A circular dichroism and fluorescence quenching study of the interactions between rhodium(II) complexes and human serum albumin

Binding of histidine and human serum albumin to dirhodium(II) tetraacetate

Reactions of the anticancer active dirhodium tetraacetate (1), Rh₂(AcO)₄ (AcO^- = CH₃COO^-), with the amino acid histidine (HHis) and human serum albumin (HSA) were monitored over time and different metal: ligand ratios using UV-vis spectroscopy and/or electro-spray ionization mass spectrometry. Initially, histidine formed 1:1 and 1:2 adducts in aqueous solutions. The crystal structure of Rh₂(AcO)₄(L-HHis)₂·2H₂O (2) confirmed the axial coordination of histidine imidazole groups (average Rh-N_axial 2.23 Å). These adducts, however, were found to be unstable in solution over time (24 h). Heating Rh₂(AcO)₄ -histidine solutions to 40 °C (near body temperature) or 95 °C accelerated the formation of Rh^II₂(AcO)₂(His)₂ and Rh^III(His)₂(AcO) complexes. The corresponding pH change from neutral to mildly acid (pH 4-5) indicates deprotonation of histidine NH₃⁺ groups due to coordination to Rh ions, which simultaneously bind to histidine COO^- groups, as evidenced by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. In the case of HSA with 16 histidine and one cysteine residues, UV-vis spectroscopy indicates that mono- and di-histidine HSA adducts with Rh₂(AcO)₄ are formed. X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed almost the same Rh-Rh distance (2.41 ± 0.01 Å) for the Rh₂(AcO)₄ units as in 2, and a contribution from an axial thiol coordination (Rh-S_axial 2.62 ± 0.05 Å). The Rh₂(AcO)₄ - HSA complex was found to decompose partially (~15%) over 24 h at ambient temperature. The partial decomposition of Rh₂(AcO)₄ both through coordination to histidine or to human serum albumin, the most abundant protein in blood plasma, is a factor to consider for its efficacy as a potential anticancer agent.

Capturing the photo-signaling state of a photoreceptor in a steady-state fashion by binding a transition metal complex

Binding a small molecule to proteins causes conformational changes, but often to a limited extent. Here, we demonstrate that the interaction of a CO-releasing molecule (CORM3) with a photoreceptor photoactive yellow protein (PYP) drives large structural changes in the latter. The interaction of CORM3 and a mutant of PYP, Met100Ala, not only trigger the isomerization of its chromophore, p-coumaric acid, from its anionic trans configuration to a protonated cis configuration, but also increases the content of β-sheet at the cost of α-helix and random coil in the secondary structure of the protein. The CORM3 derived Met100Ala is found to highly resemble the signaling state, which is one of the key photo-intermediates of this photoactive protein, in both protein local conformation and chromophore configuration. The organometallic reagents hold promise as protein engineering tools. This work highlights a novel approach to structurally accessing short lived intermediates of proteins in a steady-state fashion.

Comparative study of an osazone based ligand and its palladium(II) complex with human serum albumin: A spectroscopic, thermodynamic and molecular docking approach

An osazone based ligand, hexane-3,4-dione-bis(2'-phenylhydrazone) (LH₂), was synthesized by 1:2M Schiff base condensation of 3,4-hexanedione and phenylhydrazine in dehydrated methanol. Its palladium(II) complex (1) has also been synthesized. LH₂ and 1 have thoroughly been characterized by several spectroscopic and analytical means. DFT optimized structure of 1 shows that it is a monomeric Pd(II) complex having 'N₂Cl₂' coordination chromophore. Our BVS analysis also satisfactorily reproduces the oxidation number of the palladium center. 1 shows irreversible Pd(II)/Pd(I) reduction in its CV in methanol. 1 is three-fold more emissive than LH₂. This enhanced emission has also been supported by time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements at room temperature. Human serum albumin (HSA) binding aspects of both LH₂ and 1 have been investigated through various biophysical techniques. The binding constants as determined from Benesi-Hilderbrand plot using the absorbance spectral analyses were found respectively to be 1.18×10⁵ and 4.38×10⁴M^-1 for LH₂ and 1. The experimental findings confirm that both are good HSA binders. The thermodynamic parameters (∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S°) have also been evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) experiments. These parameters indicate that the binding processes are spontaneous both for LH₂ and 1. Molecular docking analyses reveal that both LH₂ and 1 reside in domain-I of HSA.

