Steroid-Functionalized Titanocenes: Docking Studies with Estrogen Receptor Alpha

In vitro cellular and molecular plus in silico studies of a substituted bipyridine-coordinated Zn(II) ion: cytotoxicity, ROS-induced apoptosis, anti-metastasis, and BAX/BCL2 genes expression

A new dimethyl-substituted bipyridine-Zn(II) complex (2Mebpy-Zn) was synthesized and structurally characterized. Single-crystalline structure of the complex was elucidated as [Zn(2Mebpy)3](ClO4)2∙1.5(dioxane) by X-ray diffraction, where 2Mebpy is 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine. The three-dimensional electrostatic potential maps (3D ESP) were plotted for [Zn(2Mebpy)3]2+ cation and [Zn(2Mebpy)3](ClO4)2 molecule. In vitro cytotoxicity studies indicated significant cytotoxicity of 2Mebpy-Zn against both breast (MCF-7) and glioblastoma (U-87) cancer cells relative to normal murine embryo cells (NIH/3T3). The results are indicative of a superior selectivity toward MCF-7 over the other cell lines as confirmed by IC50 value of 5.1 ± 0.5 µM after 48 h. Interestingly, MCF-7 and U-87 cells death induced by 2Mebpy-Zn mostly proceed through an apoptotic pathway which probably associates with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Zn(II) complex suppressed the metastatic affinity of MCF-7 cells by blocking migration as well as formation of colonies. Also, the expression of two opponent apoptosis-relevant genes (BAX and BCL2) measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments indicated that 2Mebpy-Zn could potentially trigger apoptotic cell death. Moreover, 2Mebpy-Zn could cleave hydrolytically the pUC19 DNA without the need to add any external agent. Finally, the binding affinity of two enantiomers of 2Mebpy-Zn toward cancer therapeutic targets, such as anti-apoptotic proteins, estrogen receptor α, tubulin, and topoisomerase II, was studied by in silico molecular docking. In conclusion, 2Mebpy-Zn can be introduced as a potential therapeutic agent in breast cancer and indicates that other metal complexes with bipyridine derivatives can also exhibit promising anticancer effects.

In vitro and in silico studies of a Zn(II) complex as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most life-threatening diseases of women's health worldwide. This work was conducted to assess the anti-BC potency of a new Zn(II)-based complex. The Zn(II) complex coordinated to dimethoxy-substituted bipyridine was synthesized and its molecular structure was elucidated as [Zn(2Meobpy)3](clo4)2 (2Meobpy-Zn) by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 2Meobpy represents 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine. The cytotoxicity results indicated that 2Meobpy-Zn, unlike cisplatin, acts potently and selectively on the human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) compared to normal murine embryo cells (NIH/3T3) by IC50 value of 4.6 ± 0.5 µm and selectivity index (SI) of 2.0 over 48 h. 2Meobpy-Zn and cisplatin showed anti-metastatic activity as evidenced by inhibition of the colony formation and cell migration. The flow cytometric assessment of MCF-7 cells supported that 2Meobpy-Zn and cisplatin exert their cytotoxic effect through the apoptotic pathway. Moreover, 2Meobpy-Zn could induce overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MCF-7 cells. The apoptotic mechanism in 2Meobpy-Zn-treated MCF-7 cells is probably related to the regulation of apoptosis-relevant genes expression, including BAX and BCL2. Moreover, 2Meobpy-Zn is able to cleave pUC19 plasmid DNA through the hydrolytic reaction pathway. Finally, 2Meobpy-Zn's affinity towards antiapoptosis-related proteins, as a potential apoptosis inducer, as well as breast cancer-relevant proteins, as a potential anti-BC agent, was evaluated by in silico molecular docking studies. Altogether, the results of this work strongly evidenced that 2Meobpy-Zn can be the subject of experimental validation and clinical trials to introduce this complex as a promising BC therapeutic agent.

Antibody Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy: From Metallodrugs to Nature-Inspired Payloads

This review highlights significant advancements in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) equipped with metal-based and nature-inspired payloads, focusing on synthetic strategies for antibody conjugation. Traditional methods such us maleimide and succinimide conjugation and classical condensation reactions are prevalent for metallodrugs and natural compounds. However, emerging non-conventional strategies such as photoconjugation are gaining traction due to their milder conditions and, in an aspect which minimizes side reactions, selective formation of ADC. The review also summarizes the therapeutic and diagnostic properties of these ADCs, highlighting their enhanced selectivity and reduced side effects in cancer treatment compared to non-conjugated payloads. ADCs combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs, offering a targeted approach to the elimination of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This targeted mechanism has demonstrated impressive clinical efficacy in various malignancies. Key future advancements include improved linker technology for enhanced stability and controlled release of cytotoxic agents, incorporation of novel, more potent, cytotoxic agents, and the identification of new cancer-specific antigens through genomic and proteomic technologies. ADCs are also expected to play a crucial role in combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells, and small molecule inhibitors, leading to more durable and potentially curative outcomes. Ongoing research and clinical trials are expanding their capabilities, paving the way for more effective, safer, and personalized treatments, positioning ADCs as a cornerstone of modern medicine and offering new hope to patients.

Steroids Bearing Heteroatom as Potential Drugs for Medicine

Heteroatom steroids, a diverse class of organic compounds, have attracted significant attention in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. The biological profiles of heteroatom steroids are of considerable interest to chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and the pharmaceutical industry. These compounds have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of various diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, the incorporation of heteroatoms has led to the development of targeted drug delivery systems, prodrugs, and other innovative pharmaceutical approaches. Heteroatom steroids represent a fascinating area of research, bridging the fields of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology. The exploration of their chemical diversity and biological activities holds promise for the discovery of novel drug candidates and the development of more effective and targeted treatments.

3-Ferrocenyl-estra-1,3,5 (10)-triene-17-one: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, DFT Studies, and Its Binding to Human Serum Albumin Studied through Fluorescence Quenching and In Silico Docking Studies

3-ferrocenyl-estra-1,3,5 (10)-triene-17-one (2), [Fe(C5H5)(C24H25O3)], crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2. The cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings adopt a nearly eclipsed conformation, and the Cp plane is tilted by 87.66° with respect to the substituted phenyl plane. An average Fe-C(Cp) bond length of 2.040(13) Å was determined, similar to the one reported for ferrocene. Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were generated to analyze weak intermolecular C-H···π and C-H···O interactions. Density functional theory studies revealed a 1.15 kcal/mol rotational barrier for the C3-O1 single bound. Fluorescence quenching studies and in silico docking studies suggest that human serum albumin forms a complex with 2 via a static mechanism dominated by van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding interactions.

Evaluating Ligand Modifications of the Titanocene and Auranofin Moieties for the Development of More Potent Anticancer Drugs

Over time platinum-based anticancer drugs have dominated the market, but their side effects significantly impact the quality of life of patients. Alternative treatments are being developed all over the world. The titanocene and auranofin families of compounds, discovered through an empirical search for other metal-based therapeutics, hold tremendous promise to improve the outcomes of cancer treatment. Herein we present a historical perspective of these compounds and review current efforts focused on the evolution of their ligands to improve their physiological solution stability, cancer selectivity, and antiproliferative performance, guided by a clear understanding of the coordination chemistry and aqueous speciation of the metal ions, of the cytotoxic mechanism of action of the compounds, and the external factors that limit their therapeutic potential. Newer members of these families of compounds and their combination in novel bimetallic complexes are the result of years of scientific research. We believe that this review can have a positive impact in the development and understanding of the metal-based drugs of gold, titanium, and beyond.