Unique properties of DNA interstrand cross-links of antitumor oxaliplatin and the effect of chirality of the carrier ligand

The different antitumor and other biological effects of the third-generation antitumor platinum drug oxaliplatin [(1R,2R-diamminocyclohexane)oxalatoplatinum(II)] in comparison with those of conventional cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II)] are often explained by the ability of oxaliplatin to form DNA adducts of different conformation and consequently to exhibit different cytotoxic effects. This work describes, for the first time, the structural and biochemical characteristics of the interstrand cross-links of oxaliplatin. We find that: 1) DNA bending, unwinding, thermal destabilization, and delocalization of the conformational alteration induced by the cross-link of oxaliplatin are greater than those observed with the cross-link of cisplatin; 2) the affinity of high-mobility-group proteins (which are known to mediate the antitumor activity of platinum complexes) for the interstrand cross-links of oxaliplatin is markedly lower than for those of cisplatin; and 3) the chirality at the carrier 1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand can affect some important structural properties of the interstrand cross-links of cisplatin analogues. Thus, the information contained in the present work is also useful for a better understanding of how the stereochemistry of the carrier amine ligands of cisplatin analogues can modulate their anticancer and mutagenic properties. The significance of this study is also reinforced by the fact that, in general, interstrand cross-links formed by various compounds of biological significance result in greater cytotoxicity than is expected for monofunctional adducts or other intrastrand DNA lesions. Therefore, we suggest that the unique properties of the interstrand cross-links of oxaliplatin are at least partly responsible for this drug's unique antitumor effects.     

Naphthalimides and analogues as antitumor agents: A review on molecular design,bioactivity and mechanism of action

Our research improves the structure diversity of naphthalimide antitumor agents and distinct variances of antitumor targets and mechanism of action.     

1,8‐Naphthalimide: A Potent DNA Intercalator and Target for Cancer Therapy

The poor pharmacokinetics, side effects and particularly the rapid emergence of drug resistance compromise the efficiency of clinically used anticancer drugs. Therefore, the discovery of novel and effective drugs is still an extremely primary mission. Naphthalimide family is one of the highly active anticancer drug based upon effective intercalator with DNA. In this article, we review the discovery and development of 1,8‐naphthalimide moiety, and, especially, pay much attention to the structural modifications and structure activity relationships. The review demonstrates how modulation of the moiety affecting naphthalimide compound for DNA binding that is achieved to afford a profile of antitumor activity. The DNA binding of imide and ring substitution at naphthalimide, bisnaphthalimide, naphthalimide‐metal complexes is achieved by molecular recognition through intercalation mode. Thus, this synthetic/natural small molecule can act as a drug when activation or inhibition of DNA function, is required to cure or control the cancer disease. The present study is a review of the advances in 1,8‐naphthalimide‐related research, with a focus on how such derivatives are intercalated into DNA for their anticancer activities.     

A Rationally Designed Bimetallic Platinum (II)-Ferrocene Antitumor Agent Induces Non-Apoptotic Cell Death and Exerts in Vivo Efficacy

Despite phenomenal clinical success, the efficacy of platinum anticancer drugs is often compromised due to inherent and acquired drug resistant phenotypes in cancers. To circumvent this issue, we designed two heterobimetallic platinum (II)-ferrocene hybrids that display multi-pronged anticancer action. In cancer cells, our best compound, 2 , platinates DNA, produces reactive oxygen species, and has nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum as potential targets. The multi-modal mechanism of action of these hybrid agents lead to non-apoptotic cell death induction which enables circumventing apoptosis resistance and significant improvement in platinum cross resistance profile. Finally, in addition to describing detail mechanistic insights, we also assessed its stability in plasma and demonstrate anticancer efficacy in an in vivo A2780 xenograft model. Strikingly, compared to oxaliplatin, our compound displays better tolerability, safety profile and efficacy in vivo.     