Spectroscopic and molecular docking studies on the interaction of human serum albumin with copper(II) complexes

Two osazone based ligands, butane-2,3-dione bis(2'-pyridylhydrazone) (BDBPH) and hexane-3,4-dione bis(2'-pyridylhydrazone) (HDBPH), were synthesized out of the 2:1M Schiff base condensation of 2-hydrazino pyridine respectively with 2,3-butanedione and 3,4-hexanedione. The X-ray crystal structures of both the ligands have been determined. The copper(II) complex of HDBPH has also been synthesized and structurally characterized. HDBPH and its copper(II) complex have thoroughly been characterized through various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The X-ray crystal structure of the copper complex of HDBPH shows that it is a monomeric Cu(II) complex having 'N₄O₂' co-ordination chromophore. Interaction of human serum albumin (HSA) with these ligands and their monomeric copper(II) complexes have been studied by various spectroscopic means. The experimental findings show that the ligands as well as their copper complexes are good HSA binders. Molecular docking investigations have also been done to unravel the mode of binding of the species with HSA.

A novel approach for measuring sphingosine-1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid binding to carrier proteins using monoclonal antibodies and the Kinetic Exclusion Assay

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) are bioactive signaling lysophospholipids that activate specific G protein-coupled receptors on the cell surface triggering numerous biological events. In circulation, S1P and LPA associate with specific carrier proteins or chaperones; serum albumin binds both S1P and LPA while HDL shuttles S1P via interactions with apoM. We used a series of kinetic exclusion assays in which monoclonal anti-S1P and anti-LPA antibodies competed with carrier protein for the lysophospholipid to measure the equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) for these carrier proteins binding S1P and the major LPA species. Fatty acid-free (FAF)-BSA binds these lysophospholipids with the following Kd values: LPA(16:0), 68 nM; LPA(18:1), 130 nM; LPA(18:2), 350 nM; LPA(20:4), 2.2 μM; and S1P, 41 μM. FAF human serum albumin binds each lysophospholipid with comparable affinities. By measuring the apoM concentration and expanding the model to include endogenous ligand, we were able to resolve the Kd values for S1P binding apoM in the context of human HDL and LDL particles (21 nM and 2.4 nM, respectively). The novel competitive assay and analysis described herein enables measurement of Kd values of completely unmodified lysophospholipids binding unmodified carrier proteins in solution, and thus provide insights into S1P and LPA storage in the circulation system and may be useful in understanding chaperone-dependent receptor activation and signaling.

A metal-based inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme

A cyclometallated rhodium(III) complex [Rh(ppy)₂(dppz)]⁺ (1) (where ppy = 2-phenylpyridine and dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine dipyridophenazine) has been prepared and identified as an inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE). The complex inhibited NAE activity in cell-free and cell-based assays, and suppressed the CRL-regulated substrate degradation and NF-κB activation in human cancer cells with potency comparable to known NAE inhibitor MLN4924. Molecular modeling analysis suggested that the overall binding mode of 1 within the binding pocket of the APPBP1/UBA3 heterodimer resembled that for MLN4924. Complex 1 is the first metal complex reported to suppress the NEDDylation pathway via inhibition of the NEDD8-activating enzyme.

Live cell cytotoxicity studies: documentation of the interactions of antitumor active dirhodium compounds with nuclear DNA

The promising antitumor activity of dirhodium complexes has been known for over 30 years. There remains, however, a general lack of understanding of their activity in cellulo. In this study, we report the DNA interactions and activity in living cells of six monosubstituted dirhodium(II,II) complexes of general formula [Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eta(1)-O(2)CCH(3))(L)(CH(3)OH)](+), where L = bpy (2,2'-bipyridine) (1), phen (1,10-phenanthroline) (2), dpq (dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline) (3), dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) (4), dppn (benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) (5), and dap (4,7-dihydrodibenzo[de,gh][1,10]phenanthroline) (6). DNA interactions were investigated by UV/visible spectroscopy, relative viscosity measurements, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These measurements indicate that compound 5 exhibits the strongest interaction with DNA. Compound 5 also causes the most damage to DNA after cellular internalization, as evaluated by the alkaline comet assay. Compound 5, however, is not the most effective at inhibiting cell viability of the human cancer cells HeLa and COLO-316. The greater hydrophobicity of 5 as compared to that of 4, which is the most effective compound in the series, hinders its ability to reach its cellular target(s). Data from modulation studies of glutathione using N-acetylcysteine and L-buthionine-sulfoximine indicate that changes in glutathione levels do not affect the activity of these particular dirhodium complexes. These results suggest that glutathione is not the only agent involved in the deactivation of these dirhodium complexes.

