Interaction and photodynamic activity of cationic porphyrin derivatives bearing different patterns of charge distribution with GMP and DNA

The interaction of amphiphilic cationic porphyrins, containing different patterns of meso-substitution by 4-(3-N,N,N-trimethylammoniumpropoxy)phenyl (A) and 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (B) groups, with guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP) and calf thymus DNA have been studied by optical methods in phosphate buffer solution. The properties of these synthetic porphyrins were compared with those of representative standard of anionic 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-sulphonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS₄⁴⁻) and cationic 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-N,N,N-trimethylammonium phenyl)porphyrin (TMAP⁴⁺). Stable complexes with GMP were found for cationic porphyrins, except for monocationic AB₃⁺. The binding constant (K_GMP  10⁴ M⁻¹) follows the order: A₃B³⁺  ABAB²⁺ > A₄⁴⁺  TMAP⁴⁺. Also, interaction with DNA was observed for all evaluated cationic porphyrins. For these related cationic porphyrins, the binding constant (K_DNA  10⁵ M⁻¹) increases with the number of cationic charges. On the other hand, the photodynamic activity of porphyrins was analyzed in solution of GMP and DNA. Monocationic AB₃⁺ is a less effective sensitizer to oxidize GMP in comparison with the other cationic porphyrins, in agreement with the lack of detected interaction with this nucleotide. The electrophoretic analysis of DNA indicates that photocleavage takes place when the samples are exposed to photoexcited tricationic and tetracationic porphyrins. In the presence of sodium azide the DNA decomposition was diminished. Also, reduction in the DNA photocleavage was observed under anoxic condition, indicating that oxygen is essential for DNA photocleavage sensitized by these cationic porphyrins. In addition, an increase in DNA degradation was not observed in deuteriated water. Therefore, an important contribution of type I photoreaction processes could be occurring in the DNA photodamage sensitized by these cationic porphyrins. These results provide a better understanding of the characteristics needed for sensitizers to produce efficient DNA photocleavage.     

Stable Anticancer Gold(III)–Porphyrin Complexes: Effects of Porphyrin Structure

In the design of physiologically stable anticancer gold(III) complexes, we have employed strongly chelating porphyrinato ligands to stabilize a gold(III) ion [Chem. Commun. 2003 , 1718; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2009 , 253, 1682]. In this work, a family of gold(III) tetraarylporphyrins with porphyrinato ligands containing different peripheral substituents on the meso‐aryl rings were prepared, and these complexes were used to study the structure–bioactivity relationship. The cytotoxic IC₅₀ values of [Au(Por)]⁺ (Por=porphyrinato ligand), which range from 0.033 to >100 μM , correlate with their lipophilicity and cellular uptake. Some of them induce apoptosis and display preferential cytotoxicity toward cancer cells than to normal noncancerous cells. A new gold(III)–porphyrin with saccharide conjugation [Au(4‐glucosyl‐TPP)]Cl ( 2 a ; H₂(4‐glucosyl‐TPP)=meso‐tetrakis(4‐β‐D ‐glucosylphenyl)porphyrin) exhibits significant cytostatic activity to cancer cells (IC₅₀=1.2–9.0 μM ) without causing cell death and is much less toxic to lung fibroblast cells (IC₅₀>100 μM ). The gold(III)–porphyrin complexes induce S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest of cancer cells as indicated by flow cytometric analysis, suggesting that the anticancer activity may be, in part, due to termination of DNA replication. The gold(III)–porphyrin complexes can bind to DNA in vitro with binding constants in the range of 4.9×10⁵ to 4.1×10⁶ dm³ mol^?1 as determined by absorption titration. Complexes 2 a and [Au(TMPyP)]Cl₅ ( 4 a ; [H₂TMPyP]⁴⁺=meso‐tetrakis(N‐methylpyridinium‐4‐yl)porphyrin) interact with DNA in a manner similar to the DNA intercalator ethidium bromide as revealed by gel mobility shift assays and viscosity measurements. Both of them also inhibited the topoisomerase I induced relaxation of supercoiled DNA. Complex 4 a , a gold(III) derivative of the known G‐quadruplex‐interactive porphyrin [H₂TMPyP]⁴⁺, can similarly inhibit the amplification of a DNA substrate containing G‐quadruplex structures in a polymerase chain reaction stop assay. In contrast to these reported complexes, complex 2 a and the parental gold(III)–porphyrin 1 a do not display a significant inhibitory effect (<10 %) on telomerase. Based on the results of protein expression analysis and computational docking experiments, the anti‐apoptotic bcl‐2 protein is a potential target for those gold(III)–porphyrin complexes with apoptosis‐inducing properties. Complex 2 a also displays prominent anti‐angiogenic properties in vitro. Taken together, the enhanced stabilization of the gold(III) ion and the ease of structural modification render porphyrins an attractive ligand system in the development of physiologically stable gold(III) complexes with anticancer and anti‐angiogenic activities.     

