钌配合物抗肿瘤研究新进展*

钌配合物作为抗癌药物的研究已受到广泛关注,成为无机药物化学的重要研究内容之一。本文简要评述了近年来钌配合物的抗肿瘤活性研究进展,包括作为细胞毒药物的钌配合物设计与筛选、钌配合物以端粒酶、DNA拓扑异构酶及蛋白激酶作为抗肿瘤作用新靶点等。     

Evaluation of Ruthenium(II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Antibacterial Agents and Inhibitors of Bacterial Thioredoxin Reductase

A series of ruthenium(II) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands of the general type (arene)(NHC)Ru(II)X₂ (where X = halide) was prepared, characterized, and evaluated as antibacterial agents in comparison to the respective metal free benzimidazolium cations. The ruthenium(II) NHC complexes generally triggered stronger bacterial growth inhibition than the metal free benzimidazolium cations. The effects were much stronger against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) than against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and all complexes were inactive against the fungus Candida albicans. Moderate inhibition of bacterial thioredoxin reductase was confirmed for selected complexes, indicating that inhibition of this enzyme might be a contributing factor to the antibacterial effects.     

Selective,Cytotoxic Organoruthenium(II) Full‐Sandwich Complexes: A Structural,Computational and In Vitro Biological Study

A structurally diverse range of lipophilic, cationic η⁶‐arene η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl (η⁵‐Cp*) full‐sandwich complexes of ruthenium(II) have been prepared and structurally characterized by Fourier‐transform IR and NMR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, and elemental microanalyses. Computational experiments incorporating the Hartree–Fock theory and the second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory predict each complex to possess a uniform δ+ electrostatic potential, with the cationic charge of the [RuCp*]⁺ moiety completely delocalizing throughout the molecular structure of each metallocene. In vitro cytotoxicity studies demonstrate these delocalized lipophilic cations to be potent growth inhibitors of eleven unique tumorigenic cell lines, while exhibiting significantly lower levels of toxicity towards both a normal human fibroblast and a mouse macrophage cell line. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural determinations are additionally reported for five complexes, [Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅(CH₂)₂CH₃)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄, [Ru(η⁶‐C₆H₅CO₂CH₂CH₃)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BF₄, [Ru(η⁶‐C₁₀H₈)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄, [Ru(η⁶‐C₁₄H₁₀)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄, and [Ru(η⁶‐C₁₆H₁₀)(η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅)]BPh₄.     

Identification of the Structural Determinants for Anticancer Activity of a Ruthenium Arene Peptide Conjugate

Organometallic Ru(arene)–peptide bioconjugates with potent in vitro anticancer activity are rare. We have prepared a conjugate of a Ru(arene) complex with the neuropeptide [Leu⁵]‐enkephalin. [Chlorido(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(5‐oxo‐κO‐2‐{(4‐[(N‐tyrosinyl‐glycinyl‐glycinyl‐phenylalanyl‐leucinyl‐NH₂)propanamido]‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl}‐4H‐pyronato‐κO)ruthenium(II)] ( 8 ) shows antiproliferative activity in human ovarian carcinoma cells with an IC₅₀ value as low as 13 μM , whereas the peptide or the Ru moiety alone are hardly cytotoxic. The conjugation strategy for linking the Ru(cym) (cym=η⁶‐p‐cymene) moiety to the peptide involved N‐terminal modification of an alkyne‐[Leu⁵]‐enkephalin with a 2‐(azidomethyl)‐5‐hydroxy‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one linker, using Cu^I‐catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC), and subsequent metallation with the Ru(cym) moiety. The ruthenium‐bioconjugate was characterized by high resolution top‐down electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) with regard to peptide sequence, linker modification and metallation site. Notably, complete sequence coverage was obtained and the Ru(cym) moiety was confirmed to be coordinated to the pyronato linker. The ruthenium‐bioconjugate was analyzed with respect to cytotoxicity‐determining constituents, and through the bioconjugate models [{2‐(azidomethyl)‐5‐oxo‐κO‐4H‐pyronato‐κO}chloride (η⁶‐p‐cymene)ruthenium(II)] ( 5 ) and [chlorido(η⁶‐p‐cymene){5‐oxo‐κO‐2‐([(4‐(phenoxymethyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl]methyl)‐4H‐pyronato‐κO}ruthenium(II)] ( 6 ) the Ru(cym) fragment with a triazole‐carrying pyronato ligand was identified as the minimal unit required to achieve in vitro anticancer activity.     