An Antitumor Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene)Platinum(II) Complex That Engages Asparagine Synthetase as an Anticancer Target

New anticancer platinum(II) compounds with distinctive modes of action are appealing alternatives to combat the drug resistance and improve the efficacy of clinically used platinum chemotherapy. Herein, we describe a rare example of an antitumor Pt^II complex targeting a tumor‐associated protein, rather than DNA, under cellular conditions. Complex [(bis‐NHC)Pt(bt)]PF₆ ( 1 a ; Hbt=1‐(3‐hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)ethanone) overcomes cisplatin resistance in cancer cells and displays significant tumor growth inhibition in mice with higher tolerable doses compared to cisplatin. The cellular Pt species shows little association with DNA, and localizes in the cytoplasm as revealed by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry. An unbiased thermal proteome profiling experiment identified asparagine synthetase (ASNS) as a molecular target of 1 a . Accordingly, 1 a treatment reduced the cellular asparagine levels and inhibited cancer cell proliferation, which could be reversed by asparagine supplementation. A bis‐NHC‐ligated Pt species generated from the hydrolysis of 1 a forms adducts with thiols and appears to target an active‐site cysteine of ASNS.     

DNA binding and antitumor activities of platinum(IV) and zinc(II) complexes with some S-alkyl derivatives of thiosalicylic acid

A series of complexes of platinum(IV) (C1–C5) and zinc(II) (C6–C10) with S-alkyl derivatives of thiosalicylic acid were prepared and characterized. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were analyzed by absorption (UV–Vis) and emission spectral studies (ethidium bromide displacement studies). The cytotoxic activities of complexes C1–C10 were determined against mouse B cell lymphocytic leukemia cells (BCL1), human B-prolymphocytic leukemia (JVM-13), mouse mammary carcinoma cells (4T1), and human mammary carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-468) and compared to the activities of the free ligand precursors and cisplatin. The cytotoxicities of the platinum(IV) and zinc(II) complexes toward mouse tumor cell lines were higher compared with their effects on human tumor cell lines. The zinc(II) complex C9 showed the highest antitumor activity toward the tested human cell lines, while the platinum(IV) complex C4 exhibited the highest antitumor activity toward mouse BCL1 and 4T1 cells. Both C4 and C9 have ligands derived from S-propyl thiosalicylic acid.     

2.4 A crystal structure of an oxaliplatin 1,2-d(GpG) intrastrand cross-link in a DNA dodecamer duplex

(1R,2R-Diaminocyclohexane)oxalatoplatinum(II) (oxaliplatin) is a third-generation platinum anticancer compound that produces the same type of inter- and intrastrand DNA cross-links as cisplatin. In combination with 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin has been recently approved in Europe, Asia, and Latin America for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. We present here the crystal structure of an oxaliplatin adduct of a DNA dodecanucleotide duplex having the same sequence as that previously reported for cisplatin (Takahara, P. M.; Rosenzweig, A. C.; Frederick, C. A.; Lippard, S. J. Nature 1995, 377, 649-652). Pt-MAD data were used to solve this first X-ray structure of a platinated DNA duplex derived from an active platinum anticancer drug other than cisplatin. The overall geometry and crystal packing of the complex, refined to 2.4 A resolution, are similar to those of the cisplatin structure, despite the fact that the two molecules crystallize in different space groups. The platinum atom of the [Pt(R,R-DACH)](2+) moiety forms a 1,2-intrastrand cross-link between two adjacent guanosine residues in the sequence 5'-d(CCTCTGGTCTCC), bending the double helix by approximately 30 degrees toward the major groove. Both end-to-end and end-to-groove packing interactions occur in the crystal lattice. The latter is positioned in the minor groove opposite the platinum cross-link. A novel feature of the present structure is the presence of a hydrogen bond between the pseudoequatorial NH hydrogen atom of the (R,R)-DACH ligand and the O6 atom of the 3'-G of the platinated d(GpG) lesion. This finding provides structural evidence for the importance of chirality in mediating the interaction between oxaliplatin and duplex DNA, calibrating previously published models used to explain the reactivity of enantiomerically pure vicinal diamine platinum complexes with DNA in solution. It also provides a new kind of chiral recognition between an enantiomerically pure metal complex and the DNA double helix.     

