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Boubaker G, Bernal A, Vigneswaran A, Imhof D, de Sousa MCF, Hänggeli KPA, Haudenschild N, Furrer J, Păunescu E, Desiatkina O, Hemphill A. In vitro and in vivo activities of a trithiolato-diRuthenium complex conjugated with sulfadoxine against the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100544. [PMID: 38703737 PMCID: PMC11087982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100544] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Organometallic compounds, including Ruthenium complexes, have been widely developed as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics, but have also attracted much interest as potential anti-parasitic drugs. Recently hybrid drugs composed of organometallic Ruthenium moieties that were complexed to different antimicrobial agents were synthesized. One of these compounds, a trithiolato-diRuthenium complex (RU) conjugated to sulfadoxine (SDX), inhibited proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites grown in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) monolayers with an IC50 < 150 nM, while SDX and the non-modified RU complex applied either individually or as an equimolar mixture were much less potent. In addition, conjugation of SDX to RU lead to decreased HFF cytotoxicity. RU-SDX did not impair the in vitro proliferation of murine splenocytes at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 μM but had an impact at 2 μM, and induced zebrafish embryotoxicity at 20 μM, but not at 2 or 0.2 μM. RU-SDX acted parasitostatic but not parasiticidal, and induced transient ultrastructural changes in the mitochondrial matrix of tachyzoites early during treatment. While other compounds that target the mitochondrion such as the uncouplers FCCP and CCCP and another trithiolato-Ruthenium complex conjugated to adenine affected the mitochondrial membrane potential, no such effect was detected for RU-SDX. Evaluation of the in vivo efficacy of RU-SDX in a murine T. gondii oocyst infection model comprised of non-pregnant outbred CD1 mice showed no effects on the cerebral parasite burden, but reduced parasite load in the eyes and in heart tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Alice Bernal
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira de Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Noé Haudenschild
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Bugnon Q, Melendez C, Desiatkina O, Fayolles de Chaptes L, Holzer I, Păunescu E, Hilty M, Furrer J. In vitro antibacterial activity of dinuclear thiolato-bridged ruthenium(II)-arene compounds. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0095423. [PMID: 37815336 PMCID: PMC10714934 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00954-23] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The in vitro assessment of diruthenium(II)-arene compounds against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant antibacterial activity of some compounds against S. pneumoniae, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 1.3 to 2.6 µM, and a medium activity against E. coli, with MIC of 25 µM. The nature of the substituents anchored on the bridging thiols and the compounds molecular weight appear to significantly influence the antibacterial activity. Fluorescence microscopy showed that these ruthenium compounds enter the bacteria and do not accumulate in the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria. These diruthenium(II)-arene compounds exhibit promising activity against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae and deserve to be considered for further studies, especially the compounds bearing larger benzo-fused lactam substituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Bugnon
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Camilo Melendez
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Louis Fayolles de Chaptes
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Holzer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Hilty
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Holzer I, Desiatkina O, Anghel N, Johns SK, Boubaker G, Hemphill A, Furrer J, Păunescu E. Synthesis and Antiparasitic Activity of New Trithiolato-Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)-arene-carbohydrate Conjugates. Molecules 2023; 28:902. [PMID: 36677958 PMCID: PMC9865825 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Eight novel carbohydrate-tethered trithiolato dinuclear ruthenium(II)-arene complexes were synthesized using CuAAC ‘click’ (Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition) reactions, and there in vitro activity against transgenic T. gondii tachyzoites constitutively expressing β-galactosidase (T. gondii β-gal) and in non-infected human foreskin fibroblasts, HFF, was determined at 0.1 and 1 µM. When evaluated at 1 µM, seven diruthenium-carbohydrate conjugates strongly impaired parasite proliferation by >90%, while HFF viability was retained at 50% or more, and they were further subjected to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) measurement on T. gondii β-gal. Results revealed that the biological activity of the hybrids was influenced both by the nature of the carbohydrate (glucose vs. galactose) appended on ruthenium complex and the type/length of the linker between the two units. 23 and 26, two galactose-based diruthenium conjugates, exhibited low IC50 values and reduced effect on HFF viability when applied at 2.5 µM (23: IC50 = 0.032 µM/HFF viability 92% and 26: IC50 = 0.153 µM/HFF viability 97%). Remarkably, compounds 23 and 26 performed significantly better than the corresponding carbohydrate non-modified diruthenium complexes, showing that this type of conjugates are a promising approach for obtaining new antiparasitic compounds with reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Holzer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Serena K. Johns
