Inhibition of Urease by Hydroquinones: A Structural and Kinetic Study

Hydroquinones are a class of organic compounds abundant in nature that result from the full reduction of the corresponding quinones. Quinones are known to efficiently inhibit urease, a Ni^II-containing enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to yield ammonia and carbonate and acts as a virulence factor of several human pathogens, in addition to decreasing the efficiency of soil organic nitrogen fertilization. Here, we report the molecular characterization of the inhibition of urease from Sporosarcina pasteurii (SPU) and Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean, JBU) by 1,4-hydroquinone (HQ) and its methyl and tert-butyl derivatives. The 1.63-Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of the SPU-HQ complex discloses that HQ covalently binds to the thiol group of αCys322, a key residue located on a mobile protein flap directly involved in the catalytic mechanism. Inhibition kinetic data obtained for the three compounds on JBU reveals the occurrence of an irreversible inactivation process that involves a radical-based autocatalytic mechanism.     

The Structure of the Elusive Urease–Urea Complex Unveils the Mechanism of a Paradigmatic Nickel‐Dependent Enzyme

Urease, the most efficient enzyme known, contains an essential dinuclear Ni^II cluster in the active site. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea, inducing a rapid pH increase that has negative effects on human health and agriculture. Thus, the control of urease activity is of utmost importance in medical, pharmaceutical, and agro‐environmental applications. All known urease inhibitors are either toxic or inefficient. The development of new and efficient chemicals able to inhibit urease relies on the knowledge of all steps of the catalytic mechanism. The short (microseconds) lifetime of the urease–urea complex has hampered the determination of its structure. The present study uses fluoride to substitute the hydroxide acting as the co‐substrate in the reaction, preventing the occurrence of the catalytic steps that follow substrate binding. The 1.42 Å crystal structure of the urease–urea complex, reported here, resolves the enduring debate on the mechanism of this metalloenzyme.     

The vibrational analysis of some oxamide complexes

Summary The vibrational spectra of the oxamide and deuteriooxamide complexes with Ni^II, Pd^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Co^III are presented. The vibrational analysis is given for a planarD _2h structure for the Ni^II, Cu^II and Pd^II compounds; the Zn^II and Co^III complexes have a tetrahedral and octahedral structure respectively.Presented in part at the XIX I.C.C.C. Prague 1978.     

Selective Electrochemical Epinephrine Sensor Using Self‐Assembled Monomolecular Film of 1,8,15,22‐Tetraaminophthalocyanatonickel(II) on Gold Electrode

This article describes the highly sensitive and selective determination of epinephrine (EP) using self‐assembled monomolecular film (SAMF) of 1,8,15,22‐tetraamino‐phthalocyanatonickel(II) (4α‐Ni^IITAPc) on Au electrode. The 4α‐Ni^IITAPc SAMF modified electrode was prepared by spontaneous adsorption of 4α‐Ni^IITAPc from dimethylformamide solution. The modified electrode oxidizes EP at less over potential with enhanced current response in contrast to the bare Au electrode. The standard heterogeneous rate constant (k°) for the oxidation of EP at 4α‐Ni^IITAPc SAMF modified electrode was found to be 1.94×10^?2 cm s^?1 which was much higher than that at the bare Au electrode. Further, it was found that 4α‐Ni^IITAPc SAMF modified electrode separates the voltammetric signals of ascorbic acid (AA) and EP with a peak separation of 250 mV. Using amperometric method the lowest detection limit of 50 nM of EP was achieved at SAMF modified electrode. Simultaneous amperometric determination of AA and EP was also achieved at the SAMF modified electrode. Common physiological interferents such as uric acid, glucose, urea and NaCl do not interfere within the potential window of EP oxidation. The present 4α‐Ni^IITAPc SAMF modified electrode was also successfully applied to determine the concentration of EP in commercially available injection.     

Synthesis of meso-Alkyl-Substituted Norcorrole–NiII Complexes and Conversion to 5-Oxaporphyrins(2.0.1.0)

The synthesis of antiaromatic Ni^II–norcorroles having primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl groups at the reactive meso-positions was attempted. Reductive coupling of a Ni^II–dipyrrin precursor provided Ni^II–meso-dihexylnorcorrole, which underwent substantial degradation on silica gel. Introduction of tert-butyl groups was unsuccessful due to the difficult preparation of the corresponding dipyrrin precursor. Meanwhile, Ni^II–norcorroles with isopropyl and cyclohexyl groups were isolated as stable molecules under ambient conditions. Furthermore, we found that oxidation of Ni^II–meso-dialkylnorcorroles with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of sodium carbonate gave Ni^II–5-oxaporphyrins(2.0.1.0). In contrast, oxidation of Ni^II–meso-dimesitylnorcorrole under the same reaction conditions gave 10-oxaporphyrin(1.1.1.0). The contrasting reactivity can be attributed to the steric congestion around the meso-positions.     

