Rhenium and technetium based radiopharmaceuticals: Development and recent advances

Resistance-breaking profiling and gene expression analysis on an organometallic ReI-phenanthridine complex reveal parallel activation of two apoptotic pathways

Emerging resistances of tumors against multiple anti-cancer agents are a major concern in the chemotherapeutical treatment of various cancers. Clearly, this raises the need for novel therapeutics with new modes of action. Herein, we report on the favorable in vitro anti-proliferative properties of a phenanthridine-containing ReI(CO)3 complex (compound 1, also abbreviated LR-166) and identify major contributions to its mode of action. The complex induces apoptosis in low micromolar concentrations even in drug-resistant Burkitt-like lymphoma (BJAB) and leukemia (Nalm-6) cell lines with known overexpression of p-glycoproteins as was confirmed by measuring the amount of hypodiploid DNA via FACS Scan analysis. Importantly, a gene expression analysis in combination with toxicity studies on a number of modified cell lines (leukemia: NALM-6, lymphoma: BJAB, melanoma: MelHO) and the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (determined by adding JC-1 dye, followed by FACS analysis) confirmed the activation of both, the extrinsic and the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Finally, the mechanism of action was shown not to be influenced by overexpression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 in Mel-HO cells which are known to be resistant to a variety of drugs. All taken together, our experiments underscore the unique opportunities inherent in this novel lead structure of Re complexes to act as an effective chemotherapeutic agent in a combination therapy to overcome documented drug resistances in tumors.

In Vitro Anticancer Activity and in Vivo Biodistribution of Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Aqua Complexes

Seven rhenium(I) complexes of the general formula fac-[Re(CO)3(NN)(OH2)]+ where NN = 2,2'-bipyridine (8), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (9), 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine (10), dimethyl 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylate (11), 1,10-phenanthroline (12), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (13), or 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (14), were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. With the exception of 11, all complexes exhibited 50% growth inhibitory concentration (IC50) values that were less than 20 μM in HeLa cells, indicating that these compounds represent a new potential class of anticancer agents. Complexes 9, 10, and 13 were as effective in cisplatin-resistant cells as wild-type cells, signifying that they circumvent cisplatin resistance. The mechanism of action of the most potent complex, 13, was explored further by leveraging its intrinsic luminescence properties to determine its intracellular localization. These studies indicated that 13 induces cytoplasmic vacuolization that is lysosomal in nature. Additional in vitro assays indicated that 13 induces cell death without causing an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species or depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Further studies revealed that the mode of cell death does not fall into one of the canonical categories such as apoptosis, necrosis, paraptosis, and autophagy, suggesting that a novel mode of action may be operative for this class of rhenium compounds. The in vivo biodistribution and metabolism of complex 13 and its 99mTc analogue 13* were also evaluated in naı̈ve mice. Complexes 13 and 13* exhibited comparable biodistribution profiles with both hepatic and renal excretion. High-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) analysis of mouse blood plasma and urine postadministration showed considerable metabolic stability of 13, rendering this potent complex suitable for in vivo applications. These studies have shown the biological properties of this class of compounds and demonstrated their potential as promising theranostic anticancer agents that can circumvent cisplatin resistance.

Development and characterization of a 99m Tc-tricarbonyl-labelled estradiol derivative obtained by "Click Chemistry" with potential application in estrogen receptors imaging

Assessment of the presence of estrogen receptors in breast cancer is crucial for treatment planning. With the objective to develop a potential agent for estrogen receptors imaging, we present the development and characterization of a ^99m Tc-tricarbonyl-labelled estradiol derivative. Using ethinylestradiol as starting material, an estradiol derivative bearing a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole-containing tridentate ligand system was synthesized by "Click Chemistry" and fully characterized. Labelling with high yield and radiochemical purity was achieved through the formation of a ^99m Tc-tricarbonyl complex. The radiolabelled compound was stable, exhibited moderate binding to plasma protein (approximately 33%) and lipophilicity in the adequate range (logP 1.3 ± 0.1 at pH 7.4). Studies in MCF7 showed promising uptake values (approximately 2%). However, more than 50% of the activity is quickly released from the cell. Biodistribution experiments in normal rats confirmed the expected "in vivo" stability of the radiotracer but showed very high gastrointestinal and liver activity, which is inconvenient for in vivo applications. Taking into consideration the well-documented influence of the chelating system in the physicochemical and biological behaviour of technetium-labelled small biomolecules, research will be continued using the same pharmacophore but different complexation modalities of technetium.