Am(m)ines Make the Difference: Organoruthenium Am(m)ine Complexes and Their Chemistry in Anticancer Drug Development

With the aim of systematically studying fundamental structure–activity relationships as a basis for the development of Ru^II arene complexes (arene=p‐cymene or biphenyl) bearing mono‐, bi‐, or tridentate am(m)ine ligands as anticancer agents, a series of ammine, ethylenediamine, and diethylenetriamine complexes were prepared by different synthetic routes. Especially the synthesis of mono‐, di‐, and triammine complexes was found to be highly dependent on the reaction conditions, such as stoichiometry, temperature, and time. Hydrolysis and protein‐binding studies were performed to determine the reactivity of the compounds, and only those containing chlorido ligands undergo aquation or form protein adducts. These properties correlate well with in vitro tumor‐inhibiting potency of the compounds. The complexes were found to be active in anticancer assays when meeting the following criteria: stability in aqueous solution and low rates of hydrolysis and binding to proteins. Therefore, the complexes least reactive to proteins were found to be the most cytotoxic in cancer cells. In general, complexes with biphenyl as arene ligand inhibited the growth of tumor cells more effectively than the cymene analogues, consistent with the increase in lipophilicity. This study highlights the importance of finding a proper balance between reactivity and stability in the development of organometallic anticancer agents.     

Tetrabutylammonium Salts of Ruthenium(II) Nitroso Complexes

The paper describes synthesis of (nBu₄N)₂[RuNOCl₅](I), (nBu₄N)₂[RuNOCl₄OH](II), (nBu₄N)₂×[RuNOCl₄OH]·6H₂O (III), and (nBu₄N)₂[RuNOCl₅]· 2(nBu₄N)₂[RuNOCl₄(H₂O)]·2H₂O (IV). The complexes were studied by IR spectroscopy and powder Xray and crystal Xray analyses. The structures are built up of [RuNOCl₅]^2- (I, IV), [RuNOCl₄OH]^2- (II, III), and [RuNOCl₄(H₂O)]^- (IV) complex anions, (nBu₄N)⁺ cations, and crystal water molecules (III, IV). The substances are moderately soluble in water; highly soluble in polar organic solvents, such as acetone, ethanol, chloroform, methylene chloride; and almost insoluble in carbon tetrachloride and toluene. Under storage in light, the compounds decompose from the surface; in darkness I and II are stable, whereas III and IV can lose part of the crystal water.     

Cyclometalated Ruthenium(II) Anthraquinone Complexes Exhibit Strong Anticancer Activity in Hypoxic Tumor Cells

Hypoxia is the critical feature of the tumor microenvironment that is known to lead to resistance to many chemotherapeutic drugs. Six novel ruthenium(II) anthraquinone complexes were designed and synthesized; they exhibit similar or superior cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin in hypoxic HeLa, A549, and multidrug‐resistant (A549R) tumor cell lines. Their anticancer activities are related to their lipophilicity and cellular uptake; therefore, these physicochemical properties of the complexes can be changed by modifying the ligands to obtain better anticancer candidates. Complex 1 , the most potent member of the series, is highly active against hypoxic HeLa cancer cells (IC₅₀=0.53 μM ). This complex likely has 46‐fold better activity than cisplatin (IC₅₀=24.62 μM ) in HeLa cells. This complex tends to accumulate in the mitochondria and the nucleus of hypoxic HeLa cells. Further mechanistic studies show that complex 1 induced cell apoptosis during hypoxia through multiple pathways, including those of DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the inhibition of DNA replication and HIF‐1α expression, making it an outstanding candidate for further in vivo studies.     

Metal Complex Formation and Anticancer Activity of Cu(I) and Cu(II) Complexes with Metformin

Metformin has been used for decades in millions of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. In this time, correlations between metformin use and the occurrence of other disorders have been noted, as well as unpredictable metformin side effects. Diabetes is a significant cancer risk factor, but unexpectedly, metformin-treated diabetic patients have lower cancer incidence. Here, we show that metformin forms stable complexes with copper (II) ions. Both copper(I)/metformin and copper(II)/metformin complexes form adducts with glutathione, the main intracellular antioxidative peptide, found at high levels in cancer cells. Metformin reduces cell number and viability in SW1222 and K562 cells, as well as in K562-200 multidrug-resistant cells. Notably, the antiproliferative effect of metformin is enhanced in the presence of copper ions.     

金属钌配合物的抗肿瘤活性及其作用机理

金属配合物在医药领域起着重要的作用,金属钌配合物在抗肿瘤活性研究方面取得了重要的进展.结合本组的研究工作,本文对金属钌配合物在抗肿瘤活性以及抗肿瘤作用机制方面的研究进展进行了综述.     