The Coordination of NiII and CuII Ions to the Polyhistidyl Motif of Hpn Protein: Is It as Strong as We Think?

Hpn, one of Helicobacter pylori′s nickel‐accessory proteins, is an amazingly peculiar protein: Almost half of its sequence consists of polyhistidyl (poly‐His) residues. Herein, we try to understand the origin of this naturally occurring sequence, thereby shedding some light on the bioinorganic chemistry of Hpn′s numerous poly‐His repeats. By using potentiometric, mass spectrometric, and various spectroscopic techniques, we studied the Ni^II‐ and Cu^II complexes of the wild‐type Ac‐THHHHYHGG‐NH₂ fragment of Hpn and of its six analogues, in which consecutive residues (His or Tyr) were replaced by Ala (Ala‐substitution or Ala‐scan approaches), thereby resulting in Ac‐TAHHHYHGG‐NH₂, Ac‐THAHHYHGG‐NH₂, Ac‐THHAHYHGG‐NH₂, Ac‐THHHAYHGG‐NH₂, Ac‐THHHHAHGG‐NH₂, and Ac‐THHHHYAGG‐NH₂ peptides. We found that the His4 residue is critical for both Ni^II‐ and Cu^II‐ion binding and the effectiveness of binding varies even if the substituted amino acid does not take part in the direct binding interactions.     

Redox switchable ligands suitable for transition metal ions: Protonation,complexation and electrochemical properties of a ferrocene-modified tetraamine diketone and its saturated analogue

Abstract

The new ferrocene-containing water-soluble ligands 1 and 2 were synthesized and their protonation and complexation properties toward Ni^II and Cu^II studied as a function of pH, by means of potentiometric titration experiments. Electrochemical measurements were performed in aqueous solution on pure 1 and 2 and in the presence of Ni^II and Cu^II cations, in the pH range 2–12, allowing us to determine the redox potential values relative to the ferrocene oxidation in the free ligands and in their Ni^II and Cu^II complexes. 1 and 2 behave as redox switchable ligands, the former enhancing, the latter decreasing its binding ability upon oxidation of the appended ferrocene function. Besides, the Cu^II complex of ligand 1 and the Ni^II complex of ligand 2 behave as two-centre two-electron redox systems, the complexed metal cation being subject to further oxidation to M^III.     

Induced-Fit Recognition of CCG Trinucleotide Repeats by a Nickel–Chromomycin Complex Resulting in Large-Scale DNA Deformation

Small-molecule compounds targeting trinucleotide repeats in DNA have considerable potential as therapeutic or diagnostic agents against many neurological diseases. Ni^II(Chro)₂ (Chro=chromomycin A3) binds specifically to the minor groove of (CCG)_n repeats in duplex DNA, with unique fluorescence features that may serve as a probe for disease detection. Crystallographic studies revealed that the specificity originates from the large-scale spatial rearrangement of the DNA structure, including extrusion of consecutive bases and backbone distortions, with a sharp bending of the duplex accompanied by conformational changes in the Ni^II chelate itself. The DNA deformation of CCG repeats upon binding forms a GGCC tetranucleotide tract, which is recognized by Ni^II(Chro)₂. The extruded cytosine and last guanine nucleotides form water-mediated hydrogen bonds, which aid in ligand recognition. The recognition can be accounted for by the classic induced-fit paradigm.     

Synthesis and complex formation of stereoisomers of 1,3-Diphenyl-2-thioxo-4,5-bis(hydroxyimino)-Imidazoline

The new α-dioxime, 1,3-diphenyl-2-thioxo-4,5-bis-(hydroxyimino)-imidazoline, DTIH₂, has been synthesized. Anti- and amphi-forms of DTIH₂ could be separated. The anti- and amphi-forms of Cu^II, Ni^II, Co^II, and Co^III complexes have been isolated and their structures identified by using IR, UV-Visible and elemental analyses. The interconversion of anti- and amphi-Ni^II complexes has been studied.     

5,20‐Bis(ethoxycarbonyl)‐Substituted Antiaromatic [28]Hexaphyrin and Its Bis‐NiII and Bis‐CuII Complexes

5,20‐Bis(ethoxycarbonyl)‐[28]hexaphyrin was synthesized by acid catalyzed cross‐condensation of meso‐diaryl‐substituted tripyrrane and ethyl 2‐oxoacetate followed by subsequent oxidation. This hexaphyrin was found to be a stable 28π‐antiaromatic compound with a dumbbell‐like conformation. Upon oxidization with PbO₂, this [28]hexaphyrin was converted into an aromatic [26]hexaphyrin with a rectangular shape bearing two ester groups at the edge side. The [28]hexaphyrin can incorporate two Ni^II or Cu^II metals by using the ester carbonyl groups and three pyrrolic nitrogen atoms to give bis‐Ni^II and bis‐Cu^II complexes with essentially the same dumbbell‐like structure. The antiaromatic properties of the [28]hexaphyrin and its metal complexes have been well characterized.     

