Efficient and specific strand scission of DNA by a dinuclear copper complex: comparative reactivity of complexes with linked tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine moieties

The compound [Cu(II)(2)(D(1))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(4) (D(1) = dinucleating ligand with two tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine units covalently linked in their 5-pyridyl positions by a -CH(2)CH(2)- bridge) selectively promotes cleavage of DNA on oligonucleotide strands that extend from the 3' side of frayed duplex structures at a site two residues displaced from the junction. The minimal requirements for reaction include a guanine in the n (i.e. first unpaired) position of the 3' overhang adjacent to the cleavage site and an adenine in the n position on the 5' overhang. Recognition and strand scission are independent of the nucleobase at the cleavage site. The necessary presence of both a reductant and dioxygen indicates that the intermediate responsible for cleavage is produced by the activation of dioxygen by a copper(I) form of the dinuclear complex. The lack of sensitivity to radical quenching agents and the high level of site selectivity in scission suggest a mechanism that does not involve a diffusible radical species. The multiple metal center exhibits a synergy to promote efficient cleavage as compared to the action of a mononuclear analogue [Cu(II)(TMPA)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) (TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) and [Cu(OP)(2)](2+) (OP = 1,10-phenanthroline) at equivalent copper ion concentrations. The dinuclear complex, [Cu(II)(2)(D(1))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(4), is even capable of mediating efficient specific strand scission at concentrations where [Cu(OP)(2)](2+) does not detectably modify DNA. The unique coordination and reactivity properties of [Cu(II)(2)(D(1))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(4) are critical for its efficiency and site selectivity since an analogue, [Cu(II)(2)(DO)(Cl(2))](ClO(4))(2), where DO is a dinucleating ligand very similar to D(1), but with a -CH(2)OCH(2)- bridge, exhibits only nonselective cleavage of DNA. The differences in the reactivity of these two complexes with DNA and their previously established interaction with dioxygen suggest that specific strand scission is a function of the orientation of a reactive intermediate.     

The interaction of copper-bipyridyl complex with DNA and cleavage to DNA.

The interaction of a copper-bipyridyl (bpy) complex with CT-DNA was investigated by voltammetry, absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The binding constant of the Cu(bpy)2(2+) complex interacting with DNA was 3.24 x 10(4) L/mol and the ability binding of Cu(bpy)2(2+) to DNA was 1.3-times as large as that of Cu(bpy)2+ to DNA. DNA could be efficiently cleaved by a potential-modulated method in the presence of the Cu(bpy)2(2+) complex. The fragments of the cleaved DNA were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental results revealed that the proposed method for DNA cleavage is highly efficient.     

The first dinuclear copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes containing novel Bis-TACN: syntheses, structures, and DNA cleavage activities

Two novel binuclear complexes [Cu(2)(L)].(ClO(4))(2) (1) and [Zn(2)(L)].(ClO(4))(2) (2) were synthesized and crystallographically characterized {L = 1(4),5(4)-dimethyl-1(2),5(2)-dihydroxy-1(1,3),5(1,3)-dibenzene-3(1,4),7(1,4)-di-1,4,7-triazacyclononane}. The cation [Cu(2)(L)](2+) structure of 1 is similar to that of [Zn(2)(L)](2+) of 2. The central ion is bridged by the di-phenoxo of L and lies in a close to perfect square pyramidal geometry. 1 and 2 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1. The two complexes effectively promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA in the presence of activating agents at physiological pH and temperature. The pseudo-Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters k(cat) = 1.61 h(-1), K(m) = 1.35 x 10(-5) M for complex 1 in the presence of mercaptoethanol; k(cat) = 2.48 h(-1), K(m) = 5.5 x 10(-5)M for complex 2 in the presence of hydrogen peroxide were obtained. The mechanism of plasmid DNA cleavage was studied by adding standard radical scavengers. DNA cleavage reaction by the binuclear Zn(II)/H(2)O(2) system is a hydrolytic mechanism.     

Potential-modulated DNA cleavage by (N-salicylideneglycinato)copper(II) complex.