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF103AT, UK
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Desiatkina O, Anghel N, Boubaker G, Amdouni Y, Hemphill A, Furrer J, Păunescu E. Trithiolato-Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)-Arene Conjugates Tethered with Lipophilic Units: Synthesis and Toxoplasma gondii Antiparasitic Activity. J Organomet Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2023.122624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Desiatkina O, Boubaker G, Anghel N, Amdouni Y, Hemphill A, Furrer J, Păunescu E. Synthesis, Photophysical Properties and Biological Evaluation of New Conjugates BODIPY: Dinuclear Trithiolato-Bridged Ruthenium(II)-Arene Complexes. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200536. [PMID: 36219484 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis, photophysical properties and antiparasitic efficacy against Toxoplasma gondii β-gal (RH strain tachyzoites expressing β-galactosidase) grown in human foreskin fibroblast monolayers (HFF) of a series of 15 new conjugates BODIPY-trithiolato-bridged dinuclear ruthenium(II)-arene complexes are reported (BODIPY=4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene, derivatives used as fluorescent markers). The influence of the bond type (amide vs. ester), as well as that of the length and nature (alkyl vs. aryl) of the spacer between the dye and the diruthenium(II) complex moiety, on fluorescence and biological activity were evaluated. The assessed photophysical properties revealed that despite an important fluorescence quenching effect observed after conjugating the BODIPY to the diruthenium unit, the hybrids could nevertheless be used as fluorescent tracers. Although the antiparasitic activity of this series of conjugates appears limited, the compounds demonstrate potential as fluorescent probes for investigating the intracellular trafficking of trithiolato-bridged dinuclear Ru(II)-arene complexes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Desiatkina O, Mösching M, Anghel N, Boubaker G, Amdouni Y, Hemphill A, Furrer J, Păunescu E. New Nucleic Base-Tethered Trithiolato-Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)-Arene Compounds: Synthesis and Antiparasitic Activity. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238173. [PMID: 36500266 PMCID: PMC9738179 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aiming toward compounds with improved anti-Toxoplasma activity by exploiting the parasite auxotrophies, a library of nucleobase-tethered trithiolato-bridged dinuclear ruthenium(II)-arene conjugates was synthesized and evaluated. Structural features such as the type of nucleobase and linking unit were progressively modified. For comparison, diruthenium hybrids with other type of molecules were also synthesized and assessed. A total of 37 compounds (diruthenium conjugates and intermediates) were evaluated in a primary screening for in vitro activity against transgenic Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites constitutively expressing β-galactosidase (T. gondii β-gal) at 0.1 and 1 µM. In parallel, the cytotoxicity in non-infected host cells (human foreskin fibroblasts, HFF) was determined by alamarBlue assay. Twenty compounds strongly impairing parasite proliferation with little effect on HFF viability were subjected to T. gondii β-gal half maximal inhibitory concentration determination (IC50) and their toxicity for HFF was assessed at 2.5 µM. Two promising compounds were identified: 14, ester conjugate with 9-(2-oxyethyl)adenine, and 36, a click conjugate bearing a 2-(4-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl substituent, with IC50 values of 0.059 and 0.111 µM respectively, significantly lower compared to pyrimethamine standard (IC50 = 0.326 µM). Both 14 and 36 exhibited low toxicity against HFF when applied at 2.5 µM and are candidates for potential treatment options in a suitable in vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Mösching
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Arene Ru(II) Complexes Acted as Potential KRAS G-Quadruplex DNA Stabilizer Induced DNA Damage Mediated Apoptosis to Inhibit Breast Cancer Progress. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103046. [PMID: 35630522 PMCID: PMC9146995 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A series of arene Ru(II) complexes, [(η6-MeC6H5)Ru(L)Cl]Cl, (L=o-ClPIP, 1; m-ClPIP, 2 and p-ClPIP, 3) (o-ClPIP=2-(2-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; m-ClPIP=2-(3-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; p-ClPIP=2-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) was synthesized and investigated as a potential apoptosis inducer in chemotherapy. Spectroscopy and molecular docking simulations show that 1 exhibits moderated binding affinity to KRAS G-quadruplex DNA by groove mode. Further, in vitro studies reveal that 1 displays inhibitory activity against MCF-7 growth with IC50 = 3.7 ± 0.2 μM. Flow cytometric analysis, comet assay, and immunofluorescence confirm that 1 can induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells and G0/G1 phase arrest through DNA damage. In summary, the prepared arene Ru(II) complexes can be developed as a promising candidate for targeting G-quadruplex structure to induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells via binding and stabilizing KRAS G-quadruplex conformation on oncogene promoter.
