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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 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38803122 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2355329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Geri A, Massai L, Novinec M, Turel I, Messori L. Reactions of Medicinal Gold Compounds with Cathepsin B Explored through Electrospray Mass Spectrometry Measurements. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300321. [PMID: 37930642 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal gold compounds, a novel class of potential anticancer drugs, are believed to produce their pharmacological effects mainly through direct gold binding to protein targets at the level of solvent exposed cysteine (or selenocysteine) residues. We have explored therein the reactions of a panel of seven representative gold compounds with the cysteine protease cathepsin B according to an established ESI MS approach. Detailed information on the mode of protein binding of these gold compounds is gained; notably, quite distinct patterns of cathepsin B metalation have emerged from these studies. It is shown that panel gold compounds interact preferentially, often exclusively, with the free cysteine located in the active site of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Geri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marko Novinec
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Marques A, Carabineiro SAC, Aureliano M, Faleiro L. Evaluation of Gold Complexes to Address Bacterial Resistance, Quorum Sensing, Biofilm Formation, and Their Antiviral Properties against Bacteriophages. TOXICS 2023; 11:879. [PMID: 37999531 PMCID: PMC10674251 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide increase in antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge, and researchers are diligently seeking new drugs to combat infections and prevent bacterial pathogens from developing resistance. Gold (I and III) complexes are suitable for this purpose. In this study, we tested four gold (I and III) complexes, (1) chlorotrimethylphosphine gold(I); (2) chlorotriphenylphosphine gold(I); (3) dichloro(2-pyridinecarboxylate) gold (III); and (4) 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazole-2-ylidene gold(I) chloride, for their antibacterial, antibiofilm, antiviral, and anti-quorum sensing activities. Results reveal that 1 significantly inhibits Escherichia coli DSM 1077 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, while 2, 3, and 4 only inhibit S. aureus ATCC 6538. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 for S. aureus ATCC 6538 is 0.59 μg/mL (1.91 μM), and for methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains MRSA 12 and MRSA 15, it is 1.16 μg/mL (3.75 μM). For E. coli DSM 1077 (Gram-negative), the MIC is 4.63 μg/mL (15 μM), and for multi-resistant E. coli I731940778-1, it is 9.25 μg/mL (30 μM). Complex 1 also disrupts biofilm formation in E. coli and S. aureus after 6 h or 24 h exposure. Moreover, 1 and 2 inhibit the replication of two enterobacteria phages. Anti-quorum sensing potential still requires further clarification. These findings highlight the potential of gold complexes as effective agents to combat bacterial and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marques
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Algarve Biomedical Center—Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Sónia A. C. Carabineiro
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Manuel Aureliano
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Leonor Faleiro
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Algarve Biomedical Center—Research Institute, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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Ferrando R, Mitchell SG, Atrián-Blasco E, Cerrada E. Antibacterial properties of phosphine gold(I) complexes with 5-fluorouracil. Dalton Trans 2023. [PMID: 37448318 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt01159c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
New gold(I) complexes with coordination to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer drug with antibacterial properties, have been synthesised and characterised, and are the first reported examples of 5-FU-Au compounds. These new complexes show high solution stability, even in the presence of a cysteine derivative, and so were evaluated as antibacterial compounds against model Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. All the complexes show excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive B. subtilis, most of them improving the activity of 5-FU alone. Furthermore, these new complexes are also active against Gram-negative E. coli, where [Au(5-FU)(PTA)], the complex with the smallest phosphane, is the most bactericidal, 32 times more active than 5-FU on its own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ferrando
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea-ISQCH, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain.
| | - Scott G Mitchell
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain.
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Atrián-Blasco
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain.
| | - Elena Cerrada
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea-ISQCH, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Niu ZL, Zhou SH, Wu YY, Wu TT, Liu QS, Zhao QH, Ji H, Ren X, Xie MJ. Multifunctional O-phenanthroline silver(I) complexes for antitumor activity against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and antimicrobial properties by multiple mechanisms. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 246:112293. [PMID: 37354605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
A series of O-phenanthroline silver(I) complexes were synthesized and characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxicity of the silver(I) complex (P-131) was evaluated in the cancer cell lines HCT-116, HeLa, and MDA-MB-231 and the normal cell line LO2 via MTT assays. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of P-131 on HCT116 cell line is 0.86 ± 0.03 μM. It is far lower than the IC50 value of cisplatin (9.08 ± 1.10 μM), the IC50 value of normal cell LO2 (76.20 ± 0.48 μM) is much higher than that of cisplatin (3.99 ± 0.74 μM), indicating that its anticancer effect is stronger than that of cisplatin, and its biological safety is greater than that of cisplatin. Furthermore, anticancer mechanistic studies showed that P-131 inhibited cell proliferation by blocking DNA synthesis and acted temporally on the nucleus in dividing HCT-116 cells. Moreover, P-131 increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, 10 mg/kg P-131 showed better antitumor effects than oxaliplatin in an HCT116 human colorectal xenograft mouse model without inducing toxicity. Moreover, the microdilution broth method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of P-131 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. A biofilm eradication study was also performed using the crystal violet method and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Ling Niu
- School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Si-Han Zhou
- School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wu
- School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Tian-Tian Wu
- School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Qi-Shuai Liu
- Animal Research and Resource Center, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Qi-Hua Zhao
- School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Hua Ji
- Oncology department, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650034, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Ren
- Animal Research and Resource Center, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Ming-Jin Xie
- School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China.
