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Vitali V, Massai L, Messori L. Strategies for the design of analogs of auranofin endowed with anticancer potential. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:855-867. [PMID: 38803122 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2355329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Auranofin (AF) is a well-established, FDA-approved, antiarthritic gold drug that is currently being reevaluated for a variety of therapeutic indications through drug repurposing. AF has shown great promise as a potential anticancer agent and has been approved for a few clinical trials in cancer. The renewed interest in AF has led to extensive research into the design, preparation and biological evaluation of auranofin analogs, which may have an even better pharmacological profile than the parent drug. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the strategies for chemical modification of the AF scaffold. Several auranofin analogs have been prepared and characterized for medical application in the field of cancer treatment over the last 20 years. Some emerging structure-function relationships are proposed and discussed. EXPERT OPINION The chemical modification of the AF scaffold has been the subject of intense activity in recent years and this strategy has led to the preparation and evaluation of several AF analogs. The case of iodauranofin is a particularly promising example. The availability of homogeneous biological data for a group of AF derivatives allows some initial structure-function relationships to be proposed, which may inspire the design and synthesis of new and better AF analogs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vitali
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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2
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Abdalbari FH, Martinez-Jaramillo E, Forgie BN, Tran E, Zorychta E, Goyeneche AA, Sabri S, Telleria CM. Auranofin Induces Lethality Driven by Reactive Oxygen Species in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5136. [PMID: 37958311 PMCID: PMC10650616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for 70% of ovarian cancer cases, and the survival rate remains remarkably low due to the lack of effective long-term consolidation therapies. Clinical remission can be temporarily induced by platinum-based chemotherapy, but death subsequently results from the extensive growth of a platinum-resistant component of the tumor. This work explores a novel treatment against HGSOC using the gold complex auranofin (AF). AF primarily functions as a pro-oxidant by inhibiting thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), an antioxidant enzyme overexpressed in ovarian cancer. We investigated the effect of AF on TrxR activity and the various mechanisms of cytotoxicity using HGSOC cells that are clinically sensitive or resistant to platinum. In addition, we studied the interaction between AF and another pro-oxidant, L-buthionine sulfoximine (L-BSO), an anti-glutathione (GSH) compound. We demonstrated that AF potently inhibited TrxR activity and reduced the vitality and viability of HGSOC cells regardless of their sensitivities to platinum. We showed that AF induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggers the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, and kills HGSOC cells by inducing apoptosis. Notably, AF-induced cell death was abrogated by the ROS-scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). In addition, the lethality of AF was associated with the activation of caspases-3/7 and the generation of DNA damage, effects that were also prevented by the presence of NAC. Finally, when AF and L-BSO were combined, we observed synergistic lethality against HGSOC cells, which was mediated by a further increase in ROS and a decrease in the levels of the antioxidant GSH. In summary, our results support the concept that AF can be used alone or in combination with L-BSO to kill HGSOC cells regardless of their sensitivity to platinum, suggesting that the depletion of antioxidants is an efficient strategy to mitigate the course of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah H. Abdalbari
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Elvis Martinez-Jaramillo
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Benjamin N. Forgie
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Estelle Tran
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Edith Zorychta
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Alicia A. Goyeneche
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - Siham Sabri
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - Carlos M. Telleria
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
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Ghini V, Mannelli M, Massai L, Geri A, Zineddu S, Gamberi T, Messori L, Turano P. The effects of two cytotoxic gold(i) carbene compounds on the metabolism of A2780 ovarian cancer cells: mechanistic inferences through NMR analysis. RSC Adv 2023; 13:21629-21632. [PMID: 37476042 PMCID: PMC10354608 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04032a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
NMR metabolomics is a powerful tool to characterise the changes in cancer cell metabolism elicited by anticancer drugs. Here, the large metabolic alterations produced by two cytotoxic gold carbene compounds in A2780 ovarian cancer cells are described and discussed in comparison to auranofin, in the frame of the available mechanistic knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ghini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
| | - Michele Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence Florence 50134 Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
| | - Andrea Geri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
| | - Stefano Zineddu
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence Florence 50134 Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
| | - Paola Turano
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP) Sesto Fiorentino 50019 Italy
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Geri A, Massai L, Messori L. Protein Metalation by Medicinal Gold Compounds: Identification of the Main Features of the Metalation Process through ESI MS Experiments. Molecules 2023; 28:5196. [PMID: 37446857 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold compounds form a new class of promising anticancer agents with innovative modes of action. It is generally believed that anticancer gold compounds, at variance with clinically established platinum drugs, preferentially target proteins rather than nucleic acids. The reactions of several gold compounds with a few model proteins have been systematically explored in recent years through ESI MS measurements to reveal adduct formation and identify the main features of those reactions. Here, we focus our attention on a group of five gold compounds of remarkable medicinal interest, i.e., Auranofin, Au(NHC)Cl, [Au(NHC)2]PF6, Aubipyc, and Auoxo6, and on their reactions with four different biomolecular targets, i.e., the proteins HEWL, hCA I, HSA and the C-terminal dodecapeptide of the enzyme thioredoxin reductase. Complete ESI MS data are available for those reactions due to previous experimental work conducted in our laboratory. From the comparative analysis of the ESI MS reaction profiles, some characteristic trends in the metallodrug-protein reactivity may be identified as detailed below. The main features are described and analyzed in this review. Overall, all these observations are broadly consistent with the concept that cytotoxic gold drugs preferentially target cancer cell proteins, with a remarkable selectivity for the cysteine and selenocysteine proteome. These interactions typically result in severe damage to cancer cell metabolism and profound alterations in the redox state, leading to eventual cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Geri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
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Highlights of New Strategies to Increase the Efficacy of Transition Metal Complexes for Cancer Treatments. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010273. [PMID: 36615466 PMCID: PMC9822110 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although important progress has been made, cancer still remains a complex disease to treat. Serious side effects, the insurgence of resistance and poor selectivity are some of the problems associated with the classical metal-based anti-cancer therapies currently in clinical use. New treatment approaches are still needed to increase cancer patient survival without cancer recurrence. Herein, we reviewed two promising-at least in our opinion-new strategies to increase the efficacy of transition metal-based complexes. First, we considered the possibility of assembling two biologically active fragments containing different metal centres into the same molecule, thus obtaining a heterobimetallic complex. A critical comparison with the monometallic counterparts was done. The reviewed literature has been divided into two groups: the case of platinum; the case of gold. Secondly, the conjugation of metal-based complexes to a targeting moiety was discussed. Particularly, we highlighted some interesting examples of compounds targeting cancer cell organelles according to a third-order targeting approach, and complexes targeting the whole cancer cell, according to a second-order targeting strategy.