The interaction of aqua (N-salicylideneglycinato)copper(II) (Cu(salgly)2+) complex with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Potential-modulated DNA cleavage in the presence of Cu(salgly)2+ complex was performed at a gold electrode in a thin layer cell. DNA can be efficiently cleaved by electrochemically reducing Cu(salgly)2+ complex to Cu(salgly)+ complex at -0.7 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). When the solution was aerated with a small flow of O2 during electrolysis, the extent of DNA cleavage was dramatically enhanced, and hydroxyl radical scavengers inhibited DNA cleavage. These results suggested that O2 and hydroxyl radical were involved in potential-modulated DNA cleavage reaction. The percentage of DNA cleavage was enhanced as the working potential was shifted to more negative values and the electrolysis time was increased. It was also dependent on the ratio of Cu(salgly)2+ complex to DNA concentration. The cleaved DNA fragments were separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental results indicated that the method for potential-modulated DNA cleavage by Cu(salgly)2+ complex was simple and efficient.     

Detection of damage to DNA and antioxidative activity of yeast polysaccharides at the DNA-modified screen-printed electrode

A simple procedure for the voltammetric detection of the DNA damage and antioxidants protecting DNA from its damage using a disposable electrochemical DNA biosensor is reported. The carbon-based screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified by a surface layer of the calf thymus double stranded (ds) DNA was used as a working electrode in combination with a silver/silver chloride reference electrode and a separate platinum auxiliary electrode. The [Co(phen)(3)](3+) ion served as the dsDNA redox marker and the [Cu(phen)(2)](2+) and [Fe(EDTA)](-) complex compounds were used as the DNA cleavage agents under the reduction by a chemical reductant (ascorbic acid). Four yeast polysaccharides with different chemical structure were investigated as the antioxidants within the concentration range of 0.05-4 mg ml(-1) in the cleavage mixture. A remarkable antioxidative activity of polysaccharides in order mannan (Candida krusei)>extracellular glucomannan (Candida utilis)>mannan (Candida albicans)>glucomannan (C. utilis) was found which is in agreement with that refered to trolox (a structural derivative of alpha-tocopherol) and determined by photochemiluminescent method.     

Efficient plasmid DNA cleavage by copper(II) complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligands featuring xylyl-linked guanidinium groups

Three new metal-coordinating ligands, L(1), L(2), and L(3), have been prepared by appending o-, m-, and p-xylylguanidine pendants, respectively, to one of the nitrogen atoms of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn). The copper(II) complexes of these ligands are able to accelerate cleavage of the P-O bonds within the model phosphodiesters bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) and [2-(hydroxypropyl)-p-nitrophenyl]phosphate (HPNPP), as well as supercoiled pBR 322 plasmid DNA. Their reactivity toward BNPP and HPNPP is not significantly different from that of the nonguanidinylated analogues, [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) and [Cu(1-benzyl-tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+), but they cleave plasmid DNA at considerably faster rates than either of these two complexes. The complex of L(1), [Cu(L(1)H(+))(OH(2))(2)](3+), is the most active of the series, cleaving the supercoiled plasmid DNA (form I) to the relaxed circular form (form II) with a k(obs) value of (2.7 ± 0.3) × 10(-4) s(-1), which corresponds to a rate enhancement of 22- and 12-fold compared to those of [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) and [Cu(1-benzyl-tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+), respectively. Because of the relatively fast rate of plasmid DNA cleavage, an observed rate constant of (1.2 ± 0.5) × 10(-5) s(-1) for cleavage of form II DNA to form III was also able to be determined. The X-ray crystal structures of the copper(II) complexes of L(1) and L(3) show that the distorted square-pyramidal copper(II) coordination sphere is occupied by three nitrogen atoms from the tacn ring and two chloride ions. In both complexes, the protonated guanidinium pendants extend away from the metal and form hydrogen bonds with solvent molecules and counterions present in the crystal lattice. In the complex of L(1), the distance between the guanidinium group and the copper(II) center is similar to that separating the adjacent phosphodiester groups in DNA (ca. 6 ?). The overall geometry of the complex is also such that if the guanidinium group were to form charge-assisted hydrogen-bonding interactions with a phosphodiester group, a metal-bound hydroxide would be well-positioned to affect the nucleophilic attack on the neighboring phosphodiester linkage. The enhanced reactivity of the complex of L(1) at neutral pH appears to also be, in part, due to the relatively low pK(a) of 6.4 for one of the coordinated water molecules.     