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Ratia C, Ballén V, Gabasa Y, Soengas RG, Velasco-de Andrés M, Iglesias MJ, Cheng Q, Lozano F, Arnér ESJ, López-Ortiz F, Soto SM. Novel gold(III)-dithiocarbamate complex targeting bacterial thioredoxin reductase: antimicrobial activity, synergy, toxicity, and mechanistic insights. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1198473. [PMID: 37333656 PMCID: PMC10272563 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1198473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global concern that has led to the search for new antibacterial agents with novel targets or non-traditional approaches. Recently, organogold compounds have emerged as a promising class of antibacterial agents. In this study, we present and characterize a (C^S)-cyclometallated Au(III) dithiocarbamate complex as a potential drug candidate. Methods and results The Au(III) complex was found to be stable in the presence of effective biological reductants, and showed potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against a wide range of multidrug-resistant strains, particularly gram-positive strains, and gram-negative strains when used in combination with a permeabilizing antibiotic. No resistant mutants were detected after exposing bacterial cultures to strong selective pressure, indicating that the complex may have a low propensity for resistance development. Mechanistic studies indicate that the Au(III) complex exerts its antibacterial activity through a multimodal mechanism of action. Ultrastructural membrane damage and rapid bacterial uptake suggest direct interactions with the bacterial membrane, while transcriptomic analysis identified altered pathways related to energy metabolism and membrane stability including enzymes of the TCA cycle and fatty acid biosynthesis. Enzymatic studies further revealed a strong reversible inhibition of the bacterial thioredoxin reductase. Importantly, the Au(III) complex demonstrated low cytotoxicity at therapeutic concentrations in mammalian cell lines, and showed no acute in vivo toxicity in mice at the doses tested, with no signs of organ toxicity. Discussion Overall, these findings highlight the potential of the Au(III)-dithiocarbamate scaffold as a basis for developing novel antimicrobial agents, given its potent antibacterial activity, synergy, redox stability, inability to produce resistant mutants, low toxicity to mammalian cells both in vitro and in vivo, and non-conventional mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ratia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Ballén
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yaiza Gabasa
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel G. Soengas
- Área de Química Orgánica, Centro de Investigación CIAIMBITAL, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | - María José Iglesias
- Área de Química Orgánica, Centro de Investigación CIAIMBITAL, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francisco Lozano
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Servei d’Immunologia, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elias S. J. Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Selenoprotein Research and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fernando López-Ortiz
- Área de Química Orgánica, Centro de Investigación CIAIMBITAL, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Sara M. Soto
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Zhang Y, Chew BLA, Wang J, Yuan M, Yam JKH, Luo D, Yang L. Structural basis for the inhibitory mechanism of auranofin and gold(I) analogues against Pseudomonas aeruginosa global virulence factor regulator Vfr. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2137-2146. [PMID: 37007650 PMCID: PMC10060147 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Treatment of P. aeruginosa infections is difficult given its multiple virulence mechanisms, intrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and biofilm-forming ability. Auranofin, an approved oral gold compound for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, was recently reported to inhibit the growth of multiple bacterial species. Here, we identify P. aeruginosa's global virulence factor regulator Vfr as one target of auranofin. We report the mechanistic insights into the inhibitory mechanism of auranofin and gold(I) analogues to Vfr through structural, biophysical, and phenotypic inhibition studies. This work suggests that auranofin and gold(I) analogues have potential to be developed as anti-virulence drugs against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingdan Zhang
- Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen 518112, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Liang Alvin Chew
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingjun Yuan
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Guanghua Science and Technology Research Institute (Guangdong) Co., Ltd, China
| | - Joey Kuok Hoong Yam
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore
- Corresponding author at: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 636921, Singapore.
| | - Liang Yang
- Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen 518112, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Corresponding author at: Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen 518112, China.
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The Gold(I) Complex with Plant Hormone Kinetin Shows Promising In Vitro Anticancer and PPARγ Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032293. [PMID: 36768617 PMCID: PMC9916778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Motivated by the clinical success of gold(I) metallotherapeutic Auranofin in the effective treatment of both inflammatory and cancer diseases, we decided to prepare, characterize, and further study the [Au(kin)(PPh3)] complex (1), where Hkin = kinetin, 6-furfuryladenine, for its in vitro anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. The results revealed that the complex (1) had significant in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines (A2780, A2780R, PC-3, 22Rv1, and THP-1), with IC50 ≈ 1-5 μM, which was even significantly better than that for the conventional platinum-based drug Cisplatin while comparable with Auranofin. Although its ability to inhibit transcription factor NF-κB activity did not exceed the comparative drug Auranofin, it has been found that it is able to positively influence peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), and as a consequence of this to have the impact of moderating/reducing inflammation. The cellular effects of the complex (1) in A2780 cancer cells were also investigated by cell cycle analysis, induction of apoptosis, intracellular ROS production, activation of caspases 3/7 and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and shotgun proteomic analysis. Proteomic analysis of R2780 cells treated with complex (1) and starting compounds revealed possible different places of the effect of the studied compounds. Moreover, the time-dependent cellular accumulation of copper was studied by means of the mass spectrometry study with the aim of exploring the possible mechanisms responsible for its biological effects.