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Cirri D, Massai L, Giacomelli C, Trincavelli ML, Guerri A, Gabbiani C, Messori L, Pratesi A. Synthesis, chemical characterization, and biological evaluation of a novel auranofin derivative as an anticancer agent. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:13527-13539. [PMID: 36000524 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00836j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel gold(I) complex inspired by the known medicinal inorganic compounds auranofin and thimerosal, namely ethylthiosalicylate(triethylphosphine)gold(I) (AFETT hereafter), was synthesized and characterised and its structure was resolved through X-ray diffraction. The solution behavior of AFETT and its interactions with two biologically relevant proteins (i.e. human serum albumin and haemoglobin) and with a synthetic dodecapeptide reproducing the C-terminal portion of thioredoxin reductase were comparatively analyzed through 31P NMR and ESI-MS. Remarkable binding properties toward these biomolecules were disclosed. Moreover, the cytotoxic effects produced by AFETT on two ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and A2780 R) and one colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116) were analyzed and found to be strong and nearly superimposable to those of auranofin. Interestingly, for both compounds, the ability to induce downregulation of vimentin expression in A2780 R cells was evidenced. Despite its close similarity to auranofin, AFETT is reported to exhibit some peculiar and distinctive features such as a lower lipophilicity, an increased water solubility and a faster reactivity towards the selected target biomolecules. These differences might confer to AFETT significant pharmaceutical and therapeutic advantages over auranofin itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Chiara Giacomelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Guerri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Chiara Gabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Guadagno L, Raimondo M, Vertuccio L, Lamparelli EP, Ciardulli MC, Longo P, Mariconda A, Della Porta G, Longo R. Electrospun Membranes Designed for Burst Release of New Gold-Complexes Inducing Apoptosis of Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137147. [PMID: 35806152 PMCID: PMC9267035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Two non-commercial metallic Au-based complexes were tested against one of the most aggressive malignant melanomas of the skin (MeWo cells), through cell viability and time-lapse live-cell imaging system assays. The tests with the complexes were carried out both in the form of free metallic complexes, directly in contact with the MeWo cell line culture, and embedded in fibers of Polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes produced by the electrospinning technique. Membranes functionalized with complexes were prepared to evaluate the efficiency of the membranes against the melanoma cells and therefore their feasibility in the application as an antitumoral patch for topical use. Both series of tests highlighted a very effective antitumoral activity, manifesting a very relevant cell viability inhibition after both 24 h and 48 h. In the case of the AuM1 complex at the concentration of 20 mM, melanoma cells completely died in this short period of time. A mortality of around 70% was detected from the tests performed using the membranes functionalized with AuM1 complex at a very low concentration (3 wt.%), even after 24 h of the contact period. The synthesized complexes also manifest high selectivity with respect to the MeWo cells. The peculiar structural and morphological organization of the nanofibers constituting the membranes allows for a very effective antitumoral activity in the first 3 h of treatment. Experimental points of the release profiles were perfectly fitted with theoretical curves, which easily allow interpretation of the kinetic phenomena occurring in the release of the synthesized complexes in the chosen medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liberata Guadagno
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (R.L.)
| | - Marialuigia Raimondo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Luigi Vertuccio
- Department of Engineering, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 813031 Aversa, Italy;
| | - Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.C.C.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Maria Camilla Ciardulli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.C.C.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | | | - Giovanna Della Porta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.C.C.); (G.D.P.)
- Interdepartment Centre BIONAM, Università di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Longo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (R.L.)
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Broad Spectrum Functional Activity of Structurally Related Monoanionic Au(III) Bis(Dithiolene) Complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137146. [PMID: 35806151 PMCID: PMC9266914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological properties of sixteen structurally related monoanionic gold (III) bis(dithiolene/diselenolene) complexes were evaluated. The complexes differ in the nature of the heteroatom connected to the gold atom (AuS for dithiolene, AuSe for diselenolene), the substituent on the nitrogen atom of the thiazoline ring (Me, Et, Pr, iPr and Bu), the nature of the exocyclic atom or group of atoms (O, S, Se, C(CN)2) and the counter-ion (Ph4P+ or Et4N+). The anticancer and antimicrobial activities of all the complexes were investigated, while the anti-HIV activity was evaluated only for selected complexes. Most complexes showed relevant anticancer activities against Cisplatin-sensitive and Cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells A2780 and OVCAR8, respectively. After 48 h of incubation, the IC50 values ranged from 0.1–8 µM (A2780) and 0.8–29 µM (OVCAR8). The complexes with the Ph4P+ ([P]) counter-ion are in general more active than their Et4N+ ([N]) analogues, presenting IC50 values in the same order of magnitude or even lower than Auranofin. Studies in the zebrafish embryo model further showed that, despite their marked anticancer effect, the complexes with [P] counter-ion exhibited low in vivo toxicity. In general, the exocyclic exchange of sulfur by oxygen or ylidenemalononitrile (C(CN)2) enhanced the compounds toxicity. Most complexes containing the [P] counter ion exhibited exceptional antiplasmodial activity against the Plasmodium berghei parasite liver stages, with submicromolar IC50 values ranging from 400–700 nM. In contrast, antibacterial/fungi activities were highest for most complexes with the [N] counter-ion. Auranofin and two selected complexes [P][AuSBu(=S)] and [P][AuSEt(=S)] did not present anti-HIV activity in TZM-bl cells. Mechanistic studies for selected complexes support the idea that thioredoxin reductase, but not DNA, is a possible target for some of these complexes. The complexes [P] [AuSBu(=S)], [P] [AuSEt(=S)], [P] [AuSEt(=Se)] and [P] [AuSeiPr(=S)] displayed a strong quenching of the fluorescence intensity of human serum albumin (HSA), which indicates a strong interaction with this protein. Overall, the results highlight the promising biological activities of these complexes, warranting their further evaluation as future drug candidates with clinical applicability.
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Massai L, Messori L, Carpentieri A, Amoresano A, Melchiorre C, Fiaschi T, Modesti A, Gamberi T, Magherini F. The effects of two gold-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes in ovarian cancer cells: a redox proteomic study. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2022; 89:809-823. [PMID: 35543764 PMCID: PMC9135895 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-022-04438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Standard treatment consists of tumor debulking surgery followed by platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy; yet, despite the initial response, about 70-75% of patients develop resistance to chemotherapy. Gold compounds represent a family of very promising anticancer drugs. Among them, we previously investigated the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties of Au(NHC) and Au(NHC)2PF6, i.e., a monocarbene gold(I) complex and the corresponding bis(carbene) complex. Gold compounds are known to alter the redox state of cells interacting with free cysteine and selenocysteine residues of several proteins. Herein, a redox proteomic study has been carried out to elucidate the mechanisms of cytotoxicity in A2780 human ovarian cancer cells. METHODS A biotinylated iodoacetamide labeling method coupled with mass spectrometry was used to identify oxidation-sensitive protein cysteines. RESULTS Gold carbene complexes cause extensive oxidation of several cellular proteins; many affected proteins belong to two major functional classes: carbohydrate metabolism, and cytoskeleton organization/cell adhesion. Among the affected proteins, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibition was proved by enzymatic assays and by ESI-MS studies. We also found that Au(NHC)2PF6 inhibits mitochondrial respiration impairing complex I function. Concerning the oxidized cytoskeletal proteins, gold binding to the free cysteines of actin was demonstrated by ESI-MS analysis. Notably, both gold compounds affected cell migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we deepened the mode of action of Au(NHC) and Au(NHC)2PF6, identifying common cellular targets but confirming their different influence on the mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Firenze, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3-13, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Carpentieri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Melchiorre
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Tania Fiaschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Mario Serio" University of Florence Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Modesti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Mario Serio" University of Florence Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Mario Serio" University of Florence Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Francesca Magherini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Mario Serio" University of Florence Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Ceramella J, Mariconda A, Sirignano M, Iacopetta D, Rosano C, Catalano A, Saturnino C, Sinicropi MS, Longo P. Novel Au Carbene Complexes as Promising Multi-Target Agents in Breast Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050507. [PMID: 35631334 PMCID: PMC9146163 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, metal complexes based on N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have attracted great attention due to their wide and exciting applications in material sciences and medicinal chemistry. In particular, the gold-based complexes are the focus of research efforts for the development of new anticancer compounds. Literature data and recent results, obtained by our research group, reported the design, the synthesis and the good anticancer activity of some silver and gold complexes with NHC ligands. In particular, some of these complexes were active towards some breast cancer cell lines. Considering this evidence, here we report some new Au-NHC complexes prepared in order to improve solubility and biological activity. Among them, the compounds 1 and 6 showed an interesting anticancer activity towards the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. In addition, in vitro and in silico studies demonstrated that they were able to inhibit the activity of the human topoisomerases I and II and the actin polymerization reaction. Moreover, a downregulation of vimentin expression and a reduced translocation of NF-kB into the nucleus was observed. The interference with these vital cell structures induced breast cancer cells’ death by triggering the extrinsic apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Annaluisa Mariconda
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Sirignano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (C.R.); Tel.: +39-0984-493200 (D.I.)
| | - Camillo Rosano
- U.O. Proteomica e Spettrometria di Massa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 1632 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (C.R.); Tel.: +39-0984-493200 (D.I.)