Binding of Multivalent Anionic Porphyrins to V3 Loop Fragments of an HIV‐1 Envelope and Their Antiviral Activity

Interactions of multivalent anionic porphyrins and their iron(III) complexes with cationic peptides, V3_Ba‐L and V3_IIIB, which correspond to those of the V3 loop regions of the gp120 envelope proteins of the HIV‐1_Ba‐L and HIV‐1_IIIB strains, respectively, are studied by UV/Vis, circular dichroism, ¹H NMR, and EPR spectroscopy, a microcalorimetric titration method, and anti‐HIV assays. Tetrakis(3,5‐dicarboxylatophenyl)porphyrin (P1), tetrakis[4‐(3,5‐dicarboxylatophenylmethoxy)phenyl]porphyrin (P2), and their ferric complexes (Fe^IIIP1 and Fe^IIIP2) were used as the multivalent anionic porphyrins. P1 and Fe^IIIP1 formed stable complexes with both V3 peptides (binding constant K>10⁶ M ^?1) through combined electrostatic and van der Waals interactions. Coordination of the His residues in V3_Ba‐L to the iron center of Fe^IIIP1 also played an important role in the complex stabilization. As P2 and Fe^IIIP2 form self‐aggregates in aqueous solution even at low concentrations, detailed analysis of their interactions with the V3 peptides could not be performed. To ascertain whether the results obtained in the model system are applicable to a real biological system, anti‐HIV‐1_BA‐L and HIV‐1_IIIB activity of the porphyrins is examined by multiple nuclear activation of a galactosidase indicator (MAGI) and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. There is little correlation between chemical analysis and actual anti‐HIV activity, and the size rather than the number of the anionic groups of the porphyrin is important for anti‐HIV activity. All the porphyrins show high selectivity, low cytotoxicity, and high viral activity. Fe^IIIP1 and Fe^IIIP2 are used for the pharmacokinetic study. Half‐lives of these iron porphyrins in serum of male Wistar rats are around 4 to 6 h owing to strong interaction of these porphyrins with serum albumin.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic/electrochemical characterization and DNA interaction study of novel ferrocenyl‐substituted porphyrins

We report the synthesis and characterization of two new meso‐ferrocenylporphyrins, with the ferrocenyl unit attached at the para position of a C₆F₄ group by a C? N bond with ? NH(CH₂)₂NH? ( 2a ) and ? NH(CH₂)₄NH? ( 2b ) spacers. Compounds 2a and 2b were characterized through elemental analyses, electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry, ¹H NMR, UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopies, electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry. The free base porphyrin 2 was included for comparison purposes. The binding ability of 2 and the porphyrin derivatives 2a and 2b with calf thymus DNA was determined using UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results suggest that the interaction of these systems most probably occurs through π‐stacking by non‐classical modes involving the partial insertion of the C₆F₅ ring between adjacent base pairs on DNA and possible hydrogen interaction with the aliphatic ? NH(CH₂)_nNH? (n = 2 or 4) groups with calf thymus DNA. Moreover, we also demonstrate that porphyrins generate singlet oxygen species and show good photostability after irradiation.     