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Massai L, Grifagni D, De Santis A, Geri A, Cantini F, Calderone V, Banci L, Messori L. Gold-Based Metal Drugs as Inhibitors of Coronavirus Proteins: The Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease by Auranofin and Its Analogs. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1675. [PMID: 36421689 PMCID: PMC9687241 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold compounds have a long tradition in medicine and offer many opportunities for new therapeutic applications. Herein, we evaluated the lead compound Auranofin and five related gold(I) complexes as possible inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro), a validated drug target for the COVID-19 disease. The investigational panel of gold compounds included Auranofin; three halido analogues, i.e., Au(PEt3)Cl, Au(PEt3)Br, and Au(PEt3)I; and two gold carbene complexes, i.e., Au(NHC)Cl and [Au(NHC)2]PF6. Notably, all these gold compounds, with the only exception of [Au(NHC)2]PF6, turned out to be potent inhibitors of the catalytic activity of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro: the measured Ki values were in the range 2.1-0.4 μM. The reactions of the various gold compounds with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro were subsequently investigated through electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) upon a careful optimization of the experimental conditions; the ESI MS spectra provided clear evidence for the formation of tight metallodrug-protein adducts and for the coordination of well defined gold-containing fragments to the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, again with the only exception of [Au(NHC)2]PF6, The metal-protein stoichiometry was unambiguously determined for the resulting species. The crystal structures of the metallodrug- Mpro adducts were solved in the case of Au(PEt3)Br and Au(NHC)Cl. These crystal structures show that gold coordination occurs at the level of catalytic Cys 145 in the case of Au(NHC)Cl and at the level of both Cys 145 and Cys 156 for Au(PEt3)Br. Tight coordination of gold atoms to functionally relevant cysteine residues is believed to represent the true molecular basis of strong enzyme inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Deborah Grifagni
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia De Santis
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Geri
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cantini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Vito Calderone
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Banci
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Florence, Italy
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Mármol I, Quero J, Azcárate P, Atrián-Blasco E, Ramos C, Santos J, Gimeno MC, Rodríguez-Yoldi MJ, Cerrada E. Biological Activity of NHC-Gold-Alkynyl Complexes Derived from 3-Hydroxyflavones. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102064. [PMID: 36297498 PMCID: PMC9612383 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102064] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper we describe the synthesis of new N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) gold(I) derivatives with flavone-derived ligands with a propargyl ether group. The compounds were screened for their antimicrobial and anticancer activities, showing greater activity against bacteria than against colon cancer cells (Caco-2). Complexes [Au(L2b)(IMe)] (1b) and [Au(L2b)(IPr)] (2b) were found to be active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. The mechanism of action of 1b was evaluated by measurement of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) activity, besides scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Inhibition of the enzyme thioredoxin reductase is not observed in either Escherichia Coli or Caco-2 cells; however, DHFR activity is compromised after incubation of E. coli cells with complex 1b. Moreover, loss of structural integrity and change in bacterial shape is observed in the images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after treatment E. coli cells with complex 1b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Mármol
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea-ISQCH, Universidad de Zaragoza-C.S.I.C., Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología y Fisiología, Medicina Legal y Forense, Unidad de Fisiología, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERobn, IIS Aragón, IA2, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Quero
- Departamento de Farmacología y Fisiología, Medicina Legal y Forense, Unidad de Fisiología, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERobn, IIS Aragón, IA2, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Paula Azcárate
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea-ISQCH, Universidad de Zaragoza-C.S.I.C., Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Atrián-Blasco
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carla Ramos
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Avenida do Atlântico No. 644, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Joana Santos
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Avenida do Atlântico No. 644, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - María Concepción Gimeno
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea-ISQCH, Universidad de Zaragoza-C.S.I.C., Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Jesús Rodríguez-Yoldi
- Departamento de Farmacología y Fisiología, Medicina Legal y Forense, Unidad de Fisiología, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERobn, IIS Aragón, IA2, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.R.-Y.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Cerrada
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea-ISQCH, Universidad de Zaragoza-C.S.I.C., Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.R.-Y.); (E.C.)
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11
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Chiaverini L, Marzo T, La Mendola D. AS101: An overview on a leading tellurium-based prodrug. Inorganica Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2022.121048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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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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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Tolbatov I, Marrone A. Selenocysteine of thioredoxin reductase as the primary target for the antitumor metallodrugs: A computational point of view. J Organomet Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2022.122330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Liu Y, Lu Y, Xu Z, Ma X, Chen X, Liu W. Repurposing of the gold drug auranofin and a review of its derivatives as antibacterial therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1961-1973. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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17
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Kaushik AC, Sahi S, Wei DQ. Computational Methods for Structure-Based Drug Design Through System Biology. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2385:161-174. [PMID: 34888721 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1767-0_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The advances in computational chemistry and biology, computer science, structural biology, and molecular biology go in parallel with the rapid progress in target-based systems. This technique has become a powerful tool in medicinal chemistry for the identification of hit molecules. The recent developments in target-based systems have played a major role in the creation of libraries of compounds, and it has also been widely applied for the design of molecular docking methods. The main advantage of this method is that it hits the fragment that has the strongest binding, has relatively small size, and leads to better compounds in terms of pharmacokinetic properties when compared with virtual screening (VS) and high-throughput screening (HTS) hits. De novo design is an essential aspect of target-based systems and requires the synthesis of chemical to allow the design of promising compound.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shakti Sahi
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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18
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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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19
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In Vitro Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Selected Metal Compounds and Potential Molecular Basis for Their Actions Based on Computational Study. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121858. [PMID: 34944502 PMCID: PMC8699537 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal-based drugs represent a rich source of chemical substances of potential interest for the treatment of COVID-19. To this end, we have developed a small but representative panel of nine metal compounds, including both synthesized and commercially available complexes, suitable for medical application and tested them in vitro against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The screening revealed that three compounds from the panel, i.e., the organogold(III) compound Aubipyc, the ruthenium(III) complex KP1019, and antimony trichloride (SbCl3), are endowed with notable antiviral properties and an acceptable cytotoxicity profile. These initial findings prompted us to perform a computational study to unveil the likely molecular basis of their antiviral actions. Calculations evidenced that the metalation of nucleophile sites in SARS-CoV-2 proteins or nucleobase strands, induced by Aubipyc, SbCl3, and KP1019, is likely to occur. Remarkably, we found that only the deprotonated forms of Cys and Sec residues can react favorably with these metallodrugs. The mechanistic implications of these findings are discussed.