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.S.); (P.L.)
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Chiaverini L, Pratesi A, Cirri D, Nardinocchi A, Tolbatov I, Marrone A, Di Luca M, Marzo T, La Mendola D. Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of the Auranofin Analogue Bearing Acetylcysteine in Place of the Thiosugar: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27082578. [PMID: 35458776 PMCID: PMC9032686 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Auranofin (AF, hereafter) is an orally administered chrysotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that is being repurposed for various indications including bacterial infections. Its likely mode of action involves the impairment of the TrxR system through the binding of the pharmacophoric cation [AuPEt3]+. Accordingly, a reliable strategy to expand the medicinal profile of AF is the replacement of the thiosugar moiety with different ligands. Herein, we aimed to prepare the AF analogue bearing the acetylcysteine ligand (AF-AcCys, hereafter) and characterize its anti-staphylococcal activity. Biological studies revealed that AF-AcCys retains an antibacterial effect superimposable with that of AF against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas it is about 20 times less effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bioinorganic studies confirmed that upon incubation with human serum albumin, AF-AcCys, similarly to AF, induced protein metalation through the [AuPEt3]+ fragment. Additionally, AF-AcCys appeared capable of binding the dodecapeptide Ac-SGGDILQSGCUG-NH2, corresponding to the tryptic C-terminal fragment (488–499) of hTrxR. To shed light on the pharmacological differences between AF and AF-AcCys, we carried out a comparative experimental stability study and a theoretical estimation of bond dissociation energies, unveiling the higher strength of the Au–S bond in AF-AcCys. From the results, it emerged that the lower lipophilicity of AF-AcCys with respect to AF could be a key feature for its different antibacterial activity. The differences and similarities between AF and AF-AcCys are discussed, alongside the opportunities and consequences that chemical structure modifications imply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Chiaverini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.L.M.)
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Arianna Nardinocchi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35–39, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Iogann Tolbatov
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.D.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Mariagrazia Di Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35–39, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.D.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.L.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (M.D.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.L.M.)
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12
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Chiaverini L, Pratesi A, Cirri D, Nardinocchi A, Tolbatov I, Marrone A, Di Luca M, Marzo T, La Mendola D. Anti-Staphylococcal Activity of the Auranofin Analogue Bearing Acetylcysteine in Place of the Thiosugar: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation. Molecules 2022. [PMID: 35458776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082578/s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF, hereafter) is an orally administered chrysotherapeutic agent approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that is being repurposed for various indications including bacterial infections. Its likely mode of action involves the impairment of the TrxR system through the binding of the pharmacophoric cation [AuPEt3]+. Accordingly, a reliable strategy to expand the medicinal profile of AF is the replacement of the thiosugar moiety with different ligands. Herein, we aimed to prepare the AF analogue bearing the acetylcysteine ligand (AF-AcCys, hereafter) and characterize its anti-staphylococcal activity. Biological studies revealed that AF-AcCys retains an antibacterial effect superimposable with that of AF against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas it is about 20 times less effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bioinorganic studies confirmed that upon incubation with human serum albumin, AF-AcCys, similarly to AF, induced protein metalation through the [AuPEt3]+ fragment. Additionally, AF-AcCys appeared capable of binding the dodecapeptide Ac-SGGDILQSGCUG-NH2, corresponding to the tryptic C-terminal fragment (488-499) of hTrxR. To shed light on the pharmacological differences between AF and AF-AcCys, we carried out a comparative experimental stability study and a theoretical estimation of bond dissociation energies, unveiling the higher strength of the Au-S bond in AF-AcCys. From the results, it emerged that the lower lipophilicity of AF-AcCys with respect to AF could be a key feature for its different antibacterial activity. The differences and similarities between AF and AF-AcCys are discussed, alongside the opportunities and consequences that chemical structure modifications imply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Chiaverini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi, 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Arianna Nardinocchi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35-39, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Iogann Tolbatov
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Di Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 35-39, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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13
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Luo M, Ma X, Jiang W, Zhang J, Liu W, Wei S, Liu H. Novel phosphanegold(I) thiolate complexes suppress de novo lipid synthesis in human lung cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Mad-Adam N, Rattanaburee T, Tanawattanasuntorn T, Graidist P. Effects of trans-(±)-kusunokinin on chemosensitive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:59. [PMID: 34992691 PMCID: PMC8721857 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13177] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer ranks eighth in cancer incidence and mortality among women worldwide. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is commonly used for patients with ovarian cancer. However, the clinical efficacy of cisplatin is limited due to the occurrence of adverse side effects and development of cancer chemoresistance during treatment. Trans-(±)-kusunokinin has been previously reported to inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in various cancer cell types, including breast, colon and cholangiocarcinoma. However, the potential effects of (±)-kusunokinin on ovarian cancer remains unknown. In the present study, chemosensitive ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell lines A2780cis, SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 were treated with trans-(±)-kusunokinin to investigate its potential effects. MTT, colony formation, apoptosis and multi-caspase assays were used to determine cytotoxicity, the ability of single cells to form colonies, induction of apoptosis and multi-caspase activity, respectively. Moreover, western blot analysis was performed to determine the proteins level of topoisomerase II, cyclin D1, CDK1, Bax and p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA). The results demonstrated that trans-(±)-kusunokinin exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity against A2780cis cells with an IC50 value of 3.4 µM whilst also reducing the colony formation of A2780 and A2780cis cells. Trans-(±)-kusunokinin also induced the cells to undergo apoptosis and increased multi-caspase activity in A2780 and A2780cis cells. This compound significantly downregulated topoisomerase II, cyclin D1 and CDK1 expression, but upregulated Bax and PUMA expression in both A2780 and A2780cis cells. In conclusion, trans-(±)-kusunokinin suppressed ovarian cancer cells through the inhibition of colony formation, cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis. This pure compound could be a potential targeted therapy for ovarian cancer treatment in the future. However, studies in an animal model and clinical trial need to be performed to support the efficacy and safety of this new treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeeya Mad-Adam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Thidarath Rattanaburee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Tanotnon Tanawattanasuntorn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Potchanapond Graidist
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
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15
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Tolbatov I, Marrone A, Coletti C, Re N. Computational Studies of Au(I) and Au(III) Anticancer MetalLodrugs: A Survey. Molecules 2021; 26:7600. [PMID: 34946684 PMCID: PMC8707411 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the growing hardware capabilities and the enhancing efficacy of computational methodologies, computational chemistry approaches have constantly become more important in the development of novel anticancer metallodrugs. Besides traditional Pt-based drugs, inorganic and organometallic complexes of other transition metals are showing increasing potential in the treatment of cancer. Among them, Au(I)- and Au(III)-based compounds are promising candidates due to the strong affinity of Au(I) cations to cysteine and selenocysteine side chains of the protein residues and to Au(III) complexes being more labile and prone to the reduction to either Au(I) or Au(0) in the physiological milieu. A correct prediction of metal complexes' properties and of their bonding interactions with potential ligands requires QM computations, usually at the ab initio or DFT level. However, MM, MD, and docking approaches can also give useful information on their binding site on large biomolecular targets, such as proteins or DNA, provided a careful parametrization of the metal force field is employed. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent computational studies of Au(I) and Au(III) antitumor compounds and of their interactions with biomolecular targets, such as sulfur- and selenium-containing enzymes, like glutathione reductases, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, cysteine protease, thioredoxin reductase and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire de l’Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Avenue Alain Savary 9, 21078 Dijon, France;
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.M.); (C.C.)