Preparation,characterizations and biological evaluations of new copper(II) complexes containing ONO pincer type ligands

A new heterocyclic Schiff bases, 6‐methyl/8methyl‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxaldehyde semicarbazones (H₂‐6MOQsc‐H) ( H ₂ L ¹ ) and (H₂‐8MOQsc‐H) ( H ₂ L ² ) and their corresponding copper(II) complexes [CuCl₂(H₂‐6MOQsc‐H)].3H₂O ( 1 ), [CuCl₂(H₂‐8MOQsc‐H)].3H₂O ( 2 ), [CuNO₃(H₂‐6MOQsc‐H)(H₂O)].NO₃ ( 3 ) and [CuNO₃(H₂‐8MOQsc‐H)(H₂O)].NO₃ ( 4 ) have been synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical techniques. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction and spectral data revealed that all of the complexes ( 1‐4 ), the ligands coordinated to the Cu(II) ion in a neutral manner via ONO donor atoms and all the complexes exhibited distorted squarepyramidal geometry. The consequence of electronegativity and ring size of nitrogen heterocyclic moiety of ONO donor type of copper(II) chelates on nucleic acid interaction and albumin binding was investigated by in vitro experiments. The interaction of compounds with calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) has been explored by absorption and emission titration, which exposed those ligands/complexes, could bind with CT‐DNA through electrostatic interaction. The results of gel electrophoresis proved the ability of complexes ( 1‐4 ) to cleave the pBR322 plasmid DNA. The interaction of serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by UV‐Vis, fluorescence, synchronous and three dimensional fluorescence spectra. In addition, radical scavenging activity, antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized compounds were also evaluated. From the results of in vitro studies, it is seen that complex 3 has more potential as compared with other complexes and ligands.     

New anticancer zinc(II) complexes comprising thiosemicarbazones of saturated ring: structure,DNA/protein binding,DNA cleavage,topoisomerase‐1 inhibition and anti‐proliferation studies

The reaction of the thiosemicarbazones (CH₂)₄C?NN(H)C(?S)NHR (R = H, Me) with zinc(II) acetate in methanolic solution proceeds readily under mild conditions to form stable mononuclear complexes Zn[(CH₂)₄C?NN?C(S)NHR]₂. DNA interaction studies show that the zinc(II) complexes bind to DNA via groove mode and exhibit efficient DNA cleavage activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Also, the complexes display a binding affinity to bovine serum albumin protein with K_BSA values of ca 10⁵ M^?1. Topoisomerase catalytic inhibition studies suggest that both complexes are efficient topoisomerase‐I impeders. Furthermore, the anti‐proliferative effects of the two complexes on five human tumor cell lines (Caki‐2, MCF‐7, CaSki, NCI‐H322M and Co‐115) indicate that both complexes have the potential to act as effective anticancer drugs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes coordinated to azo pyrazolone ligand with a potent anti‐tumor activity: Synthesis,characterization, DFT and DNA cleavage studies

The absolute necessity to fight some class of tumor is perceived as serious health concerns, so the discovery and development of effective anticancer agents are urgently needed. (E)‐4‐((2‐hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl)‐3‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5(4H)‐one, HL, and its Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes were synthesized and the biological activity was evaluated for antitumor, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity as well as DNA cleavage. Their structures were assigned depending on the elemental analysis, conductivity, magnetic moment, spectral measurements (IR, ¹HNMR, mass and UV–Vis) and thermal analysis. 3D molecular modeling using DFT method confirmed that the geometrical structures agree well with the suggested experimental ones. The antitumor activity was evaluated against four different cell lines using MTT assay. The ligand HL showed a potent cytotoxic activity compared to 5‐fluorouracil as a reference drug. For metal complexes, the order of activity was: Pd(II) > Ni(II) > Pt(II). A remarkable antioxidant activity for the ligand HL was recorded. It was higher than that of the metal complexes. Results of antimicrobial experiments revealed that all compounds were moderate to highly active against selected bacterial strains but inactive as antifungal except Pd(II) which showed a moderate antifungal activity. Gel electrophoresis showed insignificant nucleases activity for the ligand or its metal complexes even in the presence of H₂O₂ providing protection of DNA from damage. The antitumor activity of our compounds may be not due to DNA cleavage but may be referred to a mechanism similar to that of 5‐fluorouracil which interfere with DNA replication. The present work suggests the use of this ligand in the design and development of new anticancer drugs.     