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20
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Lamarche J, Alcoceba Álvarez E, Cordeau E, Enjalbal C, Massai L, Messori L, Lobinski R, Ronga L. Comparative reactivity of medicinal gold(I) compounds with the cyclic peptide vasopressin and its diselenide analogue. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:17487-17490. [PMID: 34796892 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt03470g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The reactions of the medicinal gold(I) compound auranofin and its close analogues with vasopressin and the diselenide analogue were comparatively investigated by LC-electrospray MS/MS. Evidence is gained of the possible cleavage of the S-S and Se-Se bridges induced by Au(I). Notably, we found that, in the absence of reducing agents, the sulfur and selenium atoms are metallated only at high temperature (70 °C) with the preferential binding of gold to selenium. The reaction with the S-S bridge can take place at physiological temperature (37 °C) under reducing conditions. The implications of these results are discussed in the general frame of the reactivity of biologically relevant soft Lewis acids with peptides and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Lamarche
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France.
| | | | | | | | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Ryszard Lobinski
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France. .,IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Luisa Ronga
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France.
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21
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Mazzei L, Massai L, Cianci M, Messori L, Ciurli S. Medicinal Au(I) compounds targeting urease as prospective antimicrobial agents: unveiling the structural basis for enzyme inhibition. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:14444-14452. [PMID: 34585201 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02488d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A few gold compounds were recently found to show antimicrobial properties in vitro, holding great promise for the discovery of new drugs to overcome antibiotic resistance. Here, the inhibition of the bacterial virulence factor urease by four Au(I)-compounds, namely Au(PEt3)Cl, Au(PEt3)Br, Au(PEt3)I and [Au(PEt3)2]Cl, obtained from the antiarthritic Au(I)-drug Auranofin and earlier reported to act as antimicrobials, is investigated. The three monophosphino Au(I) complexes showed IC50 values in the 30-100 nM range, while the diphosphino Au(I) complex, though being less active, still showed a IC50 value of 7 μM. The structural basis for this inhibition was provided by solving the crystal structures of urease co-crystallized with Au(PEt3)I and [Au(PEt3)2]Cl: at least two Au(I) ions bind the enzyme in a flap domain involved in the catalysis, thus obliterating enzyme activity. Peculiar changes observed in the two structures reveal implications for the mechanism of soft metal binding and enzyme inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzei
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
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22
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Sousa SA, Feliciano JR, Pita T, Soeiro CF, Mendes BL, Alves LG, Leitão JH. Bacterial Nosocomial Infections: Multidrug Resistance as a Trigger for the Development of Novel Antimicrobials. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10080942. [PMID: 34438992 PMCID: PMC8389044 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosocomial bacterial infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, posing a huge burden to healthcare systems worldwide. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the raised hospitalization of patients and the increased use of antimicrobial agents, boosted the emergence of difficult-to-treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in hospital settings. Therefore, current available antibiotic treatments often have limited or no efficacy against nosocomial bacterial infections, and novel therapeutic approaches need to be considered. In this review, we analyze current antibacterial alternatives under investigation, focusing on metal-based complexes, antimicrobial peptides, and antisense antimicrobial therapeutics. The association of new compounds with older, commercially available antibiotics and the repurposing of existing drugs are also revised in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia A. Sousa
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +351-218417688 (J.H.L.)
| | - Joana R. Feliciano
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago Pita
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina F. Soeiro
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Beatriz L. Mendes
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luis G. Alves
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento, 1049-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Jorge H. Leitão
- Department of Bioengineering, IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.R.F.); (T.P.); (C.F.S.); (B.L.M.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.); Tel.: +351-218417688 (J.H.L.)