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16
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Abdalbari FH, Telleria CM. The gold complex auranofin: new perspectives for cancer therapy. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:42. [PMID: 35201489 PMCID: PMC8777575 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced stages of cancer are highly associated with short overall survival in patients due to the lack of long-term treatment options following the standard form of care. New options for cancer therapy are needed to improve the survival of cancer patients without disease recurrence. Auranofin is a clinically approved agent against rheumatoid arthritis that is currently enrolled in clinical trials for potential repurposing against cancer. Auranofin mainly targets the anti-oxidative system catalyzed by thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which protects the cell from oxidative stress and death in the cytoplasm and the mitochondria. TrxR is over-expressed in many cancers as an adaptive mechanism for cancer cell proliferation, rendering it an attractive target for cancer therapy, and auranofin as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer. Inhibiting TrxR dysregulates the intracellular redox state causing increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and stimulates cellular demise. An alternate mechanism of action of auranofin is to mimic proteasomal inhibition by blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which is critically important in cancer cells to prevent cell death when compared to non-cancer cells, because of its role on cell cycle regulation, protein degradation, gene expression, and DNA repair. This article provides new perspectives on the potential mechanisms used by auranofin alone, in combination with diverse other compounds, or in combination with platinating agents and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors to combat cancer cells, while assessing the feasibility for its repurposing in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah H Abdalbari
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carlos M Telleria
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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17
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Kou L, Wei S, Kou P. Current Progress and Perspectives on Using Gold Compounds for the Modulation of Tumor Cell Metabolism. Front Chem 2021; 9:733463. [PMID: 34434922 PMCID: PMC8382570 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.733463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered cellular metabolism, which is essential for the growth and survival of tumor cells in a specific microenvironment, is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Among the most significant changes in the metabolic pattern of tumor cells is the shift from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis for glucose utilization. Tumor cells also exhibit changes in patterns of protein and nucleic acid metabolism. Recently, gold compounds have been shown to target several metabolic pathways and a number of metabolites in tumor cells. In this review, we summarize how gold compounds modulate glucose, protein, and nucleic acid metabolism in tumor cells, resulting in anti-tumor effects. We also discuss the rationale underlying the anti-tumor effects of these gold compounds and highlight how to effectively utilize against various types of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiya Kou
- The First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases of Health Ministry, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei Kou
- The First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Medical Record, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
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18
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Au 2phen and Auoxo6, Two Dinuclear Oxo-Bridged Gold(III) Compounds, Induce Apoptotic Signaling in Human Ovarian A2780 Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080871. [PMID: 34440075 PMCID: PMC8389655 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Au2phen ((2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)2Au2(µ-O)2)(PF6)2 and Auoxo6 ((6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine)2Au2(µ-O)2)(PF6)2 are two structurally related gold(III) complexes that were previously reported to display relevant and promising anticancer properties in vitro toward a large number of human cancer cell lines. To expand the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms through which these gold(III) complexes trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, further studies have been performed using A2780 ovarian cancer cells as reference models. For comparative purposes, parallel studies were carried out on the gold(III) complex AuL12 (dibromo(ethylsarcosinedithiocarbamate)gold(III)), whose proapoptotic profile had been earlier characterized in several cancer cell lines. Our results pointed out that all these gold(III) compounds manifest a significant degree of similarity in their cellular and proapoptotic effects; the main observed perturbations consist of potent thioredoxin reductase inhibition, disruption of the cell redox balance, impairment of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and induction of associated metabolic changes. In addition, evidence was gained of the remarkable contribution of ASK1 (apoptosis-signal-regulating kinase-1) and AKT pathways to gold(III)-induced apoptotic signaling. Overall, the observed effects may be traced back to gold(III) reduction and subsequent formation and release of gold(I) species that are able to bind and inhibit several enzymes responsible for the intracellular redox homeostasis, in particular the selenoenzyme thioredoxin reductase.
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Tolbatov I, Marzo T, Coletti C, La Mendola D, Storchi L, Re N, Marrone A. Reactivity of antitumor coinage metal-based N-heterocyclic carbene complexes with cysteine and selenocysteine protein sites. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 223:111533. [PMID: 34273714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The reaction of the antitumor M(I)-bis-N-heterocyclic carbene (M(I)-NHC) complexes, M = Cu, Ag, and Au, with their potential protein binding sites, i.e. cysteine and selenocysteine, was investigated by means of density functional theory approaches. Capped cysteine and selenocysteine were employed to better model the corresponding residues environment within peptide structures. By assuming the neutral or deprotonated form of the side chains of these amino acids and by considering the possible assistance of an external proton donor such as an adjacent acidic residue or the acidic component of the surrounding buffer environment, we devised five possible routes leading to the binding of the investigated M(I)-NHC scaffolds to these protein sites, reflecting their different location in the protein structure and exposure to the bulk. The targeting of either cysteine or selenocysteine in their neutral forms is a kinetically unfavored process, expected to be quite slow if observable at all at physiological temperature. On the other hand, the reaction with the deprotonated forms is much more favored, even though an external proton source is required to assist the protonation of the leaving carbene. Our calculations also show that all coinage metals are characterized by a similar reactivity toward the binding of cysteine and selenocysteine sites, although the Au(I) complex has significantly higher reaction and activation free energies compared to Cu(I) and Ag(I).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), UMR CNRS 6302, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté(UBFC), Avenue Alain Savary 9, 21078 Dijon, France; Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università "G d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; CISUP - Centre for Instrumentation Sharing (Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione Scientifica), University of Pisa, Italy; University Consortium for Research in the Chemistry of Metal ions in Biological Systems (CIRCMSB), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università "G d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; University Consortium for Research in the Chemistry of Metal ions in Biological Systems (CIRCMSB), Via Celso Ulpiani 27, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Loriano Storchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università "G d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università "G d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università "G d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, Chieti, Italy
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Gamberi T, Pratesi A, Messori L, Massai L. Proteomics as a tool to disclose the cellular and molecular mechanisms of selected anticancer gold compounds. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.213905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Marzo T, La Mendola D. The Effects on Angiogenesis of Relevant Inorganic Chemotherapeutics. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:73-86. [PMID: 33243124 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666201126163436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a key process allowing the formation of blood vessels. It is crucial for all the tissues and organs, ensuring their function and growth. Angiogenesis is finely controlled by several mechanisms involving complex interactions between pro- or antiangiogenic factors, and an imbalance in this control chain may result in pathological conditions. Metals as copper, zinc and iron cover an essential role in regulating angiogenesis, thus therapies having physiological metals as target have been proposed. In addition, some complexes of heavier metal ions (e.g., Pt, Au, Ru) are currently used as established or experimental anticancer agents targeting genomic or non-genomic targets. These molecules may affect the angiogenic mechanisms determining different effects that have been only poorly and non-systematically investigated so far. Accordingly, in this review article, we aim to recapitulate the impact on the angiogenic process of some reference anticancer drugs, and how it is connected to the overall pharmacological effects. In addition, we highlight how the activity of these drugs can be related to the role of biological essential metal ions. Overall, this may allow a deeper description and understanding of the antineoplastic activity of both approved or experimental metal complexes, providing important insights for the synthesis of new inorganic drugs able to overcome resistance and recurrence phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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22
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N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Gold(I) Complexes Targeting Actin Polymerization. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11125626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Transition metal complexes are attracting attention because of their various chemical and biological properties. In particular, the NHC-gold complexes represent a productive field of research in medicinal chemistry, mostly as anticancer tools, displaying a broad range of targets. In addition to the already known biological targets, recently, an important activity in the organization of the cell cytoskeleton was discovered. In this paper, we demonstrated that two NHC-gold complexes (namely AuL4 and AuL7) possessing good anticancer activity and multi-target properties, as stated in our previous studies, play a major role in regulating the actin polymerization, by the means of in silico and in vitro assays. Using immunofluorescence and direct enzymatic assays, we proved that both the complexes inhibited the actin polymerization reaction without promoting the depolymerization of actin filaments. Our outcomes may contribute toward deepening the knowledge of NHC-gold complexes, with the objective of producing more effective and safer drugs for treating cancer diseases.
