Fluorination and hydrolytic stability of water-soluble platinum complexes with a borane-bridged diphosphoramidite ligand

The high fluorophilicity of borane-containing ligands offers promise for accessing new metallodrug candidates capable of bifunctional [¹⁸F]-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, but this requires water soluble and hydrolytically stable ligands that can be fluorinated under mild conditions. Toward this goal, here we report the synthesis and characterization of water-soluble Pt(II) complexes containing a triaminoborane-bridged diphosphoramidite ligand called ^MeOTBDPhos that can be fluorinated using simple fluoride salts. NMR and XRD studies show that (^MeOTBDPhos)PtCl₂ (1) dissolves in water with cooperative H-OH addition across the bridgehead N-B bond to form 1-H2O. The B-OH bond in 1-H2O undergoes rapid displacement with fluoride (<10 min) when treated with CsF in MeCN to form 1-HF. 1-HF can also be prepared in <10 min by addition of KF to 1 in the presence Kryptofix® 222 and (HNEt₃)Cl in MeCN. In addition to using fluoride salts, we show how mononuclear 1 can be fluorinated with HBF₄·Et₂O to form dinuclear [(^MeOTBDPhos-HF)Pt(μ-Cl)]₂(BF₄)₂ (4-HF). Comparative studies show that the B-F bond in 1-HF undergoes hydrolysis as soon as it is dissolved in water or saline, but the B-F bond persists for hours when the pH of the solution is lowered to pH ≤ 2. In contrast to 1-HF, the B-F bond in dinuclear 4-HF persists for days when dissolved in water, which may be attributed to slow, sacrificial release of fluoride from the BF₄^- anion. The results show how cooperative N-B reactivity on the ligand can be leveraged to rapidly fluorinate water-soluble ^MeOTBDPhos complexes under mild conditions and afford suggestions for how to enhance hydrolytic B-F stability, as required for use in biomedical applications.

Heterobimetallic platinum(ii) complexes with increased cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cell lines

Two series of heterobimetallic compounds were prepared from the starting complex [cis-L2PtCl2] containing an aminophosphine ligand (L = 2,6-iPr2-C6H3-NHPPh2).

Synthesis of Platinum(II) Complexes with Some 1-Methylnitropyrazoles and In Vitro Research on Their Cytotoxic Activity

A series of eight novel platinum(II) complexes were synthesized by the reaction of the appropriate 1-methylnitropyrazole derivatives with K₂PtCl₄ and characterized by elemental analysis, ESI MS spectrometry, ¹H NMR, ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR, IR and far IR spectroscopy. Thermal isomerization of cis-dichloridobis(1-methyl-4-nitropyrazole)platinum(II) 1 to trans-dichloridobis(1-methyl-4-nitropyrazole)platinum(II) 2 has been presented, and the structure of the compound 2 has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction method. Cytotoxicity of the investigated compounds was examined in vitro on three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7 breast, ES-2 ovarian and A-549 lung adenocarcinomas) and their logP was measured using a shake-flask method. The trans complex 2 showed better antiproliferative activity than cisplatin for all the tested cancer cell lines. Additionally, trans-dichloridobis(1-methyl-5-nitropyrazole)platinum(II) 4 has featured a lower IC₅₀ value than reference cisplatin against MCF-7 cell line. To gain additional information that may facilitate the explanation of the mode of action of tested compounds cellular platinum uptake, stability in L-glutathione solution, influence on cell cycle progression of HL-60 cells and ability to apoptosis induction were determined for compounds 1 and 2.

Metallocomplex-Peptide Interactions Studied by Ultrahigh Resolution Mass Spectrometry

The Os^II arene anticancer complex [(η⁶-bip)Os(en)Cl]⁺ (Os1-Cl; where bip = biphenyl and en = ethylenediamine) binds strongly to DNA¹ and biomolecules. Here we investigate the interaction between Os1-Cl and the model protein, BSA, using ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The specific binding location of Os1 on BSA was investigated with the use of collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) and electron capture dissociation (ECD). CAD MS/MS was found to dissociate the osmium complex from the metallo-peptide complex readily producing unmodified fragments and losing location information. ECD MS/MS, however, successfully retains the osmium modification on the peptides upon fragmentation allowing localization of metallocomplex binding. This study reveals that lysine is a possible binding location for Os1-Cl, apart from the expected binding sites at methionine, histidine, and cysteine. Using a nano liquid chromatography (nLC)-FT-ICR ECD MS/MS study, multiple binding locations, including the N-terminus and C-terminus of digested peptides, glutamic acid, and lysine were also revealed. These results show the multitargeting binding ability of the organo-osmium compound and can be used as a standard workflow for more complex systems, e.g., metallocomplex-cell MS analysis, to evaluate their behavior toward commonly encountered biomolecules.