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23
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Büssing R, Karge B, Lippmann P, Jones PG, Brönstrup M, Ott I. Gold(I) and Gold(III) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Antibacterial Agents and Inhibitors of Bacterial Thioredoxin Reductase. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3402-3409. [PMID: 34268875 PMCID: PMC9290826 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A series of (NHC)Au(I)Cl monocarbene complexes and their gold(III) analogues (NHC)Au(III)Cl3 were prepared and investigated as antibacterial agents and inhibitors of bacterial TrxR. The complexes showed stronger antibacterial effects against the Gram-positive MRSA and E. faecium strains than against several Gram-negative bacteria. All complexes were efficient inhibitors of bacterial thioredoxin reductase, indicating that inhibition of this enzyme might be involved in their mechanism of action. The efficacy of gold(I) and gold(III) analogues was comparable in most of the assays. The cytotoxicity of the gold NHC compounds against cancer and human cells was overall weaker than the activity against the Gram-positive bacteria, suggesting that their optimization as antibacterials warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Büssing
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstrasse 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Bianka Karge
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Petra Lippmann
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstrasse 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Peter G Jones
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mark Brönstrup
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ingo Ott
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstrasse 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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Liang J, Sun D, Yang Y, Li M, Li H, Chen L. Discovery of metal-based complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113696. [PMID: 34274828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an intractable problem for the world. Metal ions are essential for the cell process and biological function in microorganisms. Many metal-based complexes with the potential for releasing ions are more likely to be absorbed for their higher lipid solubility. Hence, this review highlights the clinical potential of organometallic compounds for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria or fungi in recent five years. The common scaffolds, including antimicrobial peptides, N-heterocyclic carbenes, Schiff bases, photosensitive-grand-cycle skeleton structures, aliphatic amines-based ligands, and special metal-based complexes are summarized here. We also discuss their therapeutic targets and the risks that should be paid attention to in the future studies, aiming to provide information for researchers on metal-based complexes as antimicrobial agents and inspire the design and synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingxue Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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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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Cirri D, Landini I, Massai L, Mini E, Maestrelli F, Messori L. Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes of Auranofin and Its Iodido Analog: A Chemical and Biological Study. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050727. [PMID: 34063389 PMCID: PMC8155929 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Auranofin (AF) and its iodido analog, i.e., Au(PEt3) I (AFI), were reported to exhibit very promising anticancer properties both in vitro and in vivo. However, both these gold compounds have a scarce aqueous solubility that hampers their pharmaceutical use. Here, we explore whether encapsulation of these metallodrugs inside hydroxypropyl-beta–cyclodextrin (HPβ–CD) may lead to an improved biopharmaceutical profile for the resulting adducts. Phase solubility studies, performed at 25 °C in an aqueous buffer, revealed, in both cases, the formation of a 1:1 drug to cyclodextrin complex; a far greater apparent stability constant (K1:1) was measured for AFI compared to AF (331 M−1 versus ca. 30 M−1). NMR studies conducted on the AFI/HPβ–CD system confirmed the formation of a stable 1:1 adduct. Then, binary systems of AF and AFI with HPβ–CD were prepared by colyophilization and characterized by DSC and PXRD. The results revealed the occurrence of drug complexation and/or amorphization for the AFI/HPβ–CD binary system. Afterwards, the antiproliferative properties of the two cyclodextrin adducts and of the corresponding free drugs were comparatively evaluated in vitro in three representative ovarian cancer cell lines, i.e., A2780, SKOV3, and IGROV-1. The results, in all cases, point out that CD complexation of the two gold drugs does not substantially affect their biological activity. The implications of these findings are discussed in the frame of the current knowledge of AF and its analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Ida Landini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Enrico Mini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Francesca Maestrelli
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
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27
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Cirri D, Bartoli F, Pratesi A, Baglini E, Barresi E, Marzo T. Strategies for the Improvement of Metal-Based Chemotherapeutic Treatments. Biomedicines 2021; 9:504. [PMID: 34064364 PMCID: PMC8147839 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the various research approaches we have explored in recent years to improve metal-based agents for cancer or infection treatments. Although cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin remain the cornerstones in tumor chemotherapy, the discovery and approval of novel inorganic anticancer drugs is a very slow process. Analogously, although a few promising inorganic drugs have found clinical application against parasitic or bacterial infections, their use remains relatively limited. Moreover, the discovery process is often affected by small therapeutic enhancements that are not attractive for the pharmaceutical industry. However, the availability of increasing mechanistic information for the modes of action of established inorganic drugs is fueling the exploration of various approaches for developing effective inorganic chemotherapy agents. Through a series of examples, some from our own research experience, we focus our attention on a number of promising strategies, including (1) drug repurposing, (2) the simple modification of the chemical structures of approved metal-based drugs, (3) testing novel drug combinations, and (4) newly synthesized complexes coupling different anticancer drugs. Accordingly, we aim to suggest and summarize a series of reliable approaches that are exploitable for the development of improved and innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), Univerisity of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bartoli
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Univerisity of Pisa, Via Risorgimento, 36, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), Univerisity of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (E.B.)