非经典铂类抗肿瘤药物研究

本文综述了非经典铂类抗肿瘤药物的发展概况,介绍了具有口服活性的铂(Ⅳ)配合物,具有空间位阻的铂(Ⅱ)配合物,反式铂(Ⅱ、Ⅳ)配合物,多核铂(Ⅱ)配合物和含有铂-硫键的铂(Ⅱ)配合物,并总结了这几类新型铂配合物的抗肿瘤机理,克服顺铂的耐药性机理及其临床进展。     

Dialkyl bisphosphonate platinum(II) complex as a potential drug for metastatic bone tumor

Bisphosphonates have high affinity for hydroxyapatite (HA), which is abundantly present in bone. Also, platinum complexes are known that have a wide spectrum of antitumor activities. The conjugate of bisphosphonate and a platinum complex might have HA affinity and antitumor activity, and become a drug for metastatic bone tumor. In this study, the authors synthesized platinum complexes that had dialkyl bisphosphonic acid as a ligand, and evaluated the possibility of the synthesized complexes as a drug for metastatic bone tumor. The synthesized dialkyl bisphosphonate platinum(II) complex was characterized, and its stability in an aqueous solution was also confirmed. The synthesized platinum complex showed higher HA affinity than other platinum complexes such as cisplatin and carboplatin in an experiment of adsorption to HA. In vitro, the platinum complex showed tumor growth inhibitory effect stronger than or equal to cisplatin, which is the most commonly used antitumor agent. Moreover, the platinum complex showed a bone absorption inhibitory effect on the osteoclast. These results suggest potential of dialkyl bisphosphonate platinum(II) complexes as a drug for metastatic bone tumor.     

Near‐Infrared Light‐Mediated Photoactivation of a Platinum Antitumor Prodrug and Simultaneous Cellular Apoptosis Imaging by Upconversion‐Luminescent Nanoparticles

Platinum‐based drugs are among the most active antitumor reagents in clinical practice; their application is limited by side effects and drug resistance. A novel and personalized near‐infrared (NIR) light‐activated nanoplatform is obtained by combining a photoactivatable platinum(IV) prodrug and a caspase imaging peptide conjugated with silica‐coated upconversion‐luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) for the remote control of antitumor platinum prodrug activation, and simultaneously for real‐time imaging of apoptosis induced by activated cytotoxicity. Upon NIR light illumination, the Pt^IV prodrug complex is activated at the surface of the nanoparticle and active components are selectively released which display cytotoxicity against human ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells and its cisplatin‐resistant variant A2780cis cells. More importantly, the caspases enzymes triggered by cytotoxicity would effectively cleave the probe peptide, thereby allowing the direct imaging of apoptosis in living cells.     

Hoechst-naphthalimide dyad with dual emissions as specific and ratiometric sensor for nucleus DNA damage

A ratiometric fluorescent sensor (Hoe-NI) was developed for high specific nucleus labeling and monitoring of nuclear DNA damage in living cells.     

铂（Ⅱ）类抗肿瘤药物

自顺铂临床用于抗肿瘤药物以来,在铂配合物中寻找新的药物已成为研究的热点,现在已有顺铂、卡铂和奥沙利铂在广泛应用于临床。根据经典的构效关系,上千个新的铂类化合物被设计与合成出来。我们综述了铂（Ⅱ）类抗肿瘤药物近五年的研究状况,介绍了包括含有生物活性基团的铂（Ⅱ）配合物,具有空间位阻的铂（Ⅱ）配合物,反式铂（Ⅱ）配合物,含S、P配位原子铂（Ⅱ）配合物和多核铂（Ⅱ）配合物,总结了这些化合物的抗肿瘤机理、活性。     

