Binding of the cationic 5-coordinate Zn(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin to DNA and model polynucleotides: Ionic-strength dependent intercalation in [poly(dG-dC)]2

Designing expanded bipyridinium as redox and optical probes for DNA

We report on the light-switch behaviour of two head-to-tail expanded bipyridinium species as a function of their interaction with calf thymus DNA and polynucleotides. In particular, both DNA and polynucleotides containing exclusively adenine or guanine moieties quench the luminescence of the fused expanded bipyridinium species. This behaviour has been rationalized demonstrating that a reductive photoinduced electron transfer process takes place involving both adenine or guanine moieties. The charge separated state so produced recombines in the tens of picoseconds. These results could help in designing new organic substrates for application in DNA probing technology and lab on chip-based sensing systems.

Binding Interactions of Zinc Cationic Porphyrin with Duplex DNA: From B-DNA to Z-DNA

Recognition of unusual left-handed Z-DNA by specific binding of small molecules is crucial for understanding biological functions in which this particular structure participates. Recent investigations indicate that zinc cationic porphyrin (ZnTMPyP4) is promising as a probe for recognizing Z-DNA due to its characteristic chiroptical properties upon binding with Z-DNA. However, binding mechanisms of the ZnTMPyP4/Z-DNA complex remain unclear. By employing time-resolved UV-visible absorption spectroscopy in conjunction with induced circular dichroism (ICD), UV-vis, and fluorescence measurements, we examined the binding interactions of ZnTMPyP4 towards B-DNA and Z-DNA. For the ZnTMPyP4/Z-DNA complex, two coexisting binding modes were identified as the electrostatic interaction between pyridyl groups and phosphate backbones, and the major groove binding by zinc(II) coordinating with the exposed guanine N₇. The respective contribution of each mode is assessed, allowing a complete scenario of binding modes revealed for the ZnTMPyP4/Z-DNA. These interaction modes are quite different from those (intercalation and partial intercalation modes) for the ZnTMPyP4/B-DNA complex, thereby resulting in explicit differentiation between B-DNA and Z-DNA. Additionally, the binding interactions of planar TMPyP4 to DNA were also investigated as a comparison. It is shown that without available virtual orbitals to coordinate, TMPyP4 binds with Z-DNA solely in the intercalation mode, as with B-DNA, and the intercalation results in a structural transition from Z-DNA to B-ZNA. These results provide mechanistic insights for understanding ZnTMPyP4 as a probe of recognizing Z-DNA and afford a possible strategy for designing new porphyrin derivatives with available virtual orbitals for the discrimination of B-DNA and Z-DNA.

Photodynamic killing of cancer cells by a Platinum(II) complex with cyclometallating ligand

Photodynamic therapy that uses photosensitizers which only become toxic upon light-irradiation provides a strong alternative to conventional cancer treatment due to its ability to selectively target tumour material without affecting healthy tissue. Transition metal complexes are highly promising PDT agents due to intense visible light absorption, yet the majority are toxic even without light. This study introduces a small, photostable, charge-neutral platinum-based compound, Pt(II) 2,6-dipyrido-4-methyl-benzenechloride, complex 1, as a photosensitizer, which works under visible light. Activation of the new photosensitizer at low concentrations (0.1–1 μM) by comparatively low dose of 405 nm light (3.6 J cm⁻²) causes significant cell death of cervical, colorectal and bladder cancer cell lines, and, importantly, a cisplatin resistant cell line EJ-R. The photo-index of the complex is 8. We demonstrate that complex 1 induces irreversible DNA single strand breaks following irradiation, and that oxygen is essential for the photoinduced action. Neither light, nor compound alone led to cell death. The key advantages of the new drug include a remarkably fast accumulation time (diffusion-controlled, minutes), and photostability. This study demonstrates a highly promising new agent for photodynamic therapy, and attracts attention to photostable metal complexes as viable alternatives to conventional chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin.