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28
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Evans A, Kavanagh KA. Evaluation of metal-based antimicrobial compounds for the treatment of bacterial pathogens. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70:001363. [PMID: 33961541 PMCID: PMC8289199 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest global health challenges of modern times and its prevalence is rising worldwide. AMR within bacteria reduces the efficacy of antibiotics and increases both the morbidity and the mortality associated with bacterial infections. Despite this growing risk, few antibiotics with a novel mode of action are being produced, leading to a lack of antibiotics that can effectively treat bacterial infections with AMR. Metals have a history of antibacterial use but upon the discovery of antibiotics, often became overlooked as antibacterial agents. Meanwhile, metal-based complexes have been used as treatments for other diseases, such as the gold-containing drug auranofin, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Metal-based antibacterial compounds have novel modes of action that provide an advantage for the treatment of bacterial infections with resistance to conventional antibiotics. In this review, the antibacterial activity, mode of action, and potential for systemic use of a number of metal-based antibacterial complexes are discussed. The current limitations of these compounds are highlighted to determine if metal-based agents are a potential solution for the treatment of bacterial infections, especially those resistant to conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andris Evans
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Kevin A. Kavanagh
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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29
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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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30
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Mazzei L, Cirri D, Cianci M, Messori L, Ciurli S. Kinetic and structural analysis of the inactivation of urease by mixed-ligand phosphine halide Ag(I) complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 218:111375. [PMID: 33711632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Soft metal ions can inactivate urease, a Ni(II)-dependent enzyme whose hydrolytic activity has significant implications in agro-environmental science and human health. Kinetic and structural studies of the reaction of Canavalia ensiformis urease (JBU) and Sporosarcina pasteurii urease (SPU) with Ag(I) compounds of general formula [Ag(PEt3)X]4 (X = Cl, Br, I), and with the ionic species [Ag(PEt3)2]NO3, revealed the role of the Ag(I) ion and its ligands in modulating the metal-enzyme interaction. The activity of JBU is obliterated by the [Ag(PEt3)X]4 complexes, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range; the efficiency of the inhibition increases in the Cl- < Br- < I- order. The activity of JBU upon [Ag(PEt3)2]NO3 addition decreases to a plateau corresponding to ca. 60% of the original activity and decreases with time at a reduced rate. Synchrotron X-ray crystallography on single crystals obtained after the incubation of SPU with the Ag(I) complexes yielded high-resolution (1.63-1.97 Å) structures. The metal-protein adducts entail a dinuclear Ag(I) cluster bound to the conserved residues αCys322, αHis323, and αMet367, with a bridging cysteine thiolate atom, a weak Ag…Ag bond, and a quasi-linear Ag(I) coordination geometry. These observations suggest a mechanism that involves the initial substitution of the phosphine ligand, followed by a structural rearrangement to yield the dinuclear Ag(I) cluster. These findings indicate that urease, in addition to the active site dinuclear Ni(II) cluster, possesses a secondary metal binding site, located on the mobile flap domain, capable of recognizing pairs of soft metal ions and controlling catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzei
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
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31
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Sun Y, Lu Y, Bian M, Yang Z, Ma X, Liu W. Pt(II) and Au(III) complexes containing Schiff-base ligands: A promising source for antitumor treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113098. [PMID: 33348237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The effective application of cisplatin in the clinic as an antitumor treatment has stimulated widespread interest in inorganic metal drugs. In particular, complexes containing the transition metals platinum and gold have attracted considerable attention due to their antitumor effects. The Pt(II) and Au(III) Schiff-base complexes are potential antitumor agents because of their remarkable biological activities and good stability, lipophilicity, and electroluminescent properties. These complexes act via various antitumor mechanisms that are unlike those of the classic platinum drugs, providing a feasible solution for improving the serious side effects caused by metal chemotherapy. In this review, promising antitumor agents based on Pt(II) and Au(III) complexes containing Schiff-base ligands, and their biological targets, including G-quadruplex DNA and thioredoxin reductase, are comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mianli Bian
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhibin Yang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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33
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Antiproliferative Properties of a Few Auranofin-Related Gold(I) and Silver(I) Complexes in Leukemia Cells and their Interferences with the Ubiquitin Proteasome System. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194454. [PMID: 32998355 PMCID: PMC7582876 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A group of triethylphosphine gold(I) and silver(I) complexes, structurally related to auranofin, were prepared and investigated as potential anticancer drug candidates. The antiproliferative properties of these metal compounds were assessed against two leukemia cell lines, i.e., CCRF-CEM and its multidrug-resistant counterpart, CEM/ADR5000. Interestingly, potent cytotoxic effects were disclosed for both series of compounds against leukemia cells, with IC50 values generally falling in the low-micromolar range, the gold derivatives being on the whole more effective than the silver analogues. Some initial structure-function relationships were drawn. Subsequently, the ability of the study compounds to inhibit the three main catalytic activities of the proteasome was investigated. Different patterns of enzyme inhibition emerged for the various metal complexes. Notably, gold compounds were able to inhibit effectively both the trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like proteasome activities, being less effective toward the caspase-like catalytic activity. In most cases, a significant selectivity of the study compounds toward the proteasome proteolytic activities was detected when compared to other proteases. The implications of the obtained results are discussed.