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23
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Menconi A, Marzo T, Massai L, Pratesi A, Severi M, Petroni G, Antonuzzo L, Messori L, Pillozzi S, Cirri D. Anticancer effects against colorectal cancer models of chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I) encapsulated in PLGA-PEG nanoparticles. Biometals 2021; 34:867-879. [PMID: 33907910 PMCID: PMC8313464 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-021-00313-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I), (Et3PAuCl hereafter), is an Auranofin (AF)-related compound showing very similar biological and pharmacological properties. Like AF, Et3PAuCl exhibits potent antiproliferative properties in vitro toward a variety of cancer cell lines and is a promising anticancer drug candidate. We wondered whether Et3PAuCl encapsulation might lead to an improved pharmacological profile also considering the likely reduction of unwanted side-reactions that are responsible for adverse effects and for drug inactivation. Et3PAuCl was encapsulated in biocompatible PLGA–PEG nanoparticles (NPs) and the new formulation evaluated in colorectal HCT-116 cancer cells in comparison to the free gold complex. Notably, encapsulated Et3PAuCl (nano-Et3PAuCl hereafter) mostly retains the cellular properties of the free gold complex and elicits even greater cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, mediated by apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, a remarkable inhibition of two crucial signaling pathways, i.e. ERK and AKT, by nano-Et3PAuCl, was clearly documented. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lara Massai
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "U. Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mirko Severi
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "U. Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, S.C. Oncologia Medica 1, Florence, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "U. Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134, Firenze, Italy. .,DI.V.A.L Toscana S.R.L., Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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Massai L, Grguric-Sipka S, Liu W, Bertrand B, Pratesi A. Editorial: The Golden Future in Medicinal Chemistry: Perspectives and Resources From Old and New Gold-Based Drug Candidates. Front Chem 2021; 9:665244. [PMID: 33816443 PMCID: PMC8012545 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.665244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Massai
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "U. Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Wukun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Benoît Bertrand
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (IPCM), Paris, France
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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25
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Guarra F, Pratesi A, Gabbiani C, Biver T. A focus on the biological targets for coinage metal-NHCs as potential anticancer complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 217:111355. [PMID: 33596529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metal complexes of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands are the object of increasing attention for therapeutic purposes. Among the different metal centres, interest on Au-based compounds started with the application as anti-arthritis drugs. On the other hand, Ag(I) antimicrobial properties have been known for a long time. For Au(I)/Au(III)-NHC and Ag(I)-NHC anti-tumour and anti-proliferative properties have been quite recently demonstrated. In addition to these and as for Group 11, copper is a much less investigated metal centre, but a few papers underline its pharmacological potential. This review wants to focus on the different biological targets for these metal-based compounds. It is divided into chapters which are respectively devoted on: i) mitochondria and thiol oxidoreductase systems; ii) other relevant enzymes; iii) nucleic acids. Examples of representative coinage NHCs for each of the targets are provided together with significant references on recent advances on the topic. Moreover, a final comment summarises the aspects enlightened by each chapter and provides some hints to better understand the metal-NHCs mechanistic behaviour based on structure-activity relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Guarra
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Gabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Nayak S, Gaonkar SL. Coinage Metal N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Recent Synthetic Strategies and Medicinal Applications. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1360-1390. [PMID: 33277791 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
New weapons are constantly needed in the fight against cancer. The discovery of cisplatin as an anticancer drug prompted the search for new metal complexes. The successful history of cisplatin motivated chemists to develop a plethora of metal-based molecules. Among them, metal-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes have gained significant attention because of their suitable qualities for efficient drug design. The enhanced applications of coinage metal-NHC complexes have encouraged a gradually increasing number of studies in the fields of medicinal chemistry that benefit from the fascinating chemical properties of these complexes. This review aims to present recent developments in synthetic strategies and medicinal applications of copper, silver and gold complexes supported by NHC ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarnagowri Nayak
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Santosh L Gaonkar
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
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27
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Mansour AM, Radacki K, Shehab OR. Role of the ancillary ligand in controlling the lysozyme affinity and electronic properties of terpyridine fac-Re(CO) 3 complexes. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:1197-1201. [PMID: 33475110 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt04140h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The lysozyme binding affinity and the electronic properties of [ReX(CO)3(terpy-κ2N1,N2)] (X = Br- and triazolateCOOCH2CH3,CF3) were reported. The triazolate complex was prepared in a [3 + 2] cycloaddition click reaction. The bromo compound reacted with lysozyme affording adducts with Re(CO)3+ fragments, while the triazolate compound persisted. A red shift of the MLCT band of the triazolate compound in progressively less polar solvents may be due to the negative solvatochromism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Mansour
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Gamma Street, Giza, Cairo 12613, Egypt.
| | - Krzysztof Radacki
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ola R Shehab
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Gamma Street, Giza, Cairo 12613, Egypt.
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28
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Proetto MT, Alexander K, Melaimi M, Bertrand G, Gianneschi NC. Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbene (CAAC) Gold(I) Complexes as Chemotherapeutic Agents. Chemistry 2021; 27:3772-3778. [PMID: 33090571 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202004317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbenes (CAACs) have become forceful ligands for gold due to their ability to form very strong ligand-metal bonds. Inspired by the success of Auranofin and other gold complexes as antitumor agents, we have studied the cytotoxicity of bis- and mono-CAAC-gold complexes on different cancer cell lines: HeLa (cervical cancer), A549 (lung cancer), HT1080 (fibrosarcoma) and Caov-3 (ovarian cancer). Further investigations aimed at elucidating their mechanism of action are described. This includes quantification of affinities for TrxR, evaluation of their bioavailability and determination of associated cell death process. Moreover, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to study morphological changes upon exposure. Noticeably, a significant reduction in non-specific binding to serum proteins was observed with CAAC complexes when compared to Auranofin. These results confirm the potential of CAAC-gold complexes in biological environments, which may result in more specific drug-target interactions and decreased side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Proetto
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Il, 60208, USA
| | - Kelsey Alexander
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mohand Melaimi
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (UMI 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Guy Bertrand
- UCSD-CNRS Joint Research Laboratory (UMI 3555), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Il, 60208, USA
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29
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Luti S, Fiaschi T, Magherini F, Modesti PA, Piomboni P, Semplici B, Morgante G, Amoresano A, Illiano A, Pinto G, Modesti A, Gamberi T. Follicular microenvironment: Oxidative stress and adiponectin correlated with steroids hormones in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 88:175-184. [PMID: 33336494 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Research has been focused on determining the follicular microenviroment produced by the theca and granulosa cells since the molecular characterisation of this body fluid could lead to the understanding of several fertility problems. Oxidative stress may be one of the factors involved in female infertility since it plays a key role in the modulation of oocyte maturation and finally pregnancy. An increase in oxidative stress is correlated with inflammation and intense research was developed to understand the interaction between inflammation and adiponectin, based on the fact that many adipokines are inflammation related proteins linked to reactive oxygen species production. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between total adiponectin levels and oxidative stress amount in the serum and follicular fluid (FF) of women who undergone in vitro fertilization. Moreover we verified the expression of adiponectin in granulosa and cumulus cells. To clarify the predictive value of steroid hormones in human assisted reproduction, twelve steroid hormones in FF and serum, were quantified in a single run liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, by using a multiple reaction monitoring mode and we related the serum and follicular fluids adiponectin levels with the concentration of the investigated steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Luti