Pentafluorophenyl Platinum(II) Complexes of PTA and its N-Allyl and N-Benzyl Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity

From the well-known 1,3,5-triaza-phosphaadamantane (PTA, 1a), the novel N-allyl and N-benzyl tetrafuoroborate salts 1-allyl-1-azonia-3,5-diaza-7-phosphaadamantane (APTA(BF₄), 1b) and 1-benzyl-1-azonia-3,5-diaza-7-phosphaadamantane (BzPTA(BF₄), 1c) were obtained. These phosphines were then allowed to react with (Pt(μ-Cl)(C₆F₅)(tht))₂ (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) affording the water soluble Pt(II) complexes trans-(PtCl(C₆F₅)(PTA)₂) (2a) and its bis-cationic congeners trans-(PtCl(C₆F₅)(APTA)₂)(BF₄)₂ (2b) and trans-(PtCl(C₆F₅)(BzPTA)₂)(BF₄)₂ (2c). The compounds were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, ESI-MS, elemental analysis and (for 2a) also by single crystal X-ray diffraction, which proved the trans configuration of the phosphine ligands. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the cytotoxic activities of all complexes the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell culture were used. The antineoplastic activity of the investigated compounds was checked against the human lung carcinoma (A549), epithelioid cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell cultures. Interactions between the complexes and human serum albumin (HSA) using fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) were also investigated.

Interactions of Nanoparticles and Biosystems: Microenvironment of Nanoparticles and Biomolecules in Nanomedicine

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary science covering matters involving the nanoscale level that is being developed for a great variety of applications. Nanomedicine is one of these attractive and challenging uses focused on the employment of nanomaterials in medical applications such as drug delivery. However, handling these nanometric systems require defining specific parameters to establish the possible advantages and disadvantages in specific applications. This review presents the fundamental factors of nanoparticles and its microenvironment that must be considered to make an appropriate design for medical applications, mainly: (i) Interactions between nanoparticles and their biological environment, (ii) the interaction mechanisms, (iii) and the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. On the other hand, the repercussions of the control, alter and modify these parameters in the biomedical applications. Additionally, we briefly report the implications of nanoparticles in nanomedicine and precision medicine, and provide perspectives in immunotherapy, which is opening novel applications as immune-oncology.

Synthesis, characterization and biological investigation of platinum(ii) complexes with asparagusic acid derivatives as ligands

After more than 50 years of platinum-based anticancer research only three compounds are in clinical use worldwide. The use of the well-known lead compound of this class of anticancer agents, cisplatin, is limited by its side effects and varying resistance mechanisms. Therefore, we report on platinum(ii) compounds with asparagusic acid derivatives as ligands which show interesting anticancer results on cisplatin resistant cell lines.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of a series of new platinum and palladium diphosphane complexes

New organometallic complexes [M(dppe)(R)₂] {where M = Pt or Pd, dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphano)ethane, and R = C₆F₄H-x (x = 6,5,4), C₆F₃H₂-3,5, C₆F₃H₂-5,6, C₆F₃H₂-3,6, C₆F₄(OMe)-4, and C₆F₄(cyclo-C₅H₁₀N)-4, the numbers x refer to the positions of the protons in the polyfluoroaryl ligands} were synthesised either through transmetalation from the dichlorido complexes [M(dppe)Cl₂] or through ligand exchange using [M(diene)Cl₂] precursor complexes with diene = 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) or 1,5-hexadiene (hex). Alternatively, [M(dppX)Cl(R)] complexes with dppX = dppm (1,1-bis(diphenylphosphano)methane), dppe, dppp (1,3-bis(diphenylphosphano)propane), and dppb (1,4-bis(diphenylphosphano)butane) were prepared in decarboxylation reactions from thallium(i) carboxylates Tl(O₂CR). The different preparative methods were compared in terms of yield and purity. Structural and spectroscopic data are reported for the new dppX- and diene-M(R)₂ complexes. Antiproliferative activity was investigated for these new complexes against the HT-29 (colon carcinoma) and MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines, and the active compounds of this first series together with organometallic dppX or hex Pt^II or Pd^II complexes were then included in cell tests using L1210 (leukaemia cells) and the cisplatin-resistant L1210/DDP cell line. Remarkably, promising antiproliferative results were found for a few Pt^II and Pd^II complexes, while structurally closely related compounds were essentially nontoxic.