Thermodynamic investigation of manganese(III) 5-(1-(4-carboxybutyl)pyridinium-4-yl) 10,15,20-tris-(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin with calf thymus DNA

Binding properties of two water-soluble porphyrins, manganese(III) 5-(1-(4-carboxybutyl)pyridinium-4-yl) 10,15,20-tris(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin ( Mn(III)5-CBPyP ) and manganese(III) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin ( Mn(III)TMPyP ), in the presence of various concentration of calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA), has been studied in 7.5 mM phosphate buffer, pH = 7.2 and at various temperatures by UV-vis absorption, resonance light scattering (RLS) and fluorescence spectroscopy and viscosity measurement. Optical absorption and RLS measurements have demonstrated three different species of both porphyrins form in DNA solution. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated by van't Hoff equation at various temperatures. The values of -4.89 kJ.mol-1 and +65.98 J.mol-1.K-1 for Mn(III)5-CBPyP and -14.92 kJ.mol-1 and +15.46 J mol-1.K-1 for TMPyP were estimated for enthalpy and entropy changes of interaction, respectively. The data indicate that the process is exothermic and enthalpy- and entropy-driven, suggesting that electrostatic forces play a considerable role in the interaction process. The binding of both porphyins to DNA quenches fluorescence emission of ethidium bromide (EB) and the quenching process obeys linear Stern-Volmer relationship, indicating the quenching of electron transfer of EB from its binding sites by these porphyrins. The results of using these techniques indicate the external mode of binding for both porphyrins and a higher binding affinity of Mn(III)5-CBPyP with respect to Mn(III)TMPyP .

Electrospray mass spectrometry for the study of the non-covalent interactions of porphyrins and duplex desoxyribonucleotides

An overview of the use of electrospray mass spectrometry for the study of non-covalent interactions of cationic porphyrins and small DNA duplexes, highlighting the work developed in the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory of the University of Aveiro, is presented here.

Primary photoprocesses in cationic 5,10,15,20-meso-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrin and its transition metal complexes bound with nucleic acids

Photophysical properties of meso-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrin ( TMpyP 4) and its metallocomplexes M (II) TMpy P4 ( M = Zn , Cu , Ni , Co ) bound to natural DNA and synthetic poly-, oligo- and mononucleotides are considered with a primary emphasis placed upon intermolecular interaction of the photoexcited porphyrins with the nearest environment. Quenching of the fluorescent S 1 (but not triplet T 1) state due to guanine to porphyrin electron transfer is observed for TMpyP 4 intercalated between GC base pairs of the double-strand helixes, whereas in the case of TMpyP 4 complexed with guanosine monophosphate (GMP) both S 1 and T 1 states of the porphyrin are quenched. Furthermore, a dependence of the efficiency of TMpyP 4 triplet state quenching by the dissolved molecular oxygen from air on the porphyrin localization enables one to readily distinguish porphyrin groove binding mode from intercalation. Excited states of the TMpyP 4 complexes with transition metals, in spite of their very short lifetimes, also interact with nucleic acid components by means of an axial ligand binding/release to/from the metal. A possible structure of the five-coordinate excited complex (“exciplex”) formed in case of CuTMpyP 4 groove binding to some single- and double-strand polynucleotides is discussed.

Incorporation of basic side chains into cryptolepine scaffold: structure-antimalarial activity relationships and mechanistic studies

The synthesis of cryptolepine derivatives containing basic side-chains at the C-11 position and their evaluations for antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity properties are reported. Propyl, butyl, and cycloalkyl diamine side chains significantly increased activity against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains while reducing cytotoxicity when compared with the parent compound. Localization studies inside parasite blood stages by fluorescence microscopy showed that these derivatives accumulate inside the nucleus, indicating that the incorporation of a basic side chain is not sufficient enough to promote selective accumulation in the acidic digestive vacuole of the parasite. Most of the compounds within this series showed the ability to bind to a double-stranded DNA duplex as well to monomeric hematin, suggesting that these are possible targets associated with the observed antimalarial activity. Overall, these novel cryptolepine analogues with substantially improved antiplasmodial activity and selectivity index provide a promising starting point for development of potent and highly selective agents against drug-resistant malaria parasites.