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Fiaschi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Magherini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pietro A Modesti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bianca Semplici
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Morgante
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Illiano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pinto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Modesti
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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30
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Meier‐Menches SM, Neuditschko B, Zappe K, Schaier M, Gerner MC, Schmetterer KG, Del Favero G, Bonsignore R, Cichna‐Markl M, Koellensperger G, Casini A, Gerner C. An Organometallic Gold(I) Bis-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complex with Multimodal Activity in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Chemistry 2020; 26:15528-15537. [PMID: 32902006 PMCID: PMC7756355 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The organometallic AuI bis-N-heterocyclic carbene complex [Au(9-methylcaffeine-8-ylidene)2 ]+ (AuTMX2 ) was previously shown to selectively and potently stabilise telomeric DNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures. This study sheds light on the molecular reactivity and mode of action of AuTMX2 in the cellular context using mass spectrometry-based methods, including shotgun proteomics in A2780 ovarian cancer cells. In contrast to other metal-based anticancer agents, this organogold compound is less prone to form coordinative bonds with biological nucleophiles and is expected to exert its drug effects mainly by non-covalent interactions. Global protein expression changes of treated cancer cells revealed a multimodal mode of action of AuTMX2 by alterations in the nucleolus, telomeres, actin stress-fibres and stress-responses, which were further supported by pharmacological assays, fluorescence microscopy and cellular accumulation experiments. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD020560.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. Meier‐Menches
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
| | - Benjamin Neuditschko
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
- Institute of Inorganic ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 421090ViennaAustria
| | - Katja Zappe
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
| | - Martin Schaier
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
| | - Marlene C. Gerner
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaWaehringer Guertel 18–201090ViennaAustria
| | - Klaus G. Schmetterer
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaWaehringer Guertel 18–201090ViennaAustria
| | - Giorgia Del Favero
- Department of Food Chemistry and ToxicologyFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
- Core Facility Multimodal ImagingFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
| | - Riccardo Bonsignore
- Department of ChemistryTechnical University of MunichLichtenbergstr. 485747GarchingGermany
| | - Margit Cichna‐Markl
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
| | - Gunda Koellensperger
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
| | - Angela Casini
- Department of ChemistryTechnical University of MunichLichtenbergstr. 485747GarchingGermany
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical ChemistryFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
- Core Facility Multimodal ImagingFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
- Joint Metabolome FacilityUniversity of Vienna and Medical University of ViennaWaehringer Str. 381090ViennaAustria
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31
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Massai L, Zoppi C, Cirri D, Pratesi A, Messori L. Reactions of Medicinal Gold(III) Compounds With Proteins and Peptides Explored by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Complementary Biophysical Methods. Front Chem 2020; 8:581648. [PMID: 33195070 PMCID: PMC7609534 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.581648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) is a powerful investigative tool to analyze the reactions of metallodrugs with proteins and peptides and characterize the resulting adducts. Here, we have applied this type of approach to four experimental anticancer gold(III) compounds for which extensive biological and mechanistic data had previously been gathered, namely, Auoxo6, Au2phen, AuL12, and Aubipyc. These gold(III) compounds were reacted with two representative proteins, i.e., human serum albumin (HSA) and human carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I), and with the C-terminal dodecapeptide of thioredoxin reductase. ESI MS analysis allowed us to elucidate the nature of the resulting metal-protein adducts from which the main features of the occurring metallodrug-protein reactions can be inferred. In selected cases, MS data were integrated and supported by independent 1HNMR and UV-Vis absorption measurements to gain an overall description of the occurring processes. From data analysis, it emerges that most of the investigated gold(III) complexes, endowed with an appreciable oxidizing character, undergo quite facile reduction to gold(I); the resulting gold(I) species tightly associate with the above proteins/peptides with a remarkable selectivity for free cysteine residues. In contrast, in the case of the less-oxidizing Aubipyc complex, the gold(III) oxidation state is conserved, and a gold(III) fragment still containing the original ligand is found to be associated with the target proteins. It is notable that the C-terminal dodecapeptide of thioredoxin reductase containing the characteristic -Gly-Cys-Sec-Gly metal-binding motif is able in all cases to trigger gold(III)-to-gold(I) reduction. Our investigation allowed us to identify in detail the nature of the gold fragments that ultimately bind the protein targets and determine the exact binding stoichiometry; some insight on the reaction kinetics was also gained. Notably, a few clear correlations could be established between the structure of the metal complexes and the nature of the resulting protein adducts. The mechanistic implications of these findings are analyzed and thoroughly discussed. Overall, the present results set the stage to better understand the real target biomolecules of these gold compounds and elucidate at the atomic level their interaction modes with proteins and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Zoppi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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32
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Synthesis, characterization, DFT optimization and anticancer evaluation of phosphanegold(I) dithiocarbamates. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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33
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Guarra F, Terenzi A, Pirker C, Passannante R, Baier D, Zangrando E, Gómez‐Vallejo V, Biver T, Gabbiani C, Berger W, Llop J, Salassa L. 124 I Radiolabeling of a Au III -NHC Complex for In Vivo Biodistribution Studies. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:17130-17136. [PMID: 32633820 PMCID: PMC7540067 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202008046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
AuIII complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have shown remarkable potential as anticancer agents, yet their fate in vivo has not been thoroughly examined and understood. Reported herein is the synthesis of new AuIII -NHC complexes by direct oxidation with radioactive [124 I]I2 as a valuable strategy to monitor the in vivo biodistribution of this class of compounds using positron emission tomography (PET). While in vitro analyses provide direct evidence for the importance of AuIII -to-AuI reduction to achieve full anticancer activity, in vivo studies reveal that a fraction of the AuIII -NHC prodrug is not immediately reduced after administration but able to reach the major organs before metabolic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Guarra
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial ChemistryUniversity of PisaVia G. Moruzzi 1356124PisaItaly
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Donostia International Physics CenterPaseo M. Lardizabal 420018DonostiaSpain
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversity of PalermoViale delle Scienze, Ed. 1790128PalermoItaly
| | - Christine Pirker
- Department of Medicine IInstitute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer CenterMedical University ViennaBorschkegasse 8a1090ViennaAustria
| | - Rossana Passannante
- CIC biomaGUNEBasque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Paseo de Miramón 18220014DonostiaSpain
| | - Dina Baier
- Department of Medicine IInstitute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer CenterMedical University ViennaBorschkegasse 8a1090ViennaAustria
- Institute of Inorganic ChemistryFaculty of Chemistry University of ViennaWaehringerstrasse 421090ViennaAustria
| | - Ennio Zangrando
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Triestevia Giorgieri 134127TriesteItaly
| | - Vanessa Gómez‐Vallejo
- CIC biomaGUNEBasque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Paseo de Miramón 18220014DonostiaSpain
| | - Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial ChemistryUniversity of PisaVia G. Moruzzi 1356124PisaItaly
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Pisavia Bonanno 656126PisaItaly
| | - Chiara Gabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial ChemistryUniversity of PisaVia G. Moruzzi 1356124PisaItaly
| | - Walter Berger
- Department of Medicine IInstitute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer CenterMedical University ViennaBorschkegasse 8a1090ViennaAustria
| | - Jordi Llop
- CIC biomaGUNEBasque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Paseo de Miramón 18220014DonostiaSpain
| | - Luca Salassa
- Donostia International Physics CenterPaseo M. Lardizabal 420018DonostiaSpain
- Kimika FakultateaEuskal Herriko UnibertsitateaUPV/EHU20080DonostiaSpain
- IkerbasqueBasque Foundation for Science48013BilbaoSpain
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34