Benzannulated Re(i)–NHC complexes: synthesis, photophysical properties and antimicrobial activity

A series of novel Re(i)(CO)₃–NHC complexes bearing unsubstituted benzimidazol-2-ylidene ligands is presented which provide strong luminescence as well as high antibacterial activity.

Synthesis and Molecular Structure of 99 Tc Corroles

The first ⁹⁹ Tc corroles have been synthesized and fully characterized. A single-crystal X-ray structure of a ⁹⁹ TcO triarylcorrole revealed nearly identical geometry parameters as the corresponding ReO structure. A significant spectral shift between the Soret maxima of TcO (410-413 nm) and ReO (438-441 nm) corroles was observed and, based on two-component spin-orbit ZORA TDDFT calculations, ascribed to relativistic effects in the Re case. The syntheses reported herein potentially pave the way toward ^99m Tc-porphyrinoid-based radiopharmaceuticals.

Synthesis, characterization, and gas-phase fragmentation of rhenium-carbonyl complexes bearing imidazol(in)ium-2-dithiocarboxylate ligands

Five complexes with the generic formula [ReBr(CO)₃(κ²-S,S'-S₂C·NHC)] were obtained by reacting [ReBr(CO)₅] with a set of representative imidazol(in)ium-2-dithiocarboxylate zwitterions. These ligands are the adducts of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and carbon disulfide. The monometallic Re(i) compounds were further coupled with Na[Re(CO)₅] to afford bimetallic Re(0) species. Depending on the experimental conditions, either octacarbonyl dimers [Re₂(CO)₈(μ₂-κ¹-S,κ¹-S'-S₂C·NHC)] or hexacarbonyl clusters [Re₂(CO)₆(κ²-S,S'-κ³-S,C,S'-S₂C·NHC)] were isolated. All the products were fully characterized using various analytical techniques. Single crystal XRD analysis helped establish with certainty the various binding modes exhibited by the NHC·CS₂ ligands. With bite angles ranging from ca. 104 to 130°, these zwitterions displayed a remarkable flexibility, which also permitted significant twists of the thiometallated rings to preserve a staggered arrangement of the carbonyl groups in the bimetallic systems. Monitoring the chemical shift of the CS₂^- moiety by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy was most useful to detect its change of hapticity upon decarbonylation of the octacarbonyl compounds into hexacarbonyl derivatives. IR spectroscopy was another very convenient tool to identify the type of complex formed in a reaction, based on the pattern of its carbonyl vibration bands. Advanced mass spectrometry techniques showed that all the compounds underwent partial or total decarbonylation in the gas phase with no concomitant fragmentation of the bimetallic assemblies into monometallic ions.

Crystal structure of fac-tricarbon-yl(quinoline-2-carboxyl-ato-κ(2) N,O)(tri-phenyl-arsane-κAs)rhenium(I)

In the title compound, [Re(C10H6NO2)(CO)3{As(C6H5)3}], the coordination environment of Re(I) is that of a distorted octa-hedron. Three coordination sites are occupied by three carbonyl groups in a facial arrangement and the remaining three sites by tri-phenyl-arsane and deprotonated quinaldic acid in As-mono- and N,O-bidentate fashions, respectively. In the crystal, the complexes are linked through weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. It worth noting that, as far as we know, this complex is the first Re(I) tri-phenyl-arsane tricarbonyl compound to be reported.

Cationic rhenium complexes ligated with N-heterocyclic carbenes – an overview

This review provides an overview of the currently known cationic rhenium NHC complexes.

Metal-Ligand Misfits: Facile Access to Rhenium-Oxo Corroles by Oxidative Metalation

With the exception of a single accidental synthesis, rhenium corroles are unknown, but of great interest as catalysts and potential radiopharmaceuticals. Oxidative metalation of meso-triarylcorroles with [Re2 (CO)10 ] in refluxing decalin has provided a facile and relatively high-yielding route to rhenium(V)-oxo corroles. The complexes synthesized could all be fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses.