Binding of nickel(II) tetrakis(dimethylpyrazolium-4-yl)porphyrin to poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2

The interaction of nickel(II) complex of cationic porphyrins bearing five-membered rings, meso-tetrakis(1,2-dimethylpyrazolium-4-yl)porphyrinatonickel(II) (NiPzP) , with synthetic polynucleotides poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2 has been characterized by viscometric, visible absorption, CD and MCD spectroscopic, and melting temperature measurements. The nickel(II) complex NiPzP is intercalated into poly(dG-dC)2 but outside bound to the major groove of poly(dA-dT)2. The binding constants of NiPzP to poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2 are in the order of 106 M-1 and comparable to those of other reported cationic metalloporphyrins. The binding process of NiPzP to poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2 is endothermic and entropically driven.

DNA-Binding Properties and Photocleavage Activity of Cationic Water-Soluble Chlorophyll Derivatives

Three cationic water-soluble chlorin e(6) derivatives, that is, 6a-,gammab-,7c-tris(2-trimethylammonioethyl)chlorin e(6) (1), 6a-,gammab-,7c-tris(3-methylpyridiniummethyl)chlorin e(6) (2), and 6a-,gammab-, 7c-tris(2-trimethylammonioethyl)-2-(3-trimethylammonioprop-1-enyl)chlorin e(6) (3), have been designed and synthesized to allow the study of their DNA-binding and -photocleavage activities. The DNA-unwinding assay, measurements of melting temperatures of double-stranded DNA, and the induced CD and visible absorption spectra have revealed that 1 and 3 are intercalated into the base pairs of the double-helical DNA, while 2 is bound to outside the minor groove of the double-helical DNA. The cationic water-soluble chlorin e(6) derivatives effectively cleave the double-helical DNA under photoirradiation and the DNA-photocleavage activity increases in the order 3>1>2. The DNA-binding and -photocleavage characteristics of the three cationic water-soluble chlorin e(6) derivatives are influenced by aspects of their molecular structure, such as the kind, number, and position of the cationic substituents.

Binding of tetrakis(pyrazoliumyl)porphyrin and its copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes to poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2

Interactions of cationic porphyrins bearing five-membered rings at the meso position, meso-tetrakis(1,2-dimethylpyrazolium-4-yl)porphyrin (MPzP; M is H2, Cu(II) or Zn(II)), with synthetic polynucleotides poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2 have been characterized by viscometric, visible absorption, circular dichroisim and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopic and melting temperature measurements. Both H2PzP and CuPzP are intercalated into poly(dG-dC)2 and are outside-bound to the major groove of poly(dA-dT)2, while ZnPzP is outside-bound to the minor groove of poly(dA-dT)2 and surprisingly is intercalated into poly(dG-dC)2. The binding constants of the porphyrin and poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2 are on the order of 10(6) M(-1) and are comparable to those of other cationic porphyrins so far reported. The process of the binding of the porphyrin to poly(dG-dC)2 and poly(dA-dT)2 is exothermic and enthalpically driven for H2PzP, whereas it is endothermic and entropically driven for CuPzP and ZnPzP. These results have revealed that the kind of the central metal ion of metalloporphyrins influences the characteristics of the binding of the porphyrins to DNA.

Interactions of cationic porphyrins with double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides: a study by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy were used to investigate the non-covalent interactions between small oligonucleotide duplexes with the GC motif and a group of cationic meso(N-methylpyridynium-4-yl)porphyrins (four free bases with one to four positive charges, and the zinc complex of the tetracationic free base). The results obtained point to outside binding of the porphyrins, with the binding strength increasing with the number of positive charges. Fragmentations involving losses from both chains were observed for the porphyrins with N-methylpyridinium-4-yl groups in opposite meso positions.