Phosphatase-like activity, DNA binding, DNA hydrolysis, anticancer and lactate dehydrogenase inhibition activity promoting by a new bis-phenanthroline dicopper(II) complex

A new bis-phenanthroline dicopper(II) complex has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The molecular structure of the dinuclear Cu(II) complex [Cu(2)(μ-CH(3)COO)(μ-H(2)O)(μ-OH)(phen)(2)](2+) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) (1) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The coordination environment around each Cu(II) ion in complex 1 can be described as slightly distorted square pyramidal geometry. The distance between the CuCu centers in the complex is found to be 2.987 ?. The electronic, redox, phosphate hydrolysis, DNA binding and DNA cleavage have been studied. The antiproliferative effect of complex 1 was confirmed by the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme level in MCF-7 cancer cell lysate and content media. The dicopper(II) complex inhibited the LDH enzyme as well as the growth of the human breast cancer MCF7 cell line at an IC(50) value of 0.011 μg ml(-1). The results strongly suggest that complex 1 is a good cancer therapeutic agent. Electrochemical studies of complex 1 showed an irreversible, followed by a quasi-reversible, one electron reduction processes between -0.20 to -0.8 V. Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate by complex 1 are k(cat) = 3.56 × 10(-2) s(-1) and K(M) = 4.3 × 10(-2) M. Complex 1 shows good binding propensity to calf thymus DNA, with a binding constant value of 1.3 (±0.13) × 10(5) M(-1) (s = 2.1). The size of the binding site and viscosity data suggest a DNA intercalative binding nature of the complex. Complex 1 shows efficient hydrolytic cleavage of supercoiled pBR322-DNA in the dark and in the absence of any external reagents, as demonstrated by the T4 ligase experiment. The pseudo-Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters for DNA hydrolysis by complex 1 are k(cat) = 1.27 ± 0.4 h(-1) and K(M) = 7.7 × 10(-2) M.     

Triisopropyltriazacyclononane copper(II): an efficient phosphodiester hydrolysis catalyst and DNA cleavage agent

A 6000-fold rate enhancement has been observed for the hydrolysis of bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) in the presence of 0.2 mM Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) at pH 9.2 and 50 degrees C. In a direct comparison, the rate of hydrolysis of BNPP is accelerated at least 60-fold over the previously reported catalyst Cu([9]aneN(3))(2+). As observed for Cu([9]aneN(3))(2+), hydrolysis is selective for diesters over monoesters. Hydrolysis of BNPP by Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) is catalytic, exhibiting both rate enhancement and turnover. The reaction is inhibited by both p-nitrophenyl phosphate and inorganic phosphate. The reaction is first-order in substrate and half-order in metal complex, with a k(1.5) of 0.060 +/- 0.004 M(-1/2) s(-1) at 50 degrees C. The temperature dependence of the rate constant results in a calculated activation enthalpy (Delta H(++) of 51 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1) and activation entropy (Delta S(++)) of -110 +/- 6 J mol(-1) K(-1). The kinetic pK(a) of 7.8 +/- 0.2 is close to the thermodynamic pK(a) of 7.9 +/- 0.2, consistent with deprotonation of a coordinated water molecule in the active form of the catalyst. The active catalyst [Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(OH)(OH(2))](+) is in equilibrium with an inactive dimer, and the formation constant for this dimer is between 216 and 1394 M(-1) at pH 9.2 and 50 degrees C. Temperature dependence of the dimer formation constant K(f) indicates an endothermic enthalpy of formation for the dimer of 27 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1). The time course of anaerobic DNA cleavage by Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) is presented over a wide range of concentrations at pH 7.8 at 50 degrees C. The concentration dependence of DNA cleavage by Cu([9]aneN(3))(2+) and Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) reveals a maximum cleavage efficiency at sub-micromolar concentrations of cleavage agent. DNA cleavage by Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) is twice as efficient at pH 7.8 as at pH 7.2.     