Iron(II) Supramolecular Helicates Condense Plasmid DNA and Inhibit Vital DNA‐Related Enzymatic Activities

The dinuclear iron(II) supramolecular helicates [Fe₂L₃]Cl₄ (L=C₂₅H₂₀N₄) bind to DNA through noncovalent (i.e., hydrogen‐bonding, electrostatic) interactions and exhibit antimicrobial and anticancer effects. In this study, we show that the helicates condense plasmid DNA with a much higher potency than conventional DNA‐condensing agents. Notably, molecules of DNA in the presence of the M enantiomer of [Fe₂L₃]Cl₄ do not form intermolecular aggregates typically formed by other condensing agents, such as spermidine or spermine. The helicates inhibit the activity of several DNA‐processing enzymes, such as RNA polymerase, DNA topoisomerase I, deoxyribonuclease I, and site‐specific restriction endonucleases. However, the results also indicate that the DNA condensation induced by the helicates does not play a crucial role in these inhibition reactions. The mechanisms for the inhibitory effects of [Fe₂L₃]Cl₄ helicates on DNA‐related enzymatic activities have been proposed.     

Structure and cytotoxicity of zinc (II) and cobalt (II) complexes based on 1,3,5‐tris(1‐imidazolyl) benzene

Three novel complexes, [Zn (tib)₂·(H₂O)₂]·(NO₃)₂ ( 1 ), [Co (tib)₂]·2NO₃ ( 2 ) and [Co₂(tib)₂(btc)]·H₂O ( 3 ) [H₄btc = 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid; H₂tib = 1,3,5‐tris(1‐imidazolyl)benzene], were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray, IR and elemental analysis. The interaction of these complexes with FS‐DNA (fish sperm DNA) was monitored, and binding constants were determined using UV/Vis, which revealed that they have the ability to bind to FS‐DNA. DNA‐binding constants (K) for the three complexes were 2.2 × 10⁴ m ^?1, 0.7 × 10⁴ m ^?1 and 0.09 × 10⁴ m ^?1, respectively. The interaction capacity of the complexes with FS‐DNA has been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. Stern–Volmer quenching plot values for complexes 1 , 2 and 3 were 0.3784, 0.1028 and 0.076, respectively. The viscosity measurement suggested that complexes 1 , 2 and 3 interact with DNA in an intercalation mode. In addition, anti‐cancer activities of these complexes investigated through MTT assays in vitro indicated that the complexes showed good cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. Cytotoxic activity of test complexes against two different cancer cell lines (HeLa and KB cells) showed significant cancer cell inhibition rates. Flow cytometry experiments and morphological apoptosis studies showed that the complexes induced apoptosis of HeLa tumor cell lines. Finally, a further molecular docking technique was employed to confirm the binding of the complexes toward the molecular target DNA.     