Effect of axial coordination on the electronic structure and biological activity of dirhodium(II,II) complexes

The reactivities toward biomolecules of a series of three dirhodium(II,II) complexes that possess an increasing number of accessible axial coordination sites are compared. In cis-[Rh2(OAc)2(np)2]2+ (1; np=1,8-naphthyridine) both axial sites are available for coordination, whereas for cis-[Rh2(OAc)2(np)(pynp)]2+ (2; pynp=2-(2-pyridyl)1,8-naphthyridine) and cis-[Rh2(OAc)2(pynp)2]2+ (3) the bridging pynp ligand blocks one and two of the axial coordination sites in the complexes, respectively. The electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are consistent with strong metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions at low energy and ligand-centered peaks localized on the np and/or pynp ligands in the UV and near-UV regions. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations were used to aid in the assignments. The three complexes exhibit metal-centered oxidations and reductions, localized on the aromatic ligands. The ability of the complexes to stabilize duplex DNA and to inhibit transcription in vitro is greatly affected by the availability of an open axial coordination site. The present work shows that open axial coordination sites on the dirhodium complexes are necessary for biological activity.

Studies of interaction between Rh(I) and human serum albumin in a “nanostructured biocatalyst” active in the hydroformylation reaction

The interaction between Rh(CO)(2)(acac=acetylacetonate ion) and human serum albumin (HSA) in a hydrosoluble nanostructured biocatalyst active in homogeneous hydroformylation was characterised by means of matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS), high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MALDI-TOFMS substantiates that the biocatalyst consists of a tetrameric structure of HSA that could bind up to 89 Rh(CO)(2)(+) units. A comparison between samples of pure HSA and the biocatalyst, both tryptic digested, showed a significant change in the tertiary structure of the protein in the HSA/Rh adduct, probably ascribable to the interaction of Rh(I) ions with sulphur atoms in the HSA moiety. SEM observations confirmed an evident denaturation of the protein and an outstanding correspondence between the surface distribution of Rh and S atoms; this is indirect evidence that the metal ion interacts strongly mainly with the sulphur atoms. Furthermore, an excellent agreement between calculated and measured (SEM) S/Rh elemental mean ratio was observed. Finally, an electrostatic interaction between Rh(I) and sulphur atoms was ruled out by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) findings.

Spectroscopic Studies of Water-Soluble Porphyrins with Protein Encapsulated in Bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) Reverse Micelles: Aggregation versus Complexation

We have investigated the interaction of two water-soluble free-base porphyrins (negatively charged meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin sodium salt (TSPP) and positively charged meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMpyP)) with two drug-carrier proteins (human serum albumin (HSA) and beta-lactoglobulin (betaLG)) in bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT)/isooctane/water reverse micelles (RM) by using steady-state and transient-state fluorescence spectroscopy. TSPP exhibited a complex pattern of aggregation on varying the RM size and pH in the absence of the protein: at low omega0 (the ratio of water concentration to AOT concentration, the emission of H-aggregates prevails under acidic or neutral "pH(ext)" conditions. Upon formation of the water-pool, J-aggregates and monomeric diacid species dominate at low "pH(ext)" but only monomer is detected at neutral "pH(ext)". The aggregation number increases with omega0 and the presence of the protein does not seem to contribute to further growth of the aggregate. The presence of protein leads to H-deaggregation but promotes J-aggregation up to a certain protein/porphyrin ratio above which, complexation with the monomer bound to a hydrophobic site of the protein prevails. The effective complex binding constants are smaller than in free aqueous solution; this indicates a weaker binding in these RM probably due to some conformational changes imposed by encapsulation. Only a weak quenching of TMpyP fluorescence is detected due to the presence of protein in contrast to the negative porphyrin.