Selective Formation of Helical Tetrapyrrin-Fused Porphyrins by Oxidation of β-to-β Linked meso-Aminoporphyrin Dimers

Oxidation of β-to-β directly linked and sulfur-bridged meso-amino Ni^II-porphyrin dimers with PbO₂ gave helical tetrapyrrin (biliverdin analogue)-fused Ni^II-porphyrins. These ring cleaving reactions differ markedly from the previously reported oxidation of a β–β linked Ni^II-porphyrin dimer carrying one amino group, which gave an azepine-fused porphyrin dimer. The tetrapyrrin-fused Ni^II-porphyrins display intense NIR absorption bands at 1200–1400 nm and reversible redox processes because of the highly π-conjugated networks and rigid structures. These tetrapyrrin-fused Ni^II-porphyrins were separated to stable enantiomers, which showed clear Cotton effects in their CD spectra with Δϵ of 10² order.     

Induced‐Fit Recognition of CCG Trinucleotide Repeats by a Nickel–Chromomycin Complex Resulting in Large‐Scale DNA Deformation

Small‐molecule compounds targeting trinucleotide repeats in DNA have considerable potential as therapeutic or diagnostic agents against many neurological diseases. Ni^II(Chro)₂ (Chro=chromomycin A3) binds specifically to the minor groove of (CCG)_n repeats in duplex DNA, with unique fluorescence features that may serve as a probe for disease detection. Crystallographic studies revealed that the specificity originates from the large‐scale spatial rearrangement of the DNA structure, including extrusion of consecutive bases and backbone distortions, with a sharp bending of the duplex accompanied by conformational changes in the Ni^II chelate itself. The DNA deformation of CCG repeats upon binding forms a GGCC tetranucleotide tract, which is recognized by Ni^II(Chro)₂. The extruded cytosine and last guanine nucleotides form water‐mediated hydrogen bonds, which aid in ligand recognition. The recognition can be accounted for by the classic induced‐fit paradigm.     

Formation inattendue de digermane optiquement actif au cours de la reaction de substitution des germanes par le chlorure de benzyl-magnesium active par les complexes du nickel

An optically active digermine is obtained in the reaction of PhCH₂ MgCl (activated by a Ni^II complex) with α-NpPhMeGeH. This observation indiates the formation of a GeMgX reagent ant its activation by Ni^II, allowing cleavage of the Gebond with retention of configuration.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of cobalt(III), copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes derived from 4-methoxy-N′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide with urease inhibitory activity

Abstract

Urease catalyzes the decomposition of urea into ammonia, which has harmful effects on both human health and fertile soil. Aiming at exploring novel urease inhibitors, a series of hydrazone compounds and their Co^III, Cu^II, Ni^II, and Zn^II complexes were prepared from 4-methoxy-N'-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide (HL). They are [CoClL(NCS)] (1), [CoL₂]·Cl·CH₃OH·H₂O (2), [CuL(NCNCN)]_n·nCH₃OH (3), [NiL(HL)]·ClO₄·CH₃OH (4) and [ZnClL(OH₂)]·CH₃OH (5). The compounds were characterized by physico-chemical methods. Structures of the complexes were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The metal ions in 1, 3, and 5 display square pyramidal coordination and 2 and 4 display octahedral coordination. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on Jack bean urease were evaluated. The results showed that 3 has effective urease inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ value of (7.3?±?1.0) μmol L^?1.     

Ethers as ligands. Part V(1). Metal(II)-diglyme and -pentaglyme solvates

Summary Eighteen new coordination compounds are reported with diglyme (dgm) and pentaglyme (pgm) as ligands:viz. [M(dgm)₂](SbCl₆)₂ with M=Mg^II, Ca^II, Sr^II, Mn^II, Fe^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, and Zn^II; [M(pgm)](SbCl₆)₂ with M=Mn^II, Fe^II,Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, and Zn^II; and [M(pgm)](SbCl₆)₂ · H₂O with M=Mg^II, Ca^II, and Sr^II. The metal(II) ions are hexacoordinated by the ether-oxygens of two diglyme molecules or of one pentaglyme molecule. The coordinated diglyme molecules are in the TGTT¯GT conformation.     