Two new ternary complexes of copper(II) with tetracycline or doxycycline and 1,10-phenanthroline and their potential as antitumoral: cytotoxicity and DNA cleavage

This paper reports on the synthesis and characterization of two new ternary copper(II) complexes: [Cu(doxycycline)(1,10-phenanthroline)(H(2)O)(ClO(4))](ClO(4)) (1) and [Cu(tetracycline)(1,10-phenanthroline)(H(2)O)(ClO(4))](ClO(4)) (2). These compounds exhibit a distorted tetragonal geometry around copper, which is coordinated to two bidentate ligands, 1,10-phenanthroline and tetracycline or doxycyline, a water molecule, and a perchlorate ion weakly bonded in the axial positions. In both compounds, copper(II) binds to tetracyclines via the oxygen of the hydroxyl group and oxygen of the amide group at ring A and to 1,10-phenanthroline via its two heterocyclic nitrogens. We have evaluated the binding of the new complexes to DNA, their capacity to cleave it, their cytotoxic activity, and uptake in tumoral cells. The complexes bind to DNA preferentially by the major groove, and then cleave its strands by an oxidative mechanism involving the generation of ROS. The cleavage of DNA was inhibited by radical inhibitors and/or trappers such as superoxide dismutase, DMSO, and the copper(I) chelator bathocuproine. The enzyme T4 DNA ligase was not able to relegate the products of DNA cleavage, which indicates that the cleavage does not occur via a hydrolytic mechanism. Both complexes present an expressive plasmid DNA cleavage activity generating single- and double-strand breaks, under mild reaction conditions, and even in the absence of any additional oxidant or reducing agent. In the same experimental conditions, [Cu(phen)(2)](2+) is approximately 100-fold less active than our complexes. These complexes are among the most potent DNA cleavage agents reported so far. Both complexes inhibit the growth of K562 cells with the IC(50) values of 1.93 and 2.59 μmol L(-1) for compounds 1 and 2, respectively. The complexes are more active than the free ligands, and their cytotoxic activity correlates with intracellular copper concentration and the number of Cu-DNA adducts formed inside cells.     

Selective DNA strand scission with binuclear copper complexes: implications for an active Cu2-O2 species

A homologous series of binuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu(II)(2)(Nn)(Y)(2)](2+) (1-3) (n = 3-5 and Y = (ClO(4))(-) or (NO(3))(-)) were studied to investigate the intermediate(s) responsible for selective DNA strand scission in the presence of MPA/O(2) (MPA = 3-mercaptopropanoic acid). While the N3 complex does not react, the N4 and N5 analogues show comparable activity with strand scission occurring at a single-strand/double-strand junction. Identical reactivity is also observed in the alternate presence of H(2)O(2). Spectroscopic and reactivity studies with [Cu(II)(2)(N4)(Y)(2)](2+) (2) and H(2)O(2) are consistent with DNA oxidation mediated by formation of a side-on peroxodicopper(II) (Cu(2)-O(2)) complex.     

Interaction of rac-[Cu(diimine)3]2+ and rac-[Zn(diimine)3]2+ complexes with CT DNA: effect of fluxional Cu(II) geometry on DNA binding, ligand-promoted exciton coupling and prominent DNA cleavage