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Quintero-Pertuz H, Veas-Albornoz R, Carrillo I, González-Herrera F, Lapier M, Carbonó-Delahoz E, Del Olmo E, Feliciano AS, Kemmerling U, Olea-Azar C, Delporte C, Maya JD. Trypanocidal effect of alcoholic extract of Castanedia santamartensis (Asteraceae) leaves is based on altered mitochondrial function. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112761. [PMID: 35240521 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112761] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The deficit of effective treatments for Chagas disease has led to searching for new substances with therapeutic potential. Natural products possess a wide variety of chemical structural motifs and are thus a valuable source of diverse lead compounds for the development of new drugs. Castanedia santamartensis is endemic to Colombia, and local indigenous communities often use it to treat skin sores from leishmaniasis; however, its mechanism of action against the infective form of Trypanosoma cruzi has not been determined. Thus, we performed chemical and biological studies of two alcoholic leaf extracts of C. santamartensis to identify their active fractions and relate them to a trypanocidal effect and evaluate their mechanism of action. Alcoholic extracts were obtained through cold maceration at room temperature and fractionated using classical column chromatography. Both ethanolic and methanolic extracts displayed activity against T. cruzi. Chemical studies revealed that kaurenoic acid was the major component of one fraction of the methanolic extract and two fractions of the ethanolic extract of C. santamartensis leaves. Moreover, caryophyllene oxide, kaurenol, taraxasterol acetate, pentadecanone, and methyl and ethyl esters of palmitate, as well as a group of phenolic compounds, including ferulic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, quercitrin, and cryptochlorogenic acid were identified in the most active fractions. Kaurenoic acid and the most active fractions CS400 and CS402 collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential in trypomastigotes, demonstrating for the first time the likely mechanism against T. cruzi, probably due to interactions with other components of the fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Quintero-Pertuz
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar 964, Independencia, Chile
| | - Ruben Veas-Albornoz
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar 964, Independencia, Chile
| | - Ileana Carrillo
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabiola González-Herrera
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michel Lapier
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar 964, Independencia, Chile
| | - Eduino Carbonó-Delahoz
- Herbario UTMC, Carrera 32 No. 22-08 Santa Marta D.T.C.H, Universidad del Magdalena, Colombia
| | - Esther Del Olmo
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Área de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Centro de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Arturo San Feliciano
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Área de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Centro de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, UNIVALI, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Olea-Azar
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar 964, Independencia, Chile
| | - Carla Delporte
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar 964, Independencia, Chile.