Kinetics and mechanism of formation of square-planar copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of ethylenebisbiguanide in aqueous acetate buffer media

Summary The kinetics of formation of square-planar Cu^II and Ni^II complexes of the quadridentate ligand, ethylenebisbiguanide, have been studied spectrophotometrically in aqueous HOAc–NaOAc buffer, at ionic strength 0.2 mol dm^–3, in the 25–35°C temperature range. The observed rate constants for the formation reactions are independent of pH (and of OAc^– concentration) in the pH range used (3.6–4.8 for Cu^II and 5.0–5.8 for Ni^II) where the product complexes form stoichiometrically, but show first-order dependence on the ligand concentration;i.e. k_obs=k_f[L]_total. At 25°C k_f values (dm³ mol^–1s^–1) are 35.2±0.4 for Cu^II and (8.4±0.1)×10^–3 for Ni^II. The mechanism of the reactions is discussed.     

Synthesis,potentiometric and antimicrobial activity studies on 2-pyridinilidene-DL-amino acids and their complexes

To investigate the relationship between antimicrobial activities and the formation constants of Cu^II, Ni^II and Co^II complexes with three Schiff bases, which were obtained by the condensation of 2-pyridinecarboxyaldehyde with DL-alanine, DL-valine and DL-phenylalanine, have been synthesized. Schiff bases and the complexes have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, magnetic moments (at ca. 25 °C), molar conductivity, thermal analyses and spectral (i.r., u.v., n.m.r.) studies. The i.r. spectra show that the ligands act in a monovalent bidentate fashion, depending on the metal salt used and the reaction pH = 9, 8 and 7 medium, for Cu^II, Ni^II and Co^II, respectively. Square-planar, tetrahedral and octahedral structures are proposed for Cu^II, Ni^II and Co^II, respectively. The protonation constants of the Schiff bases and stability constants of their ML-type complexes have been calculated potentiometrically in aqueous solution at 25 ± 0.1 °C and at 0.1 M KCl ionic strength. Antimicrobial activities of the Schiff bases and the complexes were evaluated for three bacteria (Bacillus subtillis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli) and a yeast (Candida albicans). The structure–activity correlation in Schiff bases and their metal(II) complexes are discussed, based on the effect of their stability contants.     

Copper(II), nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of pyridyl and quinolylhydrazones of isatin and methylisatin: Ligand dependent stereochemistry

Summary [M^II(Lig)X] (M = Cu^II, Ni^II or Co^II and Lig = deprotonated pyridylhydrazone, (IPH-H), quinolylhydrazone of isatin (IQH-H) andN-methylisatin (MIQH-H)) have been characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements, optical spectra and infrared spectral studies. [M^II(IPH-H)Cl] (M = Ni^II and Co^II) are tetrahedral while [M^II(MIQH-H)X] (M = Ni^II or Co^II and X = Br or Cl), [Ni^II(IQH-H)Br] and [Cu^II(IPH-H)Cl] are planar.     

Electrochemically Monitoring the Acid and Acidic Urea‐Induced Unfolding of Hemoglobin and Its Electrocatalytic Ability

Acid and acidic urea‐induced unfolding of hemoglobin (Hb) was investigated using protein‐film‐based electrochemical method. The conformational transition of Hb was monitored through the change of direct electrochemical response of Hb. The heme groups in Hb detached from their native binding sites after pH<4.0. Spectral experiments fully supported the results. Furthermore, the catalytic ability of Hb was enhanced 15 times under the optimal unfolded conditions of pH 2.0 PBS containing 3.0 mol L^?1 urea. The method contributes to understand the relationship between function and conformation of Hb, and provides possibility of manipulating protein function by controlling its conformation.     

Versatility in the coordination behavior of a hexatopic compartmental Schiff-base ligand in the architecture of binuclear transition metal(II) complexes

Condensation of 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic hydrazide with 1H-indole-2,3-dione (isatin) yield the compartmental ligand, which is capable of encapsulating two transition metal ions namely Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, and Zn^II. The ligand is a binuclear hexadentate chelate with N₄O₂ donating sites. The pyrazole core provides the diazine fragment, which serves as an endogenous bridge between the two metal centers. In Co^II and Ni^II complexes, the ligand is in the imidol form and the subsequent coordination through the imidol oxygen. In other complexes, the lactonic oxygen takes part in ligation. All the complexes are non-electrolytes and soluble in DMSO, DMF, and acetonitrile. Spectral and magnetic studies along with analytical data suggest octahedral geometry for the Co^II and Ni^II complexes, whereas the Cu^II and Zn^II complexes are assigned square pyramidal geometry. The Cu^II and Ni^II complexes show one electron redox behavior and the rest are electrochemically inactive.