A Carbohydrate-Linked Cisplatin Analogue Having Antitumor Activity

An unprotected and intact carbohydrate moiety has been observed for the first time in a transition metal complex. The carbohydrate-linked platinum(II ) complex cis-dichloro[(2-β-D -glucopyranosidyl)propane-1,3-diamine]platinum (see picture) is an analogue of cisplatin and exhibits comparable antitumor activity along with increased solubility in water.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of water-soluble trans-[bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-7R,8R-diamine]platinum(II) complexes with linear or branched alkoxyacetates as leaving groups

Four platinum(II) complexes, trans-[bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-7R,8R-diamine]bis(alkoxyacetato-O,O’) platinum(II) (alkoxyacetate = methoxyacetate (2), ethoxyacetate (3), isopropoxyacetate (4), and tert-butoxyacetate (5)) were synthesized and spectrally characterized. The cytotoxicity of these water-soluble complexes was evaluated by CCK-8 assay in vitro against HCT-116, HepG-2, and A549 cancer cell lines. Most of the complexes had cytotoxic activity against the tested cancer cell lines. Among them, 3 showed more potent antitumor effect than cisplatin or oxaliplatin. Complex 3 could cause HCT-116 cell line death based on an apoptotic pathway since it has a dicyclic moiety similar to 1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane in oxaliplatin. Agarose gel electrophoresis on the interaction between 3 and DNA indicated that it has different behavior from that of cisplatin or oxaliplatin, which has a high correlation with the ligand used.     

Human Serum Albumin Conjugated Nanoparticles for pH and Redox‐Responsive Delivery of a Prodrug of Cisplatin

Platinum anticancer drugs are particularly in need of controlled drug delivery because of their severe side effects. Platinum(IV) agents are designed as prodrugs to reduce the side effects of platinum(II) drugs; however, premature reduction could limit the effect as a prodrug. In this work, a highly biocompatible, pH and redox dual‐responsive delivery system is prepared by using hybrid nanoparticles of human serum albumin (HSA) and calcium phosphate (CaP) for the Pt^IV prodrug of cisplatin. This conjugate is very stable under extracellular conditions, so that it protects the platinum(IV) prodrug in HSA. Upon reaching the acidic and hypoxic environment, the platinum drug is released in its active form and is able to bind to the target DNA. The Pt–HSA/CaP hybrid inhibits the proliferation of various cancer cells more efficiently than cisplatin. Different cell cycle arrests suggest different cellular responses of the Pt^IV prodrug in the CaP nanocarrier. Interestingly, this delivery system demonstrates enhanced cytotoxicity to tumor cells, but not to normal cells.     

Platinum-Based TREM2 Inhibitor Suppresses Tumors by Remodeling the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) is a key pro-tumorigenic marker of tumor-infiltrating macrophages, showing potent immunosuppressive activity in tumor microenvironment. A platinum(IV) complex OPA derived from oxaliplatin (OP) and artesunate (ART) exhibited direct cytotoxicity against human colon cancer cells and immunomodulatory activity to inhibit TREM2 on macrophages in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, OPA deterred the tumor growth in mouse models bearing MC38 colorectal tumor by reducing the number of CD206⁺ and CX₃CR1⁺ immunosuppressive macrophages; it also promoted the expansion and infiltration of immunostimulatory dendritic, cytotoxic T, and natural killer cells. OPA is the first small-molecular TREM2 inhibitor capable of relieving immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and enhancing chemical anticancer efficiency of a platinum drug, thus showing typical characteristics of a chemoimmunotherapeutic agent.     