| | - Juan D Maya
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar 964, Independencia, Chile; Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Independencia 1027, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
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Anghel N, Müller J, Serricchio M, Jelk J, Bütikofer P, Boubaker G, Imhof D, Ramseier J, Desiatkina O, Păunescu E, Braga-Lagache S, Heller M, Furrer J, Hemphill A. Cellular and Molecular Targets of Nucleotide-Tagged Trithiolato-Bridged Arene Ruthenium Complexes in the Protozoan Parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910787. [PMID: 34639127 PMCID: PMC8509533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that infects and proliferates within many different types of host cells and infects virtually all warm-blooded animals and humans. Trypanosoma brucei is an extracellular kinetoplastid that causes human African trypanosomiasis and Nagana disease in cattle, primarily in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Current treatments against both parasites have limitations, e.g., suboptimal efficacy and adverse side effects. Here, we investigate the potential cellular and molecular targets of a trithiolato-bridged arene ruthenium complex conjugated to 9-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenine (1), which inhibits both parasites with IC50s below 10−7 M. Proteins that bind to 1 were identified using differential affinity chromatography (DAC) followed by shotgun-mass spectrometry. A trithiolato-bridged ruthenium complex decorated with hypoxanthine (2) and 2-hydroxyethyl-adenine (3) were included as controls. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed distinct ultrastructural modifications in the mitochondrion induced by (1) but not by (2) and (3) in both species. DAC revealed 128 proteins in T. gondii and 46 proteins in T. brucei specifically binding to 1 but not 2 or 3. In T. gondii, the most abundant was a protein with unknown function annotated as YOU2. This protein is a homolog to the human mitochondrial inner membrane translocase subunit Tim10. In T. brucei, the most abundant proteins binding specifically to 1 were mitochondrial ATP-synthase subunits. Exposure of T. brucei bloodstream forms to 1 resulted in rapid breakdown of the ATP-synthase complex. Moreover, both datasets contained proteins involved in key steps of metabolism and nucleic acid binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Mauro Serricchio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.S.); (J.J.); (P.B.)
| | - Jennifer Jelk
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.S.); (J.J.); (P.B.)
| | - Peter Bütikofer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.S.); (J.J.); (P.B.)
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (O.D.); (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (O.D.); (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Sophie Braga-Lagache
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (S.B.-L.); (M.H.)
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (S.B.-L.); (M.H.)
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (O.D.); (E.P.); (J.F.)
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (D.I.); (J.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.H.)
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10
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Synthesis and Antiparasitic Activity of New Conjugates—Organic Drugs Tethered to Trithiolato-Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)–Arene Complexes. INORGANICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/inorganics9080059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tethering known drugs to a metalorganic moiety is an efficient approach for modulating the anticancer, antibacterial, and antiparasitic activity of organometallic complexes. This study focused on the synthesis and evaluation of new dinuclear ruthenium(II)–arene compounds linked to several antimicrobial compounds such as dapsone, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, sulfadoxine, triclosan, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, as well as menadione (a 1,4-naphtoquinone derivative). In a primary screen, 30 compounds (17 hybrid molecules, diruthenium intermediates, and antimicrobials) were assessed for in vitro activity against transgenic T. gondii tachyzoites constitutively expressing β-galactosidase (T. gondii β-gal) at 0.1 and 1 µM. In parallel, the cytotoxicity in noninfected host cells (human foreskin fibroblasts, HFF) was determined by an alamarBlue assay. When assessed at 1 µM, five compounds strongly impaired parasite proliferation by >90%, and HFF viability was retained at 50% or more, and they were further subjected to T. gondii β-gal dose-response studies. Two compounds, notably 11 and 13, amide and ester conjugates with sulfadoxine and metronidazole, exhibited low IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values 0.063 and 0.152 µM, and low or intermediate impairment of HFF viability at 2.5 µM (83 and 64%). The nature of the anchored drug as well as that of the linking unit impacted the biological activity.