Benzothiazole-Based Cycloplatinated Chromophores: Synthetic, Optical, and Biological Studies

Cycloplatinated complexes based on 2-(4-substituted)benzothiazole ligands of type [Pt(R-PBT-κC,N)Cl(L)] (PBT=2-phenylbenzothiazole; R=Br (1), Me₂ N (2); L=dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; a), 1,3,5- triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA; b), triphenylphosphine 3,3',3''-trisulfonate (TPPTS; c)) and [Pt(Br-PBT-κC)Cl(PTA)₂ ] (3) are presented. On the basis of the photophysical data and time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations (1 a and 2 a), the low-lying transitions (absorption and emission) were associated with ligand-center (LC) charge transfer, with minor metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT), and intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) [Me₂ N-PBT→PBT] excited states, respectively. Simultaneous fluorescence/phosphorescence bands were found in fluid solutions (and also in the solid state for 2 a), which become dominated by triplet emission bands in rigid media at 77 K. The effect of the concentration on emissive behavior of 2 a, b indicated the occurrence of aggregation-induced luminescence properties related to the occurrence of metal-metal and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions, which are more enhanced in 2 a because of the less bulky DMSO ligand. The behavior of 2 a toward para-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) in aerated acetonitrile and to hydrogen chloride gas in the solid state has been evaluated, thus showing a clear reversible change between the ¹ ILCT and ³ LC/³ MLCT states due to protonation of the NMe₂ group (theoretical calculations on 2 a-H⁺ ). Solid 2 a undergoes a surprising oxidation of the Pt^II center to Pt^IV with concomitant deoxygenation of DMSO, under prolonged reaction with hydrogen chloride gas to afford the Pt^IV /dimethyl sulfide complex (mer-[Pt(Me₂ N-PBT-κC,N)Cl₃ (SMe₂ )]; mer-4), which evolves in solution to fac-4, as confirmed by X-ray studies. Cytotoxic activity studies on A549 and HeLa cell lines indicated cytotoxic activity of 1 b and 2 a, b. In addition, fluorescent cell microscopy revealed cytoplasmic staining, more visible in perinuclear areas. Inhibition of tubulin polymerization by 1 b in both cells is presented as a preliminary mechanism of its cytotoxic action.

Curcuminoid-BF2 complexes: Synthesis, fluorescence and optimization of BF2 group cleavage

Eight difluoroboron complexes of curcumin derivatives carrying alkyne groups containing substituents have been synthesized following an optimised reaction pathway. The complexes were received in yields up to 98% and high purities. Their properties as fluorescent dyes have been investigated. Furthermore, a strategy for the hydrolysis of the BF₂ group has been established using aqueous methanol and sodium hydroxide or triethylamine.

Tuning diastereoisomerism in platinum(ii) phosphino- and aminothiolato hydrido complexes

Tuning between the cis and trans Pt(ii) based complexes bearing phosphinothiolato and aminothiolato ligands.