Effect of equatorial ligands of dirhodium(II,II) complexes on the efficiency and mechanism of transcription inhibition in vitro

The nature of the equatorial ligands spanning the dirhodium core was shown to affect the ability and mechanism of various lantern-type complexes to inhibit transcription in vitro. The inhibition of transcription by Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCF(3))(4), Rh(2)(mu-HNCOCF(3))(4), and [Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) appears to proceed predominantly via binding of the complexes to T7-RNA polymerase (T7-RNAP) and is dependent on the concentration of enzyme and Mg(2+) ions in solution. The concentrations of the aforementioned complexes required to inhibit 50% of the transcription, C(inh)(50), are similar to that measured for activated cisplatin, whereas a significantly higher concentration of Rh(2)(mu-HNCOCH(3))(4) is required to effect similar inhibition; the inhibition induced by Rh(2)(mu-HNCOCH(3))(4) does not involve binding to T7-RNAP. The spectral changes observed for each complex upon addition of enzyme are consistent with Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCF(3))(4), Rh(2)(mu-HNCOCF(3))(4), and [Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) binding to the enzyme and may involve partial displacement of the equatorial (eq) groups by the Lewis basic sites of T7-RNAP. In contrast, addition of enzyme to solutions of Rh(2)(mu-HNCOCH(3))(4) does not result in significant spectral changes, a finding consistent with lack of enzyme dependence in the transcription inhibition. These differences in reactivity and transcription inhibition mechanism among complexes with different bridging ligands are explained by variations of the Lewis acidity of the axial (ax) sites in the series of complexes Rh(2)(mu-O(2)CCF(3))(4), Rh(2)(mu-HNCOCF(3))(4), and Rh(2)(mu-HNCOCH(3))(4). The Lewis acidity of the ax sites is expected to affect the initial interaction of the complexes with the biomolecules, followed by their rearrangement to eq positions if the bridging ligands are labile.

Rhodium and its compounds as potential agents in cancer treatment

The antitumor activity of the inorganic complex cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) led to the development of other types of non-organic cytostatic drugs. Numerous platinum other platinum and non-platinum metal compounds were shown to be effective against animal model tumors as well as tumors in man. However, the introduction of novel transition metal agents in clinical treatment is exceptionally slow. So far, Ru(II) and Ru(III) complexes have shown very promising properties while the Ru(III) compound, [ImH][trans-Cl4(Me2SO)(Im)Ru(III)] (Im=imidazole, NAMI-A), is the first ruthenium compound that successfully entered phase I clinical trials. Rhodium belongs to the same group as platinum and ruthenium. However, rhodium compounds, analogues to the corresponding platinum and ruthenium compounds that possess significant antitumor properties, were found to be less effective as anticancer agents mainly due to their toxic effects. Dimeric mu-Acetato dimers of Rh(II) as well as monomeric square planar Rh(I) and octahedral Rh(III) complexes have shown interesting antitumor properties.

Spectroscopic studies on the interaction of a water soluble porphyrin and two drug carrier proteins

The interaction of meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) sodium salt to human serum albumin and beta-lactoglobulin was studied by steady-state and dynamic fluorescence at different pH of aqueous solutions. The formation of TSPP J-aggregates and a noncovalent TSPP-protein complex was monitored by fluorescence titrations, which depend on pH and on the protein nature and concentration. The complex between TSPP and protein displays a heterogeneous equilibrium with large changes in the binding strength versus pH. The large reduction of the effective binding constant from pH 2 to 7 suggests that electrostatic interactions are a major contribution to the binding of TSPP to the aforementioned proteins. TSPP aggregates and TSPP-protein complex exhibit circular dichroism induced by the presence of the protein. Circular dichroism spectra in the ultraviolet region show that the secondary structure of both proteins is not extensively affected by the TSPP presence. Protein-TSPP interaction was also examined by following the intrinsic fluorescence of the tryptophan residues of the proteins. Fluorescence quenching by acrylamide and TSPP itself also point to small changes on the protein tertiary structure and a critical distance R(0) approximately 56 A, between tryptophan and bound porphyrin, was estimated using the long distance Förster-type energy transfer formalism.