Insertion of (Bioactive) Equatorial Ligands into Platinum(IV) Complexes

Platinum(IV) prodrugs are highly interesting alternatives to platinum(II) anticancer therapeutics due to their increased tumor selectivity and reduced side effects. In contrast to the established theory, we recently observed that the equatorial ligand(s) of e.g. oxaliplatin(IV) complexes can be hydrolyzed with formation of [(DACH)Pt(OH_eq)₂(OAc_ax)₂]. In the work presented here, we investigated the reactivity and synthetic usability of this complex to be exploited as a precursor for the development of novel platinum(IV) complexes, not able to be synthesized by conventional protocols. Indeed, we could substitute the equatorial hydroxido ligand(s) e.g. by one or two monodentate biotin ligands (which would be oxidized under standard methods). The formed complexes turned out to be very stable with slow ligand release after reduction, ideal for long-circulating tumor-targeting strategies. Therefore, two platinum(IV) complexes with equatorial maleimides, capable of exploiting serum albumin as a natural nanocarrier, were synthesized as well. The complexes showed massively prolonged plasma half-life and distinctly improved anticancer activity in vivo compared to oxaliplatin. Taken together, the newly developed synthetic platform allows the simple and specific insertion of equatorial ligands into platinum(IV) complexes. This will enable the attachment of three different (bioactive) moieties generating targeted triple-action platinum(IV) prodrugs within one single platinum complex.     

A Photoactivatable Platinum(IV) Complex Targeting Genomic DNA and Histone Deacetylases

We report toxic effects of a photoactivatable platinum(IV) complex conjugated with suberoyl‐bis‐hydroxamic acid in tumor cells. The conjugate exerts, after photoactivation, two functions: activity as both a platinum(II) anticancer drug and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in cancer cells. This approach relies on the use of a Pt^IV pro‐drug, acting by two independent mechanisms of biological action in a cooperative manner, which can be selectively photoactivated to a cytotoxic species in and around a tumor, thereby increasing selectivity towards cancer cells. These results suggest that this strategy is a valuable route to design new platinum agents with higher efficacy for photodynamic anticancer chemotherapy.     

Advances in Platinum Chemotherapeutics

The approved platinum(II)‐based anticancer agents cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are widely utilised in the clinic, although with numerous disadvantages. With the aim of circumventing unwanted side‐effects, a great deal of research is being conducted in the areas of cancer‐specific targeting, drug administration and drug delivery. The targeting of platinum complexes to cancerous tissues can be achieved by the attachment of small molecules with biological significance. In addition, the administration of platinum complexes in the form of platinum(IV) allows for intracellular reduction to release the active form of the drug, cisplatin. Drug delivery includes such technologies as liposomes, dendrimers, polymers and nanotubes, with all showing promise for the delivery of platinum compounds. In this paper we highlight some of the recent advances in the field of platinum chemotherapeutics, with a focus on the technologies that attempt to utilise the cytotoxic nature of cisplatin, whilst improving drug targeting to reduce side‐effects.     

钯(Ⅱ)类抗肿瘤药物研究进展

20世纪60年代,美国密执安州立大学Rosenberg发现了顺铂具有抗癌活性,开辟了金属类抗肿瘤药物研究的新领域.经过40余年的研究,已相继成功开发了卡铂、奈达铂、奥沙利铂、舒铂、洛铂和双环铂等铂类抗肿瘤药物.虽然对于铂类抗肿瘤药物研究取得了一定的成绩,但在临床使用过程中也存在一些问题,如其毒副作用和抗药性,限制了其在临床上的进一步广泛应用.为了解决这些问题,科研工作者开始寻找新的金属类抗肿瘤药物以弥补现有铂类抗肿瘤药物的不足.在金属元素中,唯有钯(II)与铂(II)配合物具有相似或相同的结构特征,进而表现出相近或相似的化学性质.因此,继铂类抗肿瘤配合物后,钯(II)配合物作为潜在抗肿瘤药物成为一个诱人的领域.本文综述了近年来钯(II)类抗肿瘤药物的研究进展,并探讨了其构效关系,这对于指导新型钯(II)类抗肿瘤药物的合成具有重要的参考价值.