The complexes [Cu(phen)(3)](ClO(4))(2) 1, [Cu(5,6-dmp)(3)](ClO(4))(2) 2, [Cu(dpq)(3)](ClO(4))(2) 3, [Zn(phen)(3)](ClO(4))(2) 4, [Zn(5,6-dmp)(3)](ClO(4))(2) 5 and [Zn(dpq)(3)](ClO(4))(2) 6, where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 5,6-dmp = 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and dpq = dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline, have been isolated, characterized and their interaction with calf thymus DNA studied by using a host of physical methods. The X-ray crystal structures of rac-[Cu(5,6-dmp)(3)](ClO(4))(2) and rac-[Zn(5,6-dmp)(3)](ClO(4))(2) have been determined. While 2 possesses a regular elongated octahedral coordination geometry (REO), 5 possesses a distorted octahedral geometry. Absorption spectral titrations of the Cu(II) complexes with CT DNA reveal that the red-shift (12 nm) and DNA binding affinity of 3 (K(b), 7.5 x 10(4) M(-1)) are higher than those of 1 (red-shift, 6 nm; K(b), 9.6 x 10(3) M(-1)) indicating that the partial insertion of the extended phen ring of dpq ligand in between the DNA base pairs is deeper than that of phen ring. Also, 2 with a fluxional Cu(II) geometry interacts with DNA (K(b), 3.8 x 10(4) M(-1)) more strongly than 1 suggesting that the hydrophobic forces of interaction of 5,6 methyl groups on the phen ring is more pronounced than the partial intercalation of phen ring in the latter with a static geometry. The DNA binding affinity of 1 is lower than that of its Zn(ii) analogue 4, and, interestingly, the DNA binding affinity 2 of with a fluxional geometry is higher than that of its Zn(II) analogue 5 with a spherical geometry. It is remarkable that upon binding to DNA 3 shows an increase in viscosity higher than that the intercalator EthBr does, which is consistent with the above DNA binding affinities. The CD spectra show only one induced CD band on the characteristic positive band of CT DNA upon interaction with the phen (1,4) and dpq (3,6) complexes. In contrast, the 5,6-dmp complexes 2 and 5 bound to CT DNA show exciton-coupled biphasic CD signals with 2 showing CD signals more intense than 5. The Delta-enantiomer of rac-[Cu(5,6-dmp)(3)](2+) 2 binds specifically to the right-handed B-form of CT DNA at lower ionic strength (0.05 M NaCl) while the Lambda-enantiomer binds specifically to the left-handed Z-form of CT DNA generated by treating the B-form with 5 M NaCl. The complex 2 is stabilized in the higher oxidation state of Cu(II) more than its phen analogue 1 upon binding to DNA suggesting the involvement of electrostatic forces in DNA interaction of the former. In contrast, 3 bound to DNA is stabilized as Cu(I) rather than the Cu(II) oxidation state due to partial intercalative interaction of the dpq ligand. The efficiencies of the complexes to oxidatively cleave pUC19 DNA vary in the order, 3> 1 > 2 with 3 effecting 100% cleavage even at 10 microM complex concentration. However, interestingly, this order is reversed when the DNA cleavage is performed using H(2)O(2) as an activator and the highest cleavage efficiency of 2 is ascribed to its electrostatic interaction with the exterior phosphates of DNA.     

Factors that control catalytic two- versus four-electron reduction of dioxygen by copper complexes

The selective two-electron reduction of O(2) by one-electron reductants such as decamethylferrocene (Fc*) and octamethylferrocene (Me(8)Fc) is efficiently catalyzed by a binuclear Cu(II) complex [Cu(II)(2)(LO)(OH)](2+) (D1) {LO is a binucleating ligand with copper-bridging phenolate moiety} in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (HOTF) in acetone. The protonation of the hydroxide group of [Cu(II)(2)(LO)(OH)](2+) with HOTF to produce [Cu(II)(2)(LO)(OTF)](2+) (D1-OTF) makes it possible for this to be reduced by 2 equiv of Fc* via a two-step electron-transfer sequence. Reactions of the fully reduced complex [Cu(I)(2)(LO)](+) (D3) with O(2) in the presence of HOTF led to the low-temperature detection of the absorption spectra due to the peroxo complex [Cu(II)(2)(LO)(OO)] (D) and the protonated hydroperoxo complex [Cu(II)(2)(LO)(OOH)](2+) (D4). No further Fc* reduction of D4 occurs, and it is instead further protonated by HOTF to yield H(2)O(2) accompanied by regeneration of [Cu(II)(2)(LO)(OTF)](2+) (D1-OTF), thus completing the catalytic cycle for the two-electron reduction of O(2) by Fc*. Kinetic studies on the formation of Fc*(+) under catalytic conditions as well as for separate examination of the electron transfer from Fc* to D1-OTF reveal there are two important reaction pathways operating. One is a rate-determining second reduction of D1-OTF, thus electron transfer from Fc* to a mixed-valent intermediate [Cu(II)Cu(I)(LO)](2+) (D2), which leads to [Cu(I)(2)(LO)](+) that is coupled with O(2) binding to produce [Cu(II)(2)(LO)(OO)](+) (D). The other involves direct reaction of O(2) with the mixed-valent compound D2 followed by rapid Fc* reduction of a putative superoxo-dicopper(II) species thus formed, producing D.     

