multinuclear platinum complex but in a moderate sensitization to cisplatin. In addition, in contrast to cisplatin, the triplatinum complex was very effective as an inducer of apoptosis in a lung carcinoma cell line carrying mutant p53. The peculiar pattern of anti-tumour activity of the triplatinum complex and its ability to induce p53-independent cell death may have relevant pharmacological implications, since p53, a critical protein involved in DNA repair and induction of apoptosis by conventional DNA-damaging agents, is defective in several human tumours. We suggest that the peculiar DNA binding properties of the triplatinum complex may contribute to the striking profile of anti-tumour efficacy. Taken together, the available information supports that anti-tumour activity of the novel compound is mediated by a mechanism different from that of conventional platinum complexes, and compounds of this series could represent a new class of promising anti-tumour agents.

Palladium and platinum famotidine complexes

The molecule of the well-known ulceration inhibitor, famotidine, is an excellent coordinator of transition metal ions. The guanidine, amine group and thiazole nitrogen, and the thioether sulphur are preferential sites to bind metal ions. Pd(II) and Pt(II) derivatives of famotidine have been synthesized and studied structurally. There is evidence that the palladium complex is a monomer while the platinum complex forms a dimer. Due to the interesting structure of the platinum complex several assays have examined the possible antitumour activity. Changes in DNA conformation induced by both complexes have been detected by CD, interstrand crosslinking interactions and electrophoretic mobility, but studies of the cytotoxicity of the platinum compound with U937 human leukemia cells and HeLA human womb carcinoma cells show only a small antiproliferative potential.

Comparison of the mode of action of a dinuclear platinum complex containing a pyridine derivative with its monomeric analog

The DNA binding and interstrand cross-linking properties of the dinuclear platinum complex [¿cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl¿2bpsu](NO3)2 (bpsu is 4,4'-dipyridyl sulfide) (II) and the mononuclear complex [cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl(4-methylpyridine)]NO3 (I) were compared with those of [¿cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl¿2H2N(CH2)4NH2](NO3)2 (III) in order to understand the mode of action of complexes I and II. Both compound I and compound II caused significantly different changes of conformation in poly(dG-dC) x poly(dG-dC) than compound III did. Studies of DNA binding, interstrand cross-linking and fluorescence assay suggest that compound I monofunctionally binds to DNA and compound II bifunctionally binds to DNA, that the dinuclear platinum complex II more efficiently interacts with DNA compared to its monomeric analog, and that platinum I and II complexes both interact with DNA in a non-intercalative mode. All the results indicate that the mode of action of the dinuclear complex II is different from that of the mononuclear complex I.

Novel tetranuclear orthometalated complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) derived from p-isopropylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone with cytotoxic activity in cis-DDP resistant tumor cell lines. Interaction of these complexes with DNA

The reaction of p-isopropylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone [p-is.TSCN], 1, with palladium(II) acetate and potassium tetrachloroplatinate yielded two tetrameric orthopalladated isomers, [Pd(p-is.TSCN)]4 (complexes 2 and 3), and the platinum analogue [Pt(p-is.TSCN)]4 (complex 4), respectively. All of these complexes contain the thiosemicarbazone bonded as a terdentate ligand to the metallic atom, through the thiol sulfur, the azomethinic nitrogen and the ortho carbon of the p-isopropylphenyl ring to which the imine group is attached to as deduced from the study of the IR, NMR, and XRD spectra of complexes 2 and 4. Complexes 2 and 4 crystallize in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group C2/c, with Z = 8. Unit cell parameters for complex 2 are as follows: a = 25.742(5) A, b = 19.560(4) A, c = 24.199(5) A, beta = 101.70(3)o. Unit cell parameters for complex 4 are as follows: a = 25.8728(19) A, b = 19. 5053(14) A, c = 24.0899(16) A, beta = 101.305(2)o. As can be deduced from the NMR study, the palladated isomers 2 and 3 interconvert in DMSO which may be a consequence of the existence in both complexes of a flexible eight-membered ring with alternating Pd-S atoms. The testing of the cytotoxic activity of these compounds against several human and murine cell lines sensitive and resistant to cisplatin (cis-DDP) suggests that compounds 2, 3, and 4 may be endowed with important anticancer properties since they elicit IC50 values in the microM range as does the clinically used drug cis-DDP, and, moreover, they display cytotoxic activity in tumor lines resistant to cis-DDP. The analysis of the interaction of these novel tetrameric cyclometalated compounds with DNA suggests that they form DNA interhelical cross-links.