Methyl substituent effect on one‐dimensional copper(II) coordination polymers containing biologically active ligands: Synthesis,characterization, DNA interactions and cytotoxicities

Three novel water‐soluble copper(II) complexes – {[Cu(phen)(trp)]ClO₄·3H₂O}_n ( 1 ), {[Cu(4‐mphen)(trp)]ClO₄·3H₂O}_n ( 2 ) and [[Cu(dmphen)(trp)(MeOH)][Cu(dmphen)(trp)(NO₃)]]NO₃ ( 3 ) (phen: 1,10‐phenanthroline; 4‐mphen: 4‐methyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline; dmphen: 4,7‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline; trp: l ‐tryptophan) – have been synthesized and characterized using various techniques. Complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural, and exist as one‐dimensional coordination polymers. Complex 3 consists of two discrete copper(II) complexes containing [Cu(trp)(dmphen)(MeOH)]⁺, [Cu(trp)(dmphen)(NO₃)] and one nitrate anion. The binding interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was investigated using thermal denaturation, electronic absorption and emission spectroscopic methods, revealing that the complexes could interact with CT‐DNA via a moderate intercalation mode. The binding activity of the complexes to CT‐DNA follows the order: 3  >  2 > 1 . The pUC19 DNA cleavage activity of the complexes was investigated in the absence and presence of external agents using the agarose gel electrophoresis method. Especially, in the presence of H₂O₂ as an activator, the pUC19 DNA cleavage abilities of the complexes are clearly enhanced at low concentration. Addition of hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethylsulfoxide shows a marked inhibition of the pUC19 DNA cleavage activity of the complexes. In vitro cytotoxic effect of the complexes was examined on human tumor cell lines (Caco‐2, A549 and MCF‐7) and healthy cells (BEAS‐2B). The potent cytotoxic effect of complex 3 , with IC₅₀ values of 1.04, 1.16 and 1.72 μM, respectively, is greater relative to clinically used cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 22.70, 31.1 and 22.2 μM) against the Caco‐2, A549 and MCF‐7 cell lines.     

New anthracene based Schiff base ligands appended Cu(II) complexes: Theoretical study,DNA binding and cleavage activities

New anthracene based Schiff base ligands L ¹ and H( L ² ), their Cu(II) complexes [Cu( L ¹ )Cl₂] ( 1 ) and [Cu( L ² )Cl] ( 2 ) , (where L ¹  = N¹,N²‐bis(anthracene‐9‐methylene)benzene‐1,2‐diamine, L ²  = (2Z,4E)‐4‐(2‐(anthracen‐9‐ylmethyleneamino)phenylimino)pent‐2‐en‐2‐ol) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, FAB‐mass, EPR, FT‐IR, UV–Vis and cyclic voltammetry. The electronic structures and geometrical parameters of complexes 1 and 2 were analyzed by the theoretical B3LYP/DFT method. The interaction of these complexes 1 and 2 with CT‐DNA has been explored by using absorption, cyclic voltammetric and CD spectral studies. From the electronic absorption spectral studies, it was found that the DNA binding constants of complexes 1 and 2 are 8.7 × 10³ and 7.0 × 10⁴ M^?1, respectively. From electrochemical studies, the ratio of DNA binding constants K₊/K₂₊ for 2 has been estimated to be >1. The high binding constant values, K₊/K₂₊ ratios more than unity and positive shift of voltammetric E_1/2 value on titration with DNA for complex 2 suggest that they bind more avidly with DNA than complex 1 . The inability to affect the conformational changes of DNA in the CD spectrum is the definite evidences of electrostatic binding by the complex 1 . It can be assumed that it is the bulky anthracene unit which sterically inhibits these complexes 1 and 2 from intercalation and thereby remains in the groove or electrostatic. The complex 2 hardly cleaves supercoiled pUC18 plasmid DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The results suggest that complex 2 bind to DNA through minor groove binding.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,DNA/bovine serum albumin binding and antitumor activity of two transition metal complexes with 4‐acylpyrazolone derivative

Two new complexes, namely [Cu₆L₆] ( 1 ) and [Zn(HL)₂] ( 2 ) (H₂L = N‐(1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐propenylidene‐5‐pyrazolone)‐2‐furancarboxylic acid hydrazide), have been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X‐ray analysis indicates that complex 1 has a hexanuclear structure and complex 2 exhibits a mononuclear structure. The DNA/bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding properties of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated by absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching. Both complexes could effectively intercalate to DNA with calculated quenching constants of 2.6 × 10⁵ and 1.25 × 10⁵ M^?1, respectively. The quenching mechanism of the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA by the complexes was found to be a static one. The cytotoxicities of 1 and 2 were investigated in two human tumor cell lines, human esophageal cancer cells (Eca‐109) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Complex 1 exhibits higher antitumor activity than 2 . Furthermore, 1 can inhibit HeLa cells by inducing apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. All results demonstrate that 1 and 2 both have DNA/BSA binding capacity and antitumor activity.     