Synthesis of [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+)-tethered oligo-DNA and studies on the metallointercalation mode into the DNA duplex

To explore the binding properties of [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+) complex (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) in a sequence-specific manner in DNA duplex, it was tethered through the dppz ligand to a central position as well as both at the 3'- and 5'-ends of oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN). The middle [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+)-ODN tethered was resolved and isolated as four pure diastereomers, while the 3'- or 5'-[Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+)-ODNs were inseparable on RP-HPLC. Thermal stability of the (Ru(2+)-ODN).DNA duplexes is found to increase considerably (DeltaT(m) = 12.8-23.4 degrees C), depending upon the site of the covalent attachment of the tethered [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+) complex, or the chirality of the [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+)-linker tethered at the middle of the ODN, compared to the unlabeled counterpart. Gross differences in CD between the [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+)-tethered and the native DNA duplexes showed that the global duplex conformation of the former has considerably altered from the B-type, but is still recognized by DNase I. The thermal melting studies, CD measurements, as well as DNase I digestion data, are interpreted as a result of intercalation of the dppz moiety, which is realized by threading of the Ru(phen)(2) complex part through the DNA duplex core. DNase I footprinting with four diastereomerically pure middle ([Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+)-ODN).DNA duplexes furthermore showed that the tethered [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+)-linker chirality dictates the stereochemical accessibility of various phosphodiester moieties (around the intercalation site) toward the cleavage reaction by the enzyme. The diastereomerically pure ruthenium-modified duplexes, with the well-defined pi-stack, will be useful to explore stereochemistry-dependent energy- and electron-transfer chemistry to understand oxidative damage to the DNA double helix as well as the long-range energy- and electron-transfer processes with DNA as a reactant.     

Evaluation of the redox properties and anti/pro-oxidant effects of selected flavonoids by means of a DNA-based electrochemical biosensor

Quercetin and rutin as well as catechin and epigallocatechin gallate were investigated, as widely distributed representatives of flavonols and flavanols, respectively, regarding their anti/pro-oxidant properties. The flavonoids are irreversibly oxidized at a dsDNA-modified screen-printed electrode within 0.368 to 0.449 V vs. SHE without binding to DNA. Using the DNA biosensor the detection scheme of a DNA prevention/degradation exploits the [Co(phen)(3)](3+) complex as an electrochemical DNA marker. Antioxidant activity of flavonoids was tested in a model cleavage mixture composed of 5 x 10(-7) mol L(-1) [Cu(phen)(2)](2+) as the catalyst, 1 x 10(-3) mol L(-1) ascorbic acid as the chemical reductant and atmospheric oxygen as the natural oxidant where reactive oxygen radicals are generated. The antioxidant activity increases with the concentration of flavonoids reaching a maximum where pro-oxidative behaviour becomes of importance. The pro-oxidant potency of flavonoids depends on the presence of atmospheric oxygen and follows the order quercetin>rutin>epigallocatechin gallate>catechin.     