Recent Investigations on Thiocyanate-Free Ruthenium(II) 2,2′-Bipyridyl Complexes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Three decades ago, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) emerged as a method for harnessing the energy of the sun and for converting it into electricity. Since then, a lot of work has been devoted to create better global photovoltaic efficiencies and long term stability. Among photosensitizers for DSSCs, thiocyanate-free ruthenium(II) complexes have gained increasing interest due to their better stability compared to conventional thiocyanate-based complexes, such as benchmark dyes N719 and Z907. In this mini-review, two classes of thiocyanate-free Ru(II) complexes are presented: (a) bis-bipyridyl compounds bearing an ancillary cyclometalating bidentate ligand; (b) bipyridyl compounds bearing non-cyclometalating ancillary ligands. The coverage, mainly from 2014 up to now, is not exhaustive, but illustrates the most recent design strategies and photovoltaic properties of these two families of ruthenium(II) dyes.     

多吡啶钌配合物作为DNA结构探针的研究

本文对多吡啶钌配合物作为DNA荧光或结构探针的研究背景、研究技术及其特点、钌配合物与DNA的键合模式及其结合力大小的影响因素、钌配合物与DNA键合的异构选择性及不同键合速率、非放射性核酸标记及DNA分子光开关等方面进行了简要述评     

Photocytotoxic Activity of Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Phenanthroline-Hydrazone Ligands

This paper reports on the synthesis and characterization of two new polypyridyl-hydrazone Schiff bases, (E)-N′-(6-oxo-1,10-phenanthrolin-5(6H)-ylidene)thiophene-2-carbohydrazide (L¹) and (E)-N′-(6-oxo-1,10-phenanthrolin-5(6H)-ylidene)furan-2-carbohydrazide (L²), and their two Ru(II) complexes of the general formula [RuCl(DMSO)(phen)(Lⁿ)](PF6). Considering that hydrazides are a structural part of severa l drugs and metal complexes containing phenanthroline derivatives are known to interact with DNA and to exhibit antitumor activity, more potent anticancer agents can be obtained by covalently linking the thiophene acid hydrazide or the furoic acid hydrazide to a 1,10-phenanthroline moiety. These ligands and the Ru(II) complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, electronic, vibrational, ¹H NMR, and ESI-MS spectroscopies. Ru is bound to two different N-heterocyclic ligands. One chloride and one S-bonded DMSO in cis-configuration to each other complete the octahedral coordination sphere around the metal ion. The ligands are very effective in inhibiting cellular growth in a chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line, K562. Both complexes are able to interact with DNA and present moderate cytotoxic activity, but 5 min of UV-light exposure increases cytotoxicity by three times.     

Inside Cover: Aquation Is a Crucial Activation Step for Anticancer Action of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes to Trigger Cancer Cell Apoptosis (Chem. Asian J. 2/2016)

Aquation has been proposed as crucial chemical action step for ruthenium (Ru) complexes, but its effects on the action mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we have demonstrated the aquation process of a potent Ru polypyridyl complex (RuBmp=[Ru^II(bmbp)(phen)Cl]ClO₄, bmbp=2,6‐bis(6‐methylbenzimidazol‐2‐yl) pyridine, phen=phenanthroline) with a chloride ligand, and revealed that aquation of RuBmp effectively enhanced its hydrophilicity and cellular uptake, thus significantly increasing its anticancer efficacy. The aquation products (H‐RuBmp=[Ru^II(bmbp)(phen)Cl]ClO₄, [Ru^II(bmbp)(phen)(H₂O)]ClO₄, bmbp) exhibited a much higher apoptosis‐inducing ability than the intact complex, with involvement of caspase activation, mitochondria dysfunction, and interaction with cell membrane death receptors. H‐RuBmp demonstrated a higher interaction potency with the cell membrane and induced higher levels of ROS overproduction in cancer cells to regulate the AKT, MAPK, and p53 signaling pathways. Taken together, this study could provide useful information for fine‐tuning the rational design of next‐generation metal medicines.     

A Chemical–Biological Evaluation of Rhodium(I) N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Prospective Anticancer Drugs

Rhodium(I) complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been widely used in catalytic chemistry, but there are very few reports of biological properties of these organometallics. A series of Rh^I‐NHC derivatives with 1,5‐cyclooctadiene and CO as secondary ligands were synthesized, characterized, and biologically investigated as prospective antitumor drug candidates. Pronounced antiproliferative effects were noted for all complexes, along with moderate inhibitory activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and efficient binding to biomolecules (DNA, albumin). Biodistribution studies showed that the presence of albumin lowered the cellular uptake and confirmed the transport of rhodium into the nuclei. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed as well as DNA fragmentation in wild‐type and daunorubicin‐ or vincristine‐resistant Nalm‐6 leukemia cells. Overall, these studies indicated that Rh^I‐NHC fragments could be used as partial structures of new antitumor agents, in particular in those drugs designed to address resistant malignant tissues.     