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34
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Tolbatov I, Cirri D, Marchetti L, Marrone A, Coletti C, Re N, La Mendola D, Messori L, Marzo T, Gabbiani C, Pratesi A. Mechanistic Insights Into the Anticancer Properties of the Auranofin Analog Au(PEt 3)I: A Theoretical and Experimental Study. Front Chem 2020; 8:812. [PMID: 33195032 PMCID: PMC7531625 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Au(PEt3)I (AF-I hereafter), the iodide analog of the FDA-approved drug auranofin (AF hereafter), is a promising anticancer agent that produces its pharmacological effects through interaction with non-genomic targets such as the thioredoxin reductase system. AF-I is endowed with a very favorable biochemical profile showing potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against several cancer types including ovarian and colorectal cancer. Remarkably, in a recent publication, some of us reported that AF-I induces an almost complete and rapid remission in an orthotopic in vivo mouse model of ovarian cancer. The cytotoxic potency does not bring about highly severe side effects, making AF-I very well-tolerated even for higher doses, even more so than the pharmacologically active ones. All these promising features led us to expand our studies on the mechanistic aspects underlying the antitumor activity of AF-I. We report here on an integrated experimental and theoretical study on the reactivity of AF-I, in comparison with auranofin, toward relevant aminoacidic residues or their molecular models. Results point out that the replacement of the thiosugar moiety with iodide significantly affects the overall reactivity toward the amino acid residues histidine, cysteine, methionine, and selenocysteine. Altogether, the obtained results contribute to shed light into the enhanced antitumoral activity of AF-I compared with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iogann Tolbatov
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Damiano Cirri
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorella Marchetti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Coletti
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Re
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Messori
- Laboratory of Metals in Medicine (MetMed), Department of Chemistry "U. Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,CISUP-Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione Scientifica dell'Università di Pisa, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Gabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pratesi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry (DCCI), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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35
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Canever MF, Miletti LC. Screening and Identification of Pathogen Box® Compounds with anti-Trypanosoma evansi Activity. Acta Trop 2020; 206:105421. [PMID: 32112721 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of new drugs targeting neglected animal diseases is imperative. In Asia and South America, Trypanosoma evansi is a pathogen that affects horses and other species, causing economic losses associated with reduced animal productivity and death. In order to accelerate the identification of drugs with activity against neglected diseases, Medicines for Malaria Venture has developed Pathogen Box®, a library of 400 different molecules. The present work aimed to identify compounds present in the Pathogen Box® library, measuring in vitro activity against T. evansi. Among the 400 compounds, 5 showed anti-T.evansi activity: pentamidine, MMV688410, MMV687273, MMV022478 and auranofin. Suramin, a trypanocidal activity molecule present on the Pathogen Box® reference compound list, demonstrated no anti-T. evansi activity in the in vitro assays. MMV688410 is the most promising candidate because it induces death and reduces the number of parasites in cell culture, and mainly because its mechanism of action is probably associated with inhibition of trypanosomal reductase enzyme, an exclusive target of trypanosomatides. Further in vitro and in vivo assays are needed to determine the efficacy of the compounds identified in this work, especially by associating tissue distribution and the ability of drugs to cross the blood brain barrier, as T. evansi is able to invade the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Feltrin Canever
- Departamento de Produção Animal e Alimentos, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias (CAV), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000 Brazil
| | - Luiz Claudio Miletti
- Departamento de Produção Animal e Alimentos, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias (CAV), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000 Brazil.
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Caldara M, Marmiroli N. Known Antimicrobials Versus Nortriptyline in Candida albicans: Repositioning an Old Drug for New Targets. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050742. [PMID: 32429222 PMCID: PMC7284794 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans has the capacity to develop resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, and to solve this problem, drug repositioning and new drug combinations are being studied. Nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, was shown to have the capacity to inhibit biofilm and hyphae formation, along with the ability to efficiently kill cells in a mature biofilm. To use nortriptyline as a new antimicrobial, or in combination with known drugs to increase their actions, it is important to characterize in more detail the effects of this drug on the target species. In this study, the Candida albicans GRACE™ collection and a Haplo insufficiency profiling were employed to identify the potential targets of nortriptyline, and to classify, in a parallel screening with amphotericin B, caspofungin, and fluconazole, general multi-drug resistance genes. The results identified mutants that, during biofilm formation and upon treatment of a mature biofilm, are sensitive or tolerant to nortriptyline, or to general drug treatments. Gene ontology analysis recognized the categories of ribosome biogenesis and spliceosome as enriched upon treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant, while mutants in oxidative stress response and general stress response were commonly retrieved upon treatment with any other drug. The data presented suggest that nortriptyline can be considered a “new” antimicrobial drug with large potential for application to in vivo infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Caldara
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-905658
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Auranofin Rapidly Eradicates Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an Infected Pressure Ulcer Mouse Model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7251. [PMID: 32350417 PMCID: PMC7190694 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64352-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pressure ulcers (PUs) frequently occur in individuals with limited mobility including patients that are hospitalized or obese. PUs are challenging to resolve when infected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this study, we investigated the potential of repurposing auranofin to treat pressure ulcers infected with MRSA. Auranofin’s in vitro activity against strains of S. aureus (including MRSA) was not affected in the presence of higher bacterial inoculum (107 CFU/mL) or by lowering the pH in standard media to simulate the environment present on the surface of the skin. Additionally, S. aureus did not develop resistance to auranofin after repeated exposure for two weeks via a multi-step resistance selection experiment. In contrast, S. aureus resistance to mupirocin emerged rapidly. Moreover, auranofin exhibited a long postantibiotic effect (PAE) in vitro against three strains of S. aureus tested. Remarkably, topical auranofin completely eradicated MRSA (8-log10 reduction) in infected PUs of obese mice after just four days of treatment. This was superior to both topical mupirocin (1.96-log10 reduction) and oral clindamycin (1.24-log10 reduction), which are used to treat infected PUs clinically. The present study highlights auranofin’s potential to be investigated further as a treatment for mild-to-moderate PUs infected with S. aureus.