Nuclear Targeting with an Auger Electron Emitter Potentiates the Action of a Widely Used Antineoplastic Drug

We present the combination of the clinically well-proven chemotherapeutic agent, Doxorubicin, and (99m)Tc, an Auger and internal conversion electron emitter, into a dual-action agent for therapy. Chemical conjugation of Doxorubicin to (99m)Tc afforded a construct which autonomously ferries a radioactive payload into the cell nucleus. At this site, damage is exerted by dose deposition from Auger radiation. The (99m)Tc-conjugate exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of survival in a selected panel of cancer cells and an in vivo study in healthy mice evidenced a biodistribution which is comparable to that of the parent drug. The homologous Rhenium conjugate was found to effectively bind to DNA, inhibited human Topoisomerase II, and exhibited cytotoxicity in vitro. The collective in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that the presented metallo-conjugates closely mimic native Doxorubicin.

An overview of radioisotope separation technologies for development of 188W/188Re radionuclide generators providing 188Re to meet future research and clinical demands

Separation technologies for ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re radionuclide generators.

Underestimated potential of organometallic rhenium complexes as anticancer agents

In the recent years, organometallic compounds have become recognized as promising anti-cancer drug candidates. While radioactive (186/188)Re compounds are already used in clinics for cancer treatment, cold Re organometallic compounds have mostly been explored as luminescent probes for cell imaging and photosensitizers in photocatalysis. However, a growing number of studies have recently revealed the potential of Re organometallic complexes as anti-cancer agents. Several compounds have displayed cytotoxicity equaling or exceeding that of the well-established anti-cancer drug cisplatin. In this review, we present the currently known Re organometallic complexes that have shown anti-proliferative activity on cancer cell lines. A particular emphasis is placed on their cellular uptake and localization as well as their potential mechanism of action.

Metal complexes containing natural and and artificial radioactive elements and their applications

Recent advances (during the 2007–2014 period) in the coordination and organometallic chemistry of compounds containing natural and artificially prepared radionuclides (actinides and technetium), are reviewed. Radioactive isotopes of naturally stable elements are not included for discussion in this work. Actinide and technetium complexes with O-, N-, N,O, N,S-, P-containing ligands, as well π-organometallics are discussed from the view point of their synthesis, properties, and main applications. On the basis of their properties, several mono-, bi-, tri-, tetra- or polydentate ligands have been designed for specific recognition of some particular radionuclides, and can be used in the processes of nuclear waste remediation, i.e., recycling of nuclear fuel and the separation of actinides and fission products from waste solutions or for analytical determination of actinides in solutions; actinide metal complexes are also usefulas catalysts forcoupling gaseous carbon monoxide, as well as antimicrobial and anti-fungi agents due to their biological activity. Radioactive labeling based on the short-lived metastable nuclide technetium-99m (^99mTc) for biomedical use as heart, lung, kidney, bone, brain, liver or cancer imaging agents is also discussed. Finally, the promising applications of technetium labeling of nanomaterials, with potential applications as drug transport and delivery vehicles, radiotherapeutic agents or radiotracers for monitoring metabolic pathways, are also described.

Synthesis of the first radiolabeled 188Re N-heterocyclic carbene complex and initial studies on its potential use in radiopharmaceutical applications

A novel approach towards the synthesis of radiolabeled organometallic rhenium complexes is presented. We successfully synthesized and analyzed the first (188)Re-labeled N-heterocyclic biscarbene complex, trans-dioxobis(1,1'-methylene-bis(3,3'-diisopropylimidazolium-2-ylidene))(188)rhenium(V) hexafluorophosphate ((188)Re-4) via transmetalation using an air-stable and moisture-stable silver(I) biscarbene complex. In order to assess the viability of this complex as a potential lead structure for in vivo applications, the stability of the (188)Re-NHC complex was tested in physiologically relevant media. Ultimately, our studies illustrate that the complex we synthesized dissociates rapidly and is therefore unsuitable for use in radiopharmaceuticals. However, it is clear that the transmetalation approach we have developed is a rapid, robust, and mild method for the synthesis of new (188)Re-labeled carbene complexes.