Synthesis, DNA-binding, cleavage, and cytotoxic activity of new 1,7-dioxa-4,10-diazacyclododecane artificial receptors containing bisguanidinoethyl or diaminoethyl double side arms

Novel 1,7-dioxa-4,10-diazacyclododecane artificial receptors with two pendant aminoethyl (3) or guanidinoethyl (4) side arms have been synthesized. Spectroscopy, including fluorescence and CD spectroscopy, of the interactions of 3, 4, and their copper(II) complexes with calf thymus DNA indicated that the DNA binding affinity of these compounds follows the order Cu(2+)-4>Cu(2+)-3>4>3, and the binding constants of Cu(2+)-3 are Cu(2+)-4 are 7.2x10(4) and 8.7x10(4) M(-1), respectively. Assessment by agarose gel electrophoresis of the plasmid pUC 19 DNA cleavage activity in the presence of the receptors showed that the complexes Cu(2+)-3 and Cu(2+)-4 exhibit powerful supercoiled DNA cleavage efficiency. Kinetic data of DNA cleavage promoted by Cu(2+)-3 and Cu(2+)-4 under physiological conditions fit to a saturation kinetic profile with kmax values of 0.865 and 0.596 h(-1), respectively, which give about 10(8)-fold rate acceleration over uncatalyzed supercoiled DNA. This acceleration is due to efficient cooperative catalysis of the copper(II) center and the functional (diamino or bisguanidinium) groups. In-vitro cytotoxic activities toward murine melanoma B16 cells and human leukemia HL-60 cells were also examined: Cu(2+)-4 shows the highest activity with IC(50) values of 1.62x10(-4) and 1.19x10(-5) M, respectively.     

Structures and DNA-binding and cleavage properties of ternary copper(II) complexes of glycine with phenanthroline, bipyridine, and bipyridylamine

The crystal structures of the series of three complexes, [Cu(Gly)(bpy)Cl].2H2O (1) (Gly=glycine; bpy=2,2'-bipyridine), [Cu(Gly)(phen)Cl]2.7H2O (2) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), and [Cu(Gly)(bpa)(H2O)Cl] (3) (bpa=2,2'-bipyridylamine) were determined, and the coordination modes of Cu(II) ternary complexes were compared. The central Cu(II) atoms of complexes 1 and 3 have a similar distorted octahedral coordination geometry, while the Cu(II) atom of complex 2 has a distorted square pyramidal coordination. In all complexes, the aromatic heterocyclic compounds bpy, phen, and bpa, behave as a bidentate N,N' ligand, and Gly behaves as a bidentate N,O ligand. DNA-binding properties of the complexes to calf thymus (CT) DNA were studied by using the fluorescence method. Each of the complexes showed binding propensity to CT DNA with the relative order 2>3> or =1. DNA cleavage studies indicate that each of the complexes, especially 2, can cleave plasmid supercoiled pBR322 DNA in the presence of H2O2 and ascorbic acid with cleavage efficiency in the order 2>3 approximately 1. The degradation of the conformation of CT DNA by the complexes was also reflected in the decrease in the intensities of the characteristic CD bands with the relative order 2>3 approximately 1.     

Targeted strand scission of DNA substrates by a tricopper(II) coordination complex

A trinuclear copper complex, [Cu(3)(II)(L)(H(2)O)(3)(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(4).5H(2)O (1) (L = 2,2',2' '-tris(dipicolylamino)triethylamine), with pyridyl and alkylamine coordination exhibits a remarkable ability to promote specific strand scission at junctions between single- and double-stranded DNA. Strand scission occurs on the 3' overhang at the junction of a hairpin or frayed duplex structure and is not dependent on the identity of the base at which cleavage occurs. Target recognition minimally requires a purine at the first unpaired position and a guanine at the second unpaired position on the 5' strand. Incorporation of the necessary recognition elements into an otherwise unreactive junction resulted in specific strand scission at that new target and helped to confirm the predictive nature of this complex. Selective strand scission requires both a reductant and dioxygen, suggesting activation of O(2) by the reduced form of 1. The reaction utilizing the trinuclear complex does not appear to involve a diffusible radical species as suggested by its high specificity of target oxidation and its lack of sensitivity to radical quenching agents. Comparisons between the trinuclear copper complex, mononuclear analogues of 1, and [Cu(OP)(2)](2+) (OP = 1,10-phenanthroline) indicate that recognition and reactivity described in this report are dependent on the multiple metal ions within the same complex which together support its unique activity.     