A Non‐Invasive NMR Method Based on Histidine Imidazoles to Analyze the pH‐Modulation of Protein–Nucleic Acid Interfaces

A useful ²J(N?H) coupling‐based NMR spectroscopic approach is proposed to unveil, at the molecular level, the contribution of the imidazole groups of histidines from RNA/DNA‐binding proteins on the modulation of binding to nucleic acids by pH. Such protonation/deprotonation events have been monitored on the single His96 located at the second RNA/DNA recognition motif (RRM2) of T‐cell intracellular antigen‐1 (TIA‐1) protein. The pK_a values of the His96 ionizable groups were substantially higher in the complexes with short U‐rich RNA and T‐rich DNA oligonucleotides than those of the isolated TIA‐1 RRM2. Herein, the methodology applied to determine changes in pK_a of histidine side chains upon DNA/RNA binding, gives valuable information to understand the pH effect on multidomain DNA/RNA‐binding proteins that shuttle among different cellular compartments.     

A Strategy for Dramatically Enhancing the Selectivity of Molecules Showing Aggregation‐Induced Emission towards Biomacromolecules with the Aid of Graphene Oxide

By intelligently utilizing the different interacting strengths between different moieties according to the displacement method, general biosensors with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics for biomacromolecules without selectivity were converted to excellent, highly selective probes for one specific biomacromolecule with the aid of graphene oxide (GO) in an aqueous medium. Importantly, thanks to the different interactions between the AIE molecule and biomacromolecules, just by simply changing the AIE molecule the sensing system could detect different types of biomacromolecules, thereby providing a new approach to the development of AIE‐based sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity. More specifically, the complex of A₂HPS?HCl—a derivative of hexaphenylsilone (HPS) functionalized by two amino (A₂) groups (N(CH₂CH₃)₃)—and GO only gives an “off–on” response to DNA, with a detection limit of 2.3 μg mL^?1 toward DNA‐CT (calf thymus); interestingly, the complex of TPE‐N₂C₄ (1,2‐bis{4‐[4‐(N,N,N‐triethylammonium)butoxy]phenyl}‐1,2‐diphenylethene dibromide) and GO could only detect the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), whereas other biomacromolecules, including DNA, RNA, and even other proteins have very little influence.     

Copper(II) complexes of acylhydrazones: synthesis,characterization and DNA interaction

Two new acylhydrazone copper(II) complexes of 4‐hydroxy‐N′‐[(1E)‐1‐(4‐methylphenyl)ethylidene]benzohydrazide (HL¹) and 4 ethyl [4‐({(2E)‐2‐[1‐(4‐methylphenyl)ethylidene]hydrazinyl}carbonyl)phenoxy]acetate (HL²) have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of both acylhydrazone and copper(II) complexes were identified by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, UV–visible electronic absorption spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, TGA and powder X‐ray diffraction. DNA binding and DNA cleavage activities of the synthesized copper complexes were examined by using UV‐visible titration and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. The effect of complex concentration on the DNA cleavage reactions in the absence and presence of H₂O₂ was also investigated. The results indicate that all the complexes bind slightly to calf thymus DNA and cleavage pBR322 DNA. The mechanistic studies demonstrate that a hydrogen peroxide‐derived species and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) are the active oxidative species for DNA cleavage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A New Samarium(III) Complex of Liriodenine: Synthesis,Crystal Structure,Antitumor Activity,and DNA Binding Study