A circular dichroism study of ethidium bromide binding to Z-DNA induced by dinuclear platinum complexes

Dinuclear bis(platinum) complexes have been shown previously to induce the B-->Z transition in synthetic DNAs (Nucleic Acids Res. 7, 1697-1703, J. Inorganic Biochem. 54, 207-220). In this paper, the reversibility of the Z conformation back to the B form was assessed by treatment of the induced Z form in poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) with ethidium bromide (Etd). Z-DNA induced by the tetra-amine cations [{Pt(NH3)3}2(H2N(CH2)nNH2)]4+, which are capable of only electrostatic interactions with the polynucleotide, was readily reversible. The spectroscopic data mirrored that of ethidium bromide/poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) in the presence of 4.4 M NaCl. In contrast, Z-DNA induced by the bifunctional complexes [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2(H2N(CH2)nNH2)]2+ did not produce spectra typical of Etd intercalation and reversal to B-form DNA. The original Z-form CD spectra of DNA treated with the bifunctional complexes could be reobtained following removal of Etd by extensive dialysis. The bifunctional complexes are very effective interstrand cross-linking agents. The data suggest that interstrand cross-linking by dinuclear complexes can stabilize or "lock" the Z-conformation prohibiting its reversal to the B-form. The implications for the biological activity of the dinuclear complexes are briefly discussed.

Cis-Dichloro(diaminosuccinate diethyl ester)palladium (II) as Pd(II)/Pt(II) model compound for DNA-binding and antitumor properties: solution equilibria of their aqua-, hydroxo-, and/or chloro-species

Cis-Dichloro(diaminosuccinic acid)palladium(II), cis-[Pd(H2dasa)Cl2] (I), or cis-dichloro(diaminosuccinate diethyl ester)palladium(II), cis-[Pd(Et2dasa)Cl2] (II) reacts with two equivalents of AgClO4 to give insoluble Pd(dasa) or an aqueous solution of [Pd(Et2dasa) (H2O)2](ClO4)2, respectively. Three solutions of this salt were titrated with NaOH (I = NaClO4 (0.15M),37 degrees C), and 133 E(H+) data (3.5 < or = pH < or = 7) were treated by SUPERQUAD to fit log beta pqr of cis-aquahydroxo-(pqr = 10-1, -5.25(3)) and di-mu-hydroxo-species (20-2, -6.55(1)). At pH > 7 the ester hydrolysis prevents the calculation of log beta 10-2 for the cis-dihydroxo-complex. Another three solutions of such salt were titrated (I = 0.15M (NaClO4), 37 degrees C) with NaOH and NaCl simultaneously using two potentiometric systems (which measure H+ or Cl-). From 147 E(H+) and E(Cl-) data pairs and the above fixed log beta pqr, SUPERQUAD calculations yield log beta pqr for cis-chloro-aqua (pqr = 110, 3.65(1)), cis-chloro-hydroxo (11-1, -2.68 (4)), and cis-dichloro-species (120, 5.86(3)). Simulated and experimental titrations are in good agreement. Circular dichroism spectra of native DNA and drug:DNA complexes suggest that cis-Pd(H2dasa) and cis-Pd(Et2dasa) chelate moieties induce an opening and rotation of the stacked bases in the double helix. This finding is explained by the abundance of each one and of the total neutral and charged species of II in the tested CD solution.