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11
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Navarro M, Justo RMS, Delgado GYS, Visbal G. Metallodrugs for the Treatment of Trypanosomatid Diseases: Recent Advances and New Insights. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1763-1789. [PMID: 33185155 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201113104633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomatid parasites are responsible for many Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs are a group of illnesses that prevail in low-income populations, such as in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The three major human diseases caused by trypanosomatids are African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. There are known drugs for the treatment of these diseases that are used extensively and are affordable; however, the use of these medicines is limited by several drawbacks such as the development of chemo-resistance, side effects such as cardiotoxicity, low selectivity, and others. Therefore, there is a need to develop new chemotherapeutic against these tropical parasitic diseases. Metal-based drugs against NTDs have been discussed over the years as alternative ways to overcome the difficulties presented by approved antiparasitic agents. The study of late transition metal-based drugs as chemotherapeutics is an exciting research field in chemistry, biology, and medicine due to the ability to develop multitarget antiparasitic agents. The evaluation of the late transition metal complexes for the treatment of trypanosomatid diseases is provided here, as well as some insights about their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribel Navarro
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M S Justo
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Giset Y Sánchez Delgado
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Visbal
- Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (INMETRO), Brazil
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12
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Păunescu E, Boubaker G, Desiatkina O, Anghel N, Amdouni Y, Hemphill A, Furrer J. The quest of the best - A SAR study of trithiolato-bridged dinuclear Ruthenium(II)-Arene compounds presenting antiparasitic properties. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 222:113610. [PMID: 34144354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A structure activity relationship (SAR) study of a library of 56 compounds (54 ruthenium and 2 osmium derivatives) based on the trithiolato-bridged dinuclear ruthenium(II)-arene scaffold (general formula [(η6-arene)2Ru2(μ2-SR)3]+, symmetric and [(η6-arene)2Ru2(μ2-SR1)2(μ2-SR2)]+, mixed, respectively) is reported. The 56 compounds (of which 34 are newly designed drug candidates) were synthesized by introducing chemical modifications at the level of bridge thiols, and they were grouped into eight families according to their structural features. The selected fittings were guided by previous results and focused on a fine-tuning of the physico-chemical and steric properties. Newly synthesized complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis, and four single-crystal X-ray structures were obtained. The in vitro biological assessment of the compounds was realized by applying a three-step screening cascade: (i) evaluation of the activity against Toxoplasma gondii RH strain tachyzoites expressing β-galactosidase (T. gondii-β-gal) grown in human foreskin fibroblast monolayers (HFF) and assessment of toxicity in non-infected HFF host cells; (ii) dose-response assays using selected compound, and (iii) studies on the effects in murine splenocytes. A primary screening was performed at 1 and 0.1 μM, and resulted in the selection of 39 compounds that inhibited parasite proliferation at 1 μM by more than 95% and reduced the viability of HFF by less than 49%. In the secondary screening, dose-response assays showed that the selected compounds exhibited half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for T. gondii-β-gal between 0.01 μM and 0.45 μM, with 30 compounds displaying an IC50 lower than 0.1 μM. When applied to non-infected HFF monolayers at 2.5 μM, 8 compounds caused more than 90% and 31 compounds more than 30% viability impairment. The tertiary screening included 14 compounds that did not cause HFF viability loss higher than 50% at 2.5 μM. These derivatives were assessed for potential immunosuppressive activities. First, splenocyte viability was assessed after treatment of cells with concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with compounds applied at 0.1 and 0.5 μM. Subsequently, the 5 compounds exhibiting the lowest splenocyte toxicity were further evaluated for their potential to inhibit B and T cell proliferation. Overall, compound 55 [(η6-p-MeC6H4Pri)2Ru2(μ2-SC6H4-o-CF3)2(μ2-SC6H4-p-OH)]Cl exhibited the most favorable features, and will be investigated as a scaffold for further optimization in terms of anti-parasitic efficacy and drug-like properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de la Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, 2020, Tunisia
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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13
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14