A novel Sm^III complex [Sm^III(LA)₂(pic)₃] (Hpic = picric acid), in which LA is a natural‐derived alkaloid, liriodenine, was synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. This complex showed enhanced solubility compared with liriodenine and its metal complexes that have been previously reported. The interaction of the Sm^III complex with ct‐DNA was further investigated by various spectroscopic techniques, such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), and viscosity measurement. The results showed that the intrinsic binding constant K_b of the Sm^III complex with ct‐DNA was calculated to be 5.03 × 10³ L·mol^–1 by UV/Vis absorption spectral analysis. The thermodynamic fluorescent spectral analysis suggested that the fluorescence intensity of the Sm^III complex was weakened by ct‐DNA mainly through a dynamic quenching mechanism. The presence of Sm complex could increase the viscosity of DNA solution, so it was concluded that the complex bound with ct‐DNA via a moderate intercalative mode. Furthermore, this Sm^III complex exhibited significant growth inhibition on the three typical tumor cell lines, HepG2, T‐24, and SK‐OV‐3, with the corresponding IC₅₀ values, 10.76 ± 0.19, 8.85 ± 1.12, and 10.01 ± 0.55 μM, respectively. The in vitro antitumor activity was comparable with LA and cisplatin, which suggested that it might be a new broad spectrum antitumor agent with more satisfying solubility.     

Synthesis,DNA binding mode,singlet oxygen photogeneration and DNA photocleavage activity of ruthenium compounds with porphyrin–imidazo[4,5‐f]phenanthroline conjugated ligand

Using 1,10‐phenanothroline‐5,6‐dione and 10,20‐bis(4‐methylphenyl)porphyrin copper as starting materials, a conjugated porphyrin–imidazo[4,5‐f]‐1,10‐phenanothroline ligand (Por 1 ) was prepared. Subsequently, the copper complex of Por 1 was reacted with Ru(1,10‐phenanothroline)₂Cl₂ to yield ruthenium compound Por 2 . After removal of copper metal under acid condition, the free base porphyrin of Por 2 (Por 3 ) was prepared. The structure of these compounds was confirmed using UV–visible, ¹H NMR, mass and infrared spectroscopies and elemental analysis. Through UV–visible, fluorescence and circular dichroism analyses, the interaction modes between Por 1 – 3 and calf thymus DNA were investigated. Por 1 interacted with DNA via outside groove face, but Por 2 and Por 3 showed intercalative interaction with DNA. Binding constants between Por 1 – 3 and DNA were 7.79 × 10⁵, 1.29 × 10⁶ and 1.32 × 10⁶ M^?1, respectively. With 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin (H₂TPP) as a control, the singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation of Por 1 – 3 was measured using the 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran method. The ¹O₂ generation rate of Por 1 – 3 followed the order: Por 3 >Por 1 >H₂TPPP >Por 2 . Por 1 and Por 3 showed better ¹O₂ quantum yields than Por 2 , which were almost threefold higher than that of H₂TPP. The DNA cleavage ability of Por 1 – 3 was analyzed using gel electrophoresis. Por 3 showed higher DNA photocleavage activity, with more than 50% photocleavage rate at 20 μM. These results suggest that amphipathic (hydrophilic/lipophilic) Por 3 with conjugated Por 1 ligand is a potential photosensitizer in cancer therapy.     

Synthesis,spectral investigation and development of tetrahedral copper(II) complexes as artificial metallonucleases and antimalarial agents

Seven new copper(II) complexes of type [Cu(A)(L)]?H₂O (A = sparfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, pefloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin; L = 5‐[(3‐chlorophenyl)diazenyl]‐4‐hydroxy‐1,3‐thiazole‐2(3H)‐thione) were synthesized and characterized using elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, and electronic, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Fourier transform infrared and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopies. Tetrahedral geometry around copper is assigned in all complexes using EPR and electronic spectral analyses. All complexes were investigated for their interaction with herring sperm DNA utilizing absorption titration (K_b = 1.27–3.13 × 10