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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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Frei A. Metal Complexes, an Untapped Source of Antibiotic Potential? Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E90. [PMID: 32085590 PMCID: PMC7168053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With the widespread rise of antimicrobial resistance, most traditional sources for new drug compounds have been explored intensively for new classes of antibiotics. Meanwhile, metal complexes have long had only a niche presence in the medicinal chemistry landscape, despite some compounds, such as the anticancer drug cisplatin, having had a profound impact and still being used extensively in cancer treatments today. Indeed, metal complexes have been largely ignored for antibiotic development. This is surprising as metal compounds have access to unique modes of action and exist in a wider range of three-dimensional geometries than purely organic compounds. These properties make them interesting starting points for the development of new drugs. In this perspective article, , the encouraging work that has been done on antimicrobial metal complexes, mainly over the last decade, is highlighted. Promising metal complexes, their activity profiles, and possible modes of action are discussed and issues that remain to be addressed are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Frei
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
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Srivastava P, Shukla M, Kaul G, Chopra S, Patra AK. Rationally designed curcumin based ruthenium(ii) antimicrobials effective against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:11822-11828. [PMID: 31215556 DOI: 10.1039/c9dt01650c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Two new curcumin containing octahedral ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes, viz. [Ru(NN)2(cur)](PF6) [NN = bpy (1), phen (2)], were designed to explore the antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens, especially with the Gram-positive drug resistant S. aureus. Solid-state structural characterization by single-crystal X-ray crystallography shows the RuII-center in a distorted octahedral {RuN4O2} geometry. The tested compounds showed significant inhibitory activity and high selectivity (MIC = 1 μg mL-1, SI = 80) against a wide variety of methicillin and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus strains. Compound 1 exhibited strong anti-biofilm activity (48% reduction of biofilm) at 10× MIC compared to the other approved drugs. The murine model of Staphylococcus infection significantly reduced the mean bacterial counts when treated with complex 1 compared to vancomycin, demonstrating its antimicrobial potential in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Bonaccorso C, Marzo T, La Mendola D. Biological Applications of Thiocarbohydrazones and Their Metal Complexes: A Perspective Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 13:E4. [PMID: 31881715 PMCID: PMC7169414 DOI: 10.3390/ph13010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although organic compounds account for more than 99% of currently approved clinical drugs, the established clinical use of cisplatin in cancer or auranofin in rheumatoid arthritis have paved the way to several research initiatives to identify metal-based drugs for a wide range of human diseases. Nitrogen and sulfur donor ligands, characterized by different binding motifs, have been the subject in recent years of one of the main research areas in coordination chemistry. Among the nitrogen/sulfur compounds, very little is known about thiocarbohydrazones (TCH), the higher homologues of the well-known thiosemicarbazones (TSC), and their metal complexes. The extra hydrazine moiety provides the ligands of variable metal binding modes, structural diversity and promising biological implications. The interesting coordination chemistry of TCH has mainly been focused on symmetric derivatives, which are relatively simple to synthesize while few examples of asymmetric ligands have been reported. This informative review on TCHs and their metal complexes will be helpful for improving the design of metal-based pharmaceuticals for applications ranging from anticancer to antinfective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Bonaccorso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziano Marzo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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Structural and solution chemistry, antiproliferative effects, and serum albumin binding of three pseudohalide derivatives of auranofin. Biometals 2019; 32:939-948. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-019-00224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Wu B, Yang X, Yan M. Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Antimicrobial Auranofin against ESKAPE Pathogens. J Med Chem 2019; 62:7751-7768. [PMID: 31386365 PMCID: PMC7941214 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Auranofin, an FDA-approved arthritis drug, has recently been repurposed as a potential antimicrobial agent; it performed well against many Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains. It is, however, inactive toward Gram-negative bacteria, for which we are in dire need of new therapies. In this work, 40 auranofin analogues were synthesized by varying the structures of the thiol and phosphine ligands, and their activities were tested against ESKAPE pathogens. The study identified compounds that exhibited bacterial inhibition (MIC) and killing (MBC) activities up to 65 folds higher than that of auranofin, making them effective against Gram-negative pathogens. Both thiol and the phosphine structures influence the activities of the analogues. The trimethylphosphine and triethylphosphine ligands gave the highest activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Our SAR study revealed that the thiol ligand is also very important, the structure of which can modulate the activities of the AuI complexes for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, these analogues had mammalian cell toxicities either similar to or lower than that of auranofin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
| | - Xiaojian Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
| | - Mingdi Yan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
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Cirri D, Fabbrini MG, Pratesi A, Ciofi L, Massai L, Marzo T, Messori L. The leading established metal-based drugs: a revisitation of their relevant physico-chemical data. Biometals 2019; 32:813-817. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-019-00210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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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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Mazzei L, Wenzel MN, Cianci M, Palombo M, Casini A, Ciurli S. Inhibition Mechanism of Urease by Au(III) Compounds Unveiled by X-ray Diffraction Analysis. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:564-570. [PMID: 30996797 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The nickel-dependent enzyme urease is a virulence factor for a large number of critical human pathogens, making this enzyme a potential target of therapeutics for the treatment of resistant bacterial infections. In the search for novel urease inhibitors, five selected coordination and organometallic Au(III) compounds containing N∧N or C∧N and C∧N∧N ligands were tested for their inhibitory effects against Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) urease. The results showed potent inhibition effects with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. The 2.14 Å resolution crystal structure of Sporosarcina pasteurii urease inhibited by the most effective Au(III) compound [Au(PbImMe)Cl2]PF6 (PbImMe = 1-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-benzimidazole) reveals the presence of two Au ions bound to the conserved triad αCys322/αHis323/αMet367. The binding of the Au ions to these residues blocks the movement of a flap, located at the edge of the active site channel and essential for enzyme catalysis, completely obliterating the catalytic activity of urease. Overall, the obtained results constitute the basis for the design of new gold complexes as selective urease inhibitors with future antibacterial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzei
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Margot N. Wenzel
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marta Palombo
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Casini
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, CF10 3AT Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, I-40127 Bologna, Italy
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