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Studer V, Anghel N, Desiatkina O, Felder T, Boubaker G, Amdouni Y, Ramseier J, Hungerbühler M, Kempf C, Heverhagen JT, Hemphill A, Ruprecht N, Furrer J, Păunescu E. Conjugates Containing Two and Three Trithiolato-Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)-Arene Units as In Vitro Antiparasitic and Anticancer Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E471. [PMID: 33339451 PMCID: PMC7767221 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis, characterization, and in vitro antiparasitic and anticancer activity evaluation of new conjugates containing two and three dinuclear trithiolato-bridged ruthenium(II)-arene units are presented. Antiparasitic activity was evaluated using transgenic Toxoplasmagondii tachyzoites constitutively expressing β-galactosidase grown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF). The compounds inhibited T.gondii proliferation with IC50 values ranging from 90 to 539 nM, and seven derivatives displayed IC50 values lower than the reference compound pyrimethamine, which is currently used for treatment of toxoplasmosis. Overall, compound flexibility and size impacted on the anti-Toxoplasma activity. The anticancer activity of 14 compounds was assessed against cancer cell lines A2780, A2780cisR (human ovarian cisplatin sensitive and resistant), A24, (D-)A24cisPt8.0 (human lung adenocarcinoma cells wild type and cisPt resistant subline). The compounds displayed IC50 values ranging from 23 to 650 nM. In A2780cisR, A24 and (D-)A24cisPt8.0 cells, all compounds were considerably more cytotoxic than cisplatin, with IC50 values lower by two orders of magnitude. Irrespective of the nature of the connectors (alkyl/aryl) or the numbers of the di-ruthenium units (two/three), ester conjugates 6-10 and 20 exhibited similar antiproliferative profiles, and were more cytotoxic than amide analogues 11-14, 23, and 24. Polynuclear conjugates with multiple trithiolato-bridged di-ruthenium(II)-arene moieties deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Studer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (V.S.); (O.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (Y.A.); (J.R.)
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (V.S.); (O.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Timo Felder
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (V.S.); (O.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (Y.A.); (J.R.)
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (Y.A.); (J.R.)
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Jessica Ramseier
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (Y.A.); (J.R.)
| | - Martin Hungerbühler
- Department of BioMedical Research, Experimental Radiology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.H.); (C.K.); (J.T.H.)
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Kempf
- Department of BioMedical Research, Experimental Radiology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.H.); (C.K.); (J.T.H.)
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Thomas Heverhagen
- Department of BioMedical Research, Experimental Radiology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.H.); (C.K.); (J.T.H.)
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (N.A.); (G.B.); (Y.A.); (J.R.)
| | - Nico Ruprecht
- Department of BioMedical Research, Experimental Radiology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (M.H.); (C.K.); (J.T.H.)
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (V.S.); (O.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; (V.S.); (O.D.); (T.F.)
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15
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Desiatkina O, Păunescu E, Mösching M, Anghel N, Boubaker G, Amdouni Y, Hemphill A, Furrer J. Coumarin-Tagged Dinuclear Trithiolato-Bridged Ruthenium(II)⋅Arene Complexes: Photophysical Properties and Antiparasitic Activity. Chembiochem 2020; 21:2818-2835. [PMID: 32347622 PMCID: PMC7586963 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis, characterization, photophysical and biological properties of 13 new conjugate coumarin-diruthenium(II)⋅arene complexes against Toxoplasma gondii are presented. For all conjugate organometallic unit/coumarins, an almost complete loss of fluorescence efficacy was observed. However, the nature of the fluorophore, the type of bonding, the presence and length of a linker between the coumarin dye and the ruthenium(II) moiety, and the number of dye units influenced their biological properties. The in vitro activity against a transgenic T. gondii strain grown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) leads to IC50 values for T. gondii β-gal from 105 to 735 nM. Of note is that nine compounds displayed lower IC50 than the standard drug pyrimethamine. One compound applied at its IC50 did not affect B-cell proliferation but had an impact on T-cell proliferation in murine splenocyte cultures. Transmission electron microscopy of T. gondii β-gal-infected HFF showed that treatment predominantly affected the parasites' mitochondrion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of BernFreiestrasse 33012BernSwitzerland
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of BernFreiestrasse 33012BernSwitzerland
| | - Martin Mösching