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Mertens RT, Parkin S, Awuah SG. Cancer cell-selective modulation of mitochondrial respiration and metabolism by potent organogold(iii) dithiocarbamates. Chem Sci 2020; 11:10465-10482. [PMID: 34094305 PMCID: PMC8162438 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03628e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a key cancer hallmark that has led to the therapeutic targeting of glycolysis. However, agents that target dysfunctional mitochondrial respiration for targeted therapy remains underexplored. We report the synthesis and characterization of ten (10) novel, highly potent organometallic gold(iii) complexes supported by dithiocarbamate ligands as selective inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration. The structure of dithiocarbamates employed dictates the biological stability and cellular cytotoxicity. Most of the compounds exhibit 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the low-micromolar (0.50-2.9 μM) range when tested in a panel of aggressive cancer types with significant selectivity for cancer cells over normal cells. Consequently, there is great interest in the mechanism of action of gold chemotherapeutics, particularly, considering that DNA is not the major target of most gold complexes. We investigate the mechanism of action of representative complexes, 1a and 2a in the recalcitrant triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, MDA-MB-231. Whole-cell transcriptomics sequencing revealed genes related to three major pathways, namely: cell cycle, organelle fission, and oxidative phosphorylation. 2a irreversibly and rapidly inhibits maximal respiration in TNBC with no effect on normal epithelial cells, implicating mitochondrial OXPHOS as a potential target. Furthermore, the modulation of cyclin dependent kinases and G1 cell cycle arrest induced by these compounds is promising for the treatment of cancer. This work contributes to the need for mitochondrial respiration modulators in biomedical research and outlines a systematic approach to study the mechanism of action of metal-based agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall T Mertens
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky Lexington KY 40506 USA
| | - Sean Parkin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky Lexington KY 40506 USA
| | - Samuel G Awuah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky Lexington KY 40506 USA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky 40536 USA
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Janoš P, Spinello A, Magistrato A. All-atom simulations to studying metallodrugs/target interactions. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 61:1-8. [PMID: 32781390 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Metallodrugs are extensively used to treat and diagnose distinct disease types. The unique physical-chemical properties of metal ions offer tantalizing opportunities to tailor effective scaffolds for selectively targeting specific biomolecules. Modern experimental techniques have collected a large body of structural data concerning the interactions of metallodrugs with their biomolecular targets, although being unable to exhaustively assess the molecular basis of their mechanism of action. In this scenario, the complementary use of accurate computational methods allows uncovering the minutiae of metallodrugs/targets interactions and their underlying mechanism of action at an atomic-level of detail. This knowledge is increasingly perceived as an invaluable requirement to rationally devise novel and selective metallodrugs. Building on literature studies, selected largely from the last 2 years, this compendium encompasses a cross-section of the current role, advances, and challenges met by computer simulations to decipher the mechanistic intricacies of prototypical metallodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Janoš
- CNR-IOM c/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136, Trieste, Italy
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37
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Guarra F, Terenzi A, Pirker C, Passannante R, Baier D, Zangrando E, Gómez‐Vallejo V, Biver T, Gabbiani C, Berger W, Llop J, Salassa L. 124
I Radiolabeling of a Au
III
‐NHC Complex for In Vivo Biodistribution Studies. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202008046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Guarra
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry University of Pisa Via G. Moruzzi 13 56124 Pisa Italy
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Donostia International Physics Center Paseo M. Lardizabal 4 20018 Donostia Spain
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Christine Pirker
- Department of Medicine I Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center Medical University Vienna Borschkegasse 8a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Rossana Passannante
- CIC biomaGUNE Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) Paseo de Miramón 182 20014 Donostia Spain
| | - Dina Baier
- Department of Medicine I Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center Medical University Vienna Borschkegasse 8a 1090 Vienna Austria
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry Faculty of Chemistry University of Vienna Waehringerstrasse 42 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Ennio Zangrando
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Trieste via Giorgieri 1 34127 Trieste Italy
| | - Vanessa Gómez‐Vallejo
- CIC biomaGUNE Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) Paseo de Miramón 182 20014 Donostia Spain
| | - Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry University of Pisa Via G. Moruzzi 13 56124 Pisa Italy
- Department of Pharmacy University of Pisa via Bonanno 6 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Chiara Gabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry University of Pisa Via G. Moruzzi 13 56124 Pisa Italy
| | - Walter Berger
- Department of Medicine I Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center Medical University Vienna Borschkegasse 8a 1090 Vienna Austria
| | - Jordi Llop
- CIC biomaGUNE Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) Paseo de Miramón 182 20014 Donostia Spain
| | - Luca Salassa
- Donostia International Physics Center Paseo M. Lardizabal 4 20018 Donostia Spain
- Kimika Fakultatea Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU 20080 Donostia Spain
- Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science 48013 Bilbao Spain
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Acebes-Fernández V, Landeira-Viñuela A, Juanes-Velasco P, Hernández AP, Otazo-Perez A, Manzano-Román R, Gongora R, Fuentes M. Nanomedicine and Onco-Immunotherapy: From the Bench to Bedside to Biomarkers. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1274. [PMID: 32610601 PMCID: PMC7407304 DOI: 10.3390/nano10071274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The broad relationship between the immune system and cancer is opening a new hallmark to explore for nanomedicine. Here, all the common and synergy points between both areas are reviewed and described, and the recent approaches which show the progress from the bench to the beside to biomarkers developed in nanomedicine and onco-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Acebes-Fernández
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (V.A.-F.); (A.L.-V.); (P.J.-V.); (A.-P.H.); (A.O.-P.); (R.G.)
| | - Alicia Landeira-Viñuela
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (V.A.-F.); (A.L.-V.); (P.J.-V.); (A.-P.H.); (A.O.-P.); (R.G.)
| | - Pablo Juanes-Velasco
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (V.A.-F.); (A.L.-V.); (P.J.-V.); (A.-P.H.); (A.O.-P.); (R.G.)
| | - Angela-Patricia Hernández
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (V.A.-F.); (A.L.-V.); (P.J.-V.); (A.-P.H.); (A.O.-P.); (R.G.)
| | - Andrea Otazo-Perez
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (V.A.-F.); (A.L.-V.); (P.J.-V.); (A.-P.H.); (A.O.-P.); (R.G.)
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Rafael Gongora
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (V.A.-F.); (A.L.-V.); (P.J.-V.); (A.-P.H.); (A.O.-P.); (R.G.)
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Department of Medicine and Cytometry General Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (V.A.-F.); (A.L.-V.); (P.J.-V.); (A.-P.H.); (A.O.-P.); (R.G.)
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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Iacopetta D, Rosano C, Sirignano M, Mariconda A, Ceramella J, Ponassi M, Saturnino C, Sinicropi MS, Longo P. Is the Way to Fight Cancer Paved with Gold? Metal-Based Carbene Complexes with Multiple and Fascinating Biological Features. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13050091. [PMID: 32403274 PMCID: PMC7281280 DOI: 10.3390/ph13050091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we report the synthesis and the multiple anti-tumor properties of new gold and silver carbene complexes. The chemical modifications, grounded on our previous studies, led us to identify a good lead complex, gold-based, whose biological features are very exciting and promising in the anti-cancer research and could be further developed. Indeed, the bis-[4,5-dichloro-(N-methyl-N’(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)ethyl-imidazole-2-ylidene)gold(I)]+[dichloro-gold]− (AuL7) complex possesses the ability to interfere with at least three important and different intracellular targets, namely the human topoisomerases I and II and tubulin, which are able to modulate metabolic processes not directly correlated each other. We proved that the modifications of the ligands structure in AuL7, with respect to another already published complex, i.e., bis-[4,5-dichloro-(N-methyl-N’(cyclopentane-2ol)-imidazole-2-ylidine)gold(I)]+[dichloro-gold]− (AuL4), produce a different behavior toward tubulin-polymerization process, since AuL7 is a tubulin-polymerization inhibitor and AuL4 a stabilizer, with the final same result of hampering the tumor growth. Taken together, our outcomes designate AuL7 as a promising compound for the development of multi-targeted anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Camillo Rosano
- Biopolymers and Proteomics IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino–IST, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Marco Sirignano
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Annaluisa Mariconda
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (J.C.); Tel.: +39-0971-202194 (A.M.); +39-0984-493200 (J.C.)