Pt-based drugs: the spotlight will be on proteins

Platinum-complexes represent some of the most successful groups of clinically used anticancer drugs. Their mechanism of action relies on the formation of stable DNA adducts occurring at the nitrogen in position 7 of guanine (N7) and involving one or two spatially close residues. The formation of stable DNA adducts is recognized as a DNA damaging event and, ultimately, drives cells to death. Nevertheless, nucleobases are not the only reliable targets of these drugs and other biomolecules can be involved. Among them large interest has been devoted to proteins since they contain several potential reactive sites for platinum (His, Met, and Cys) and, in particular, because the reaction of the metal with sulfur containing groups is a kinetically favored process. As a result, the occurrence of protein adducts and DNA-protein cross-links must be further taken into account in order to fully define cisplatin mechanism of action. Herein, we will summarize the most recent experimental evidence collected so far on protein-cisplatin adduct formation to better dissect its correlation with the drug pharmacological profile. Indeed, in addition to modulation of drug bioavailability and toxicity, the potential role of proteins as reaction intermediates or reservoir systems in platinum drugs can be envisaged. Additionally, the effects of Pt-coordinating groups on the chemical reactivity of the metal complexes will be reviewed. From all these outcomes a general model for Pt-based drugs mechanism of action can be drawn which is more articulate than the one currently supported. It claims proteins as reactive intermediates for DNA platination and it defines them as relevant to fully describe the clinical potential of this class of anticancer drugs.

Copper chaperone Atox1 interacts with the metal-binding domain of Wilson's disease protein in cisplatin detoxification

Human copper transporters ATP7B (Wilson's disease protein) and ATP7A (Menkes' disease protein) have been implicated in tumour resistance to cisplatin, a widely used anticancer drug. Cisplatin binds to the copper-binding sites in the N-terminal domain of ATP7B, and this binding may be an essential step of cisplatin detoxification involving copper ATPases. In the present study, we demonstrate that cisplatin and a related platinum drug carboplatin produce the same adduct following reaction with MBD2 [metal-binding domain (repeat) 2], where platinum is bound to the side chains of the cysteine residues in the CxxC copper-binding motif. This suggests the same mechanism for detoxification of both drugs by ATP7B. Platinum can also be transferred to MBD2 from copper chaperone Atox1, which was shown previously to bind cisplatin. Binding of the free cisplatin and reaction with the cisplatin-loaded Atox1 produce the same protein-bound platinum intermediate. Transfer of platinum along the copper-transport pathways in the cell may serve as a mechanism of drug delivery to its target in the cell nucleus, and explain tumour-cell resistance to cisplatin associated with the overexpression of copper transporters ATP7B and ATP7A.

Exploring the mechanisms of metal-based pharmacological agents via an integrated approach

The peculiar chemical properties of metal-based drugs impart innovative pharmacological profiles to this class of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, most likely in relation to novel molecular mechanisms still poorly understood. However, inorganic drugs have been scarcely considered for medicinal applications with respect to classical organic compounds due to the prejudice of the relevant toxic effects evidenced in certain cases. Thus, the development of improved metallodrugs requires clearer understanding of their physiological processing and molecular basis of actions. Among the various issues in the area of medicinal inorganic chemistry, the possibility of target elucidation is essential for the identification of new therapeutic applications for metal compounds or as molecular biological tools. Here we present the results of our recent research in the field, which in our opinion constitute the basis of a systematic and interdisciplinary approach to address some of the critical issues in the study of the molecular mechanisms of metallodrugs' action via the implementation of high-resolution biophysical techniques coupled with more pharmacological methods.

Studying the interactions of a platinum(II) 9-aminoacridine complex with proteins and oligonucleotides by ESI-TOF MS

The interaction of a novel Pt complex, [Pt(dmba)(N9-9AA)(PPh(3))](+)1 (dmba = N,N-dimethylbenzylamine-κN,κC; 9AA = 9-aminoacridine), which exhibits anti-tumor activity, with certain key proteins has been monitored by ESI-MS. Also, the interaction of 1 with a designed double-stranded oligonucleotide containing the GG motif has been followed by mass spectrometry as well as by fluorimetry. The results obtained show the low interaction of 1 with the considered proteins and the absence of covalent interaction with the oligonucleotides, but the fluorimetric data confirm the π-π interaction of 1 with the double-stranded DNA, which is probably the reason of the previously reported activity of 1 in several tumor cell lines.

Reactions of metallodrugs with proteins: selective binding of phosphane-based platinum(ii) dichlorides to horse heart cytochrome c probed by ESI MS coupled to enzymatic cleavage

The reaction of two cis-diphosphane platinum(ii) dichlorides with horse heart cytochrome c (cyt c) leads to remarkable selectivity in terms of adduct formation.