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of BernFreiestrasse 33012BernSwitzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernLänggass-Strasse 1223012BernSwitzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernLänggass-Strasse 1223012BernSwitzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernLänggass-Strasse 1223012BernSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernLänggass-Strasse 1223012BernSwitzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of BernFreiestrasse 33012BernSwitzerland
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16
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Müller J, Winzer PA, Samby K, Hemphill A. In Vitro Activities of MMV Malaria Box Compounds against the Apicomplexan Parasite Neospora caninum, the Causative Agent of Neosporosis in Animals. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061460. [PMID: 32213892 PMCID: PMC7145303 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Neospora caninum is a major cause of abortion in cattle and represents a veterinary health problem of great economic significance. In order to identify novel chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of neosporosis, the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Malaria Box, a unique collection of anti-malarial compounds, were screened against N. caninum tachyzoites, and the most efficient compounds were characterized in more detail. (2) Methods: A N. caninum beta-galactosidase reporter strain grown in human foreskin fibroblasts was treated with 390 compounds from the MMV Malaria Box. The IC50s of nine compounds were determined, all of which had been previously been shown to be active against another apicomplexan parasite, Theileria annulata. The effects of three of these compounds on the ultrastructure of N. caninum tachyzoites were further investigated by transmission electron microscopy at different timepoints after initiation of drug treatment. (3) Results: Five MMV Malaria Box compounds exhibited promising IC50s below 0.2 µM. The compound with the lowest IC50, namely 25 nM, was MMV665941. This compound and two others, MMV665807 and MMV009085, specifically induced distinct alterations in the tachyzoites. More specifically, aberrant structural changes were first observed in the parasite mitochondrion, and subsequently progressed to other cytoplasmic compartments of the tachyzoites. The pharmacokinetic (PK) data obtained in mice suggest that treatment with MMV665941 could be potentially useful for further in vivo studies. (4) Conclusions: We have identified five novel compounds with promising activities against N. caninum, the effects of three of these compounds were studies by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their modes of action are unknown and require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.H.); Tel.: 0041-31-631-23-84 (J.M. & A.H.); Fax: 0041-31-631-24-76 (J.M. & A.H.)
| | - Pablo A. Winzer
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Kirandeep Samby
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20, Route de Pré-Bois, 1215 Geneva 15, Switzerland;
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (A.H.); Tel.: 0041-31-631-23-84 (J.M. & A.H.); Fax: 0041-31-631-24-76 (J.M. & A.H.)
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17
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Primasová H, Ninova S, de Capitani M, Daepp J, Aschauer U, Furrer J. Dinuclear thiolato-bridged arene ruthenium complexes: from reaction conditions and mechanism to synthesis of new complexes. RSC Adv 2020; 10:40106-40116. [PMID: 35520857 PMCID: PMC9057517 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08146a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several dinuclear thiophenolato-bridged arene ruthenium complexes [(η6-p-MeC6H4Pri)2Ru2(μ2-SC6H4-R)3]+ (R = H, NO2, F) could so far only be obtained in fair yields using the synthetic route established in the early 2000s. With much less reactive aliphatic thiols or with bulky thiols, the reactions become even less efficient and the desired complexes are obtained with low yields or not at all. We employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to gain a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanisms leading to the formation of dithiolato and trithiolato complexes starting from the dichloro(p-cymene)ruthenium(ii) dimer [(η6-p-MeC6H4Pri)Ru(μ2-Cl)Cl]2. The results of the DFT study enabled us to rationalise the experimental results and allowed us, via a modified synthetic route, to synthesise previously unreported and hitherto considered as unrealistic complexes. Our study opens up possibilities for the synthesis of so far inaccessible thiolato-bridged dinuclear arene ruthenium(ii) complexes but more generally, also the synthesis of other thiolato-bridged dinuclear group 8 and 9 metal complexes could be reexamined. We used DFT calculations to understand the reaction mechanisms leading to the formation of dinuclear thiophenolato-bridged arene ruthenium complexes. DFT prompted us to modify the usual synthetic route, which enabled the synthesis of new complexes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silviya Ninova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Universität Bern
- Switzerland
| | | | - Jana Daepp
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Universität Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Aschauer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Universität Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Universität Bern
- Switzerland
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