Contributions of a Long Side Chain to the Binding Affinity of an Anthracene Derivative to DNA

Systematic studies on the DNA binding of a new anthracene derivative, carrying a 1,8-octyldiamine side chain, were carried out. Calorimetric, spectroscopic, and helix melting studies show that the side chain, consisting of eight methylene groups, enhances the binding constant by a factor of approximately 35 when compared to the binding of a probe lacking the long side chain. Furthermore, the enthalpy of binding of the long-chain derivative to calf thymus DNA (Delta H = 4.1 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol) is far greater than the sum of the enthalpy changes associated with the binding of the probe lacking the long side chain, and the enthalpy for the binding of 1,8-octyldiamine.2HCl. Strong synergistic effects, therefore, are seen with the long-chain derivative. Spectroscopic data indicate bathochromism, strong hypochromism, and quenching of anthryl fluorescence when the above ligand binds to calf thymus DNA. Fluorescence energy transfer studies and circular dichroism data strongly suggest intercalation of the anthryl ring system. The binding stabilizes the double helix, and the helix melting temperature is increased from 78 degrees C to >90 degrees C. The binding to DNA is reversible, depended on the ionic strength, and the major binding mode was suppressed at high ionic strengths and a new mode begins to dominate binding. Substitution of the anthracene ring with 1,8-octyldiamine chain provided a simple method to enhance the binding constant by nearly a factor of 35.

New Dicationic Porphyrin Ligands Suited for Intercalation into B-Form DNA

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a new series of sterically nondemanding, dicationic porphyrins that exhibit novel DNA-binding interactions. Cationic porphyrins continue to be the focus of a great deal of effort because of the promise they have for use in photodynamic, antiviral, and anticancer therapies. The systems explored here include 5,15-di(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (H2D4), 5,15-di(N-methylpyridinium-3-yl)porphyrin (H2D3), and 5,15-di(N-methylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (H2D2), as well as Zn(D4) and Zn(D3), the zinc(II)-containing derivatives of H2D4 and H2D3, respectively. Viscometry studies, in conjunction with various spectroscopic techniques, reveal the nature of the adducts formed with DNA. Irrespective of the base composition, H2D4 and H2D3 bind to DNA by intercalation. The zinc derivatives Zn(D4) and Zn(D3) are also intercalators; however, the binding constants are smaller because uptake requires the loss of an axial ligand. The decisive roles that steric factors and structural rigidity play in shaping the adducts with DNA become clear. Sequences that contain mainly adenine-thymine base pairs easily depart from the canonical B-form DNA structure and generally accommodate bulky porphyrins in external binding sites. However, with the H2D3 and H2D4 systems, the steric requirements are so minimal that intercalation becomes the preferred mode of binding, even in [poly(dA-dT)]2. The intercalated form of the H2D2 isomer is less stable, probably because of frontal strain associated with the (N-methyl)pyridinium-2-yl groups. A qualitative energy-level diagram is useful for assessing the forces that influence binding and could guide the design of new porphyrin ligands.

Interaction of metallopyrazoliumylporphyrins with calf thymus DNA

The interaction of transition metal complexes of cationic porphyrins bearing five membered rings, meso-tetrakis(1,2-dimethylpyrazolium-4-yl)porphyrin (MPzP, M=Mn(III), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II)), with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) has been studied. Metalloporphyrins NiPzP and CuPzP are intercalated into the 5'GC3' step of ctDNA. MnPzP is bound edge-on at the 5'TA3' step of the minor groove of ctDNA, while ZnPzP is bound face-on at the 5'TA3' step of the major groove of ctDNA. The binding constants of the metalloporphyrins to ctDNA range from 1.05x10(5) to 2.66x10(6) M(-1) and are comparable to those of other reported cationic porphyrins. The binding process of the metallopyrazoliumylporphyrins to ctDNA is endothermic and entropically driven. These results have revealed that the kind of central metal ions of metalloporphyrins influences the binding characteristics of the porphyrin to DNA.