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (M.S.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (J.C.); Tel.: +39-0971-202194 (A.M.); +39-0984-493200 (J.C.)
| | - Marco Ponassi
- Biopolymers and Proteomics IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino–IST, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy;
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.S.); (P.L.)
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Zoppi C, Messori L, Pratesi A. ESI MS studies highlight the selective interaction of Auranofin with protein free thiols. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:5906-5913. [PMID: 32314767 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt00283f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The clinically established gold drug Auranofin was reacted individually with a group of representative proteins, namely ubiquitin, ribonuclease A, carbonic anhydrase, haemoglobin and superoxide dismutase, and adduct formation was monitored in the various cases by ESI-MS analysis. We found that the reaction is highly selective for solvent exposed free cysteines that are modified through coordination of the AuPEt3+ fragment. Indeed, ESI-Q-TOF MS spectra carried out on protein samples incubated with a three fold molar excess of Auranofin allowed direct detection of the native proteins bearing bound AuPEt3+ fragments in the cases of carbonic anhydrase and haemoglobin. At variance, the two proteins that do not possess any free cysteine residue, i.e. ubiquitin and ribonuclease A, were unable to bind the gold fragment. In the case of superoxide dismutase, adduct formation is hindered by the scarce solvent accessibility of the free cysteine residue. These findings were further confirmed by a series of competition binding experiments with ebselen, a potent and selective cysteine-modifying reagent; we observed that pre-treatment with ebselen prevents the binding of the AuPEt3+ fragment to both carbonic anhydrase and haemoglobin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Zoppi
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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Landini I, Massai L, Cirri D, Gamberi T, Paoli P, Messori L, Mini E, Nobili S. Structure-activity relationships in a series of auranofin analogues showing remarkable antiproliferative properties. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 208:111079. [PMID: 32497830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The antiproliferative properties of a series of structurally-related gold(I) and silver(I) linear complexes inspired to the clinically established gold-based drug auranofin were investigated in A2780 ovarian cancer cells and in their auranofin (A2780/AF-R) and cisplatin (A2780/CDDP-R) resistant counterparts. In A2780 cells and in the cisplatin-resistant subline, gold-based analogues manifested a cytotoxicity profile comparable or superior to auranofin, while the silver-based analogues were less active; both gold and silver complexes overcame cisplatin resistance. Yet, a high degree of cross resistance toward gold analogues was noticed in A2780/AF-R cells. In the same cell line cross-resistance for silver analogues was also observed, though lower. All metal complexes were scrutinized for their ability to inhibit thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), the putative primary target for auranofin: overall, gold compounds were more potent TrxR inhibitors than the corresponding silver compounds, probably, as the consequence of the stronger binding of gold to the active site selenocysteine residue. These results highlight that the thiosugar ligand of auranofin is not essential for cytotoxicity while the nature of the metal center (gold/silver) plays a relevant role in its modulation. In addition, a rather clear correlation was found between cytotoxic potency of tested compounds and their ability to inhibit TrxR activity, being gold compounds more effective than silver analogues. However, the residual TrxR activity, measured in A2780 cells treated with the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of various metal complexes, resulted far higher than expected. These results suggest that additional cytotoxic mechanisms must be operative. The implications of these results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Landini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Paoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Enrico Mini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Stefania Nobili
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Auría-Soro C, Nesma T, Juanes-Velasco P, Landeira-Viñuela A, Fidalgo-Gomez H, Acebes-Fernandez V, Gongora R, Almendral Parra MJ, Manzano-Roman R, Fuentes M. Interactions of Nanoparticles and Biosystems: Microenvironment of Nanoparticles and Biomolecules in Nanomedicine. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E1365. [PMID: 31554176 PMCID: PMC6835394 DOI: 10.3390/nano9101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary science covering matters involving the nanoscale level that is being developed for a great variety of applications. Nanomedicine is one of these attractive and challenging uses focused on the employment of nanomaterials in medical applications such as drug delivery. However, handling these nanometric systems require defining specific parameters to establish the possible advantages and disadvantages in specific applications. This review presents the fundamental factors of nanoparticles and its microenvironment that must be considered to make an appropriate design for medical applications, mainly: (i) Interactions between nanoparticles and their biological environment, (ii) the interaction mechanisms, (iii) and the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. On the other hand, the repercussions of the control, alter and modify these parameters in the biomedical applications. Additionally, we briefly report the implications of nanoparticles in nanomedicine and precision medicine, and provide perspectives in immunotherapy, which is opening novel applications as immune-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Auría-Soro
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Tabata Nesma
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Pablo Juanes-Velasco
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Alicia Landeira-Viñuela
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Helena Fidalgo-Gomez
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Vanessa Acebes-Fernandez
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Rafael Gongora
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - María Jesus Almendral Parra
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Raúl Manzano-Roman
- Proteomics Unit. Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
- Proteomics Unit. Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
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Marzo T, Massai L, Pratesi A, Stefanini M, Cirri D, Magherini F, Becatti M, Landini I, Nobili S, Mini E, Crociani O, Arcangeli A, Pillozzi S, Gamberi T, Messori L. Replacement of the Thiosugar of Auranofin with Iodide Enhances the Anticancer Potency in a Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:656-660. [PMID: 30996813 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a few successful attempts were made to repurpose the clinically approved antiarthritic gold drug, Auranofin (AF), as an anticancer agent. The present study shows that the iodido(triethylphosphine)gold(I) complex, (Et 3 PAuI hereafter)-an AF analogue where the thiosugar ligand is simply replaced by one iodide ligand-manifests a solution chemistry resembling that of AF and exerts similar cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects on A2780 human ovarian cancer cells in vitro. However, when evaluated in a preclinical orthotopic model of ovarian cancer, Et 3 PAuI produces a far superior anticancer action than AF inducing a nearly complete tumor remission. The highly promising in vivo performances here documented for Et 3 PAuI warrant its further evaluation as a drug candidate for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Matteo Stefanini
- DI.V.A.L. Toscana s.r.l., via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesca Magherini
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Ida Landini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Stefania Nobili
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Enrico Mini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Olivia Crociani
- DI.V.A.L. Toscana s.r.l., via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- DI.V.A.L. Toscana s.r.l., via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Guarra F, Marzo T, Ferraroni M, Papi F, Bazzicalupi C, Gratteri P, Pescitelli G, Messori L, Biver T, Gabbiani C. Interaction of a gold(i) dicarbene anticancer drug with human telomeric DNA G-quadruplex: solution and computationally aided X-ray diffraction analysis. Dalton Trans 2018; 47:16132-16138. [DOI: 10.1039/c8dt03607a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Solution and solid-state data give a quite clear picture for a bis carbene gold(i) complex having perspective anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Guarra
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
- University of Pisa
- 56124 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
- University of Pisa
- 56124 Pisa
- Italy
- MetMed Lab
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”
- University of Florence
- 50019 Sesto Fiorentino
- Italy
| | - Francesco Papi
- Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”
- University of Florence
- 50019 Sesto Fiorentino
- Italy
| | - Carla Bazzicalupi
- Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”
- University of Florence
- 50019 Sesto Fiorentino
- Italy
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Department NEUROFARBA – Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical section; Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR
- University of Firenze
- 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze
- Italy
| | - Gennaro Pescitelli
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
- University of Pisa
- 56124 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- MetMed Lab
- Department of Chemistry “U. Schiff”
- University of Florence
- 50019 Sesto Fiorentino
- Italy
| | - Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
- University of Pisa
- 56124 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Chiara Gabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
- University of Pisa
- 56124 Pisa
- Italy
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