Double-strand DNA cleavage from photodecarboxylation of (micro-oxo)diiron(III) L-histidine complex in visible light

The oxo-bridged diiron(III) complex [{Fe(L-his)(dpq)}(2)(micro-O)](2+) having L-histidine (L-his) and dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq) bound to Fe(III) exemplifies an iron-based model photonuclease that shows visible light-induced DNA double-strand cleavage in a photodecarboxylation pathway and models iron-bleomycin activity.     

Binuclear copper(II) complexes of xylyl-bridged bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligands

Copper(II) complexes of three bis(tacn) ligands, [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-X)Cl(4)] (1), [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-X)(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(4).H(2)O.NaClO(4) (2), and [Cu(2)(T(2)-p-X)Cl(4)] (3), were prepared by reacting a Cu(II) salt and L.6HCl (2:1 ratio) in neutral aqueous solution [T(2)-o-X = 1,2-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene; T(2)-m-X = 1,3-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene; T(2)-p-X = 1,4-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene]. Crystals of [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-X)(NPP)(mu-OH)](ClO(4)).H(2)O (4) formed at pH = 7.4 in a solution containing 2 and disodium 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (Na(2)NPP). The binuclear complexes [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-XAc(2))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (5) and [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-XAc(2))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (6) were obtained on addition of Cu(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O to aqueous solutions of the bis(tetradentate) ligands T(2)-o-XAc(2) (1,2-bis((4-(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)methyl)benzene and T(2)-m-XAc(2) (1,3-bis((4-(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)methyl)benzene), respectively. In the binuclear complex, 3, three N donors from one macrocycle and two chlorides occupy the distorted square pyramidal Cu(II) coordination sphere. The complex features a long Cu...Cu separation (11.81 A) and intermolecular interactions that give rise to weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) centers. Complex 4 contains binuclear cations with a single hydroxo and p-nitrophenyl phosphate bridging two Cu(II) centers (Cu...Cu = 3.565(2) A). Magnetic susceptibility studies indicated the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers (J = -275 cm(-1)). Measurements of the rate of BNPP (bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate) hydrolysis by a number of these metal complexes revealed the greatest rate of cleavage for [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-X)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (k = 5 x 10(-6) s(-1) at pH = 7.4 and T = 50 degrees C). Notably, the mononuclear [Cu(Me(3)tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) complex induces a much faster rate of cleavage (k = 6 x 10(-5) s(-1) under the same conditions).     

Detection of the His-heme Fe2+-NO species in the reduction of NO to N2O by ba3-oxidase from thermus thermophilus

Reaction pathways in the enzymatic formation and cleavage of the N-N and N-O bonds, respectively, are difficult to verify without the structure of the intermediates, but we now have such information on the heme a(3)(2+)-NO species formed in the reaction of ba(3)-oxidase with NO from resonance Raman spectroscopy. We have identified the His-heme a(3)(2+)-NO/Cu(B)(1+) species by its characteristic Fe-NO and N-O stretching frequencies at 539 and 1620 cm(-)(1), respectively. The Fe-NO and N-O frequencies in ba(3)-oxidase are 21 and 7 cm(-)(1) lower and higher, respectively, than those observed in Mb-NO. From these results and earlier Raman and FTIR measurements, we demonstrate that the protein environment of the proximal His384 that is part of the Q-proton pathway controls the strength of the Fe-His384 bond upon ligand (CO vs NO) binding. We also show by time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy that Cu(B)(1+) has a much lower affinity for NO than for CO. We suggest that the reduction of NO to N(2)O by ba(3)-oxidase proceeds by the fast binding of the first NO molecule to heme a(3) with high-affinity, and the second NO molecule binds to Cu(B) with low-affinity, producing the temporal co-presence of two NO molecules in the heme-copper center. The low-affinity of Cu(B) for NO binding also explains the NO reductase activity of the ba(3)-oxidase as opposed to other heme-copper oxidases. With the identification of the His-heme a(3)(2+)-NO/Cu(B)(1+) species, the structure of the binuclear heme a(3)-Cu(B)(1+) center in the initial step of the NO reduction mechanism is known.