Imine‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes as Versatile Ligands in Ruthenium(II) p‐Cymene Anticancer Complexes: A Structure–Activity Relationship Study

A family of novel imine‐N‐heterocyclic carbene ruthenium(II) complexes of the general formula [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Ru(C^N)Cl]PF₆⁻ (where C^N is an imine‐N‐heterocyclic carbene chelating ligand with varying substituents) have been prepared and characterized. In this imine‐N‐heterocyclic carbene chelating ligand framework, there are three potential sites that can be modified, which distinguishes this class of ligand and provides a body of flexibilities and opportunities to tune the cytotoxicity of these ruthenium(II) complexes. The influence of substituent effects of three tunable domains on the anticancer activity and catalytic ability in converting coenzyme NADH to NAD⁺ is investigated. This family of complexes displays an exceedingly distinct anticancer activity against A549 cancer cells, despite their close structural similarity. Complex 9 shows the highest anticancer activity in this series against A549 cancer cells (IC₅₀=14.36 μm ), with an approximately 1.5‐fold better activity than the clinical platinum drug cisplatin (IC₅₀=21.30 μm ) in A549 cancer cells. Mechanistic studies reveal that complex 9 mediates cell death mainly through cell stress, including cell cycle arrest, inducing apoptosis, increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Furthermore, lysosomal damage is also detected by confocal microscopy.     

DNA-Binding Capabilities and Anticancer Activities of Ruthenium(II) Cymene Complexes with (Poly)cyclic Aromatic Diamine Ligands

Ruthenium(II) arene complexes of the general formula [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(diamine)]PF₆ (diamine = 1,2-diaminobenzene (1), 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (2), 9,10-diaminophenanthrene (3), 2,3-diaminophenazine (4), and 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone (5) were synthesized. Chloro/aqua exchange was evaluated experimentally for complexes 1 and 2. The exchange process was investigated theoretically for all complexes, revealing relatively fast exchange with no significant influence from the polycyclic aromatic diamines. The calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) binding of the complexes increased dramatically upon extending the aromatic component of the diamines, as evaluated by changes in absorption spectra upon titration with different concentrations of CT-DNA. An intercalation binding mode was established for the complexes using the increase in the relative viscosity of the CT-DNA following addition of complexes 1 and 2. Theoretical studies showed strong preference for replacement of water by guanine for all the complexes, and relatively strong Ru–N_guanine bonds. The plane of the aromatic systems can assume angles that support non-classical interactions with the DNA and covalent binding, leading to higher binding affinities. The ruthenium arenes illustrated in this study have promising anticancer activities, with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values comparable to or better than cisplatin against three cell lines.     

Selenoquinones Stabilized by Ruthenium(II) Arene Complexes: Synthesis,Structure, and Cytotoxicity

A new series of monoselenoquinone and diselenoquinone π complexes, [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Ru(η⁴‐C₆R₄SeE)] (R=H, E=Se ( 6 ); R=CH₃, E=Se ( 7 ); R=H, E=O ( 8 )), as well as selenolate π complexes [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Ru(η⁵‐C₆H₃R₂Se)][SbF₆] (R=H ( 9 ); R=CH₃ ( 10 )), stabilized by arene ruthenium moieties were prepared in good yields through nucleophilic substitution reactions from dichlorinated‐arene and hydroxymonochlorinated‐arene ruthenium complexes [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Ru(C₆R₄XCl)][SbF₆]₂ (R=H, X=Cl ( 1 ); R=CH₃, X=Cl ( 2 ); R=H, X=OH ( 3 )) as well as the monochlorinated π complexes [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Ru(η⁵‐C₆H₃R₂Cl)][SbF₆]₂ (R=H ( 4 ); R=CH₃ ( 5 )). The X‐ray crystallographic structures of two of the compounds, [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Ru(η⁴‐C₆Me₄Se₂)] ( 7 ) and [(η⁶‐p‐cymene)Ru(η⁴‐C₆H₄SeO)] ( 8 ), were determined. The structures confirm the identity of the target compounds and ascertain the coordination mode of these unprecedented ruthenium π complexes of selenoquinones. Furthermore, these new compounds display relevant cytotoxic properties towards human ovarian cancer cells.     

Structural studies on ruthenium(II) complexes used in interphase catalysis for the hydrogenation of ketones

Structural studies were performed on catalytically active ruthenium(II) complexes used in interphases, by means of XAFS spectroscopy. The EXAFS investigations indicate that the complexes retain their structural integrity when they are embedded on polysiloxane matrices to form stationary phase materials. The AXAFS studies reveal that the variations in the catalytic activity of the complexes with different ligands can be correlated to the differences in the electronic structure around the active ruthenium center. The EXAFS investigations show that, in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions catalysed by ruthenium(II) complexes, the co‐catalyst plays a crucial role not only in enhancing the catalytic activity, but also in determining the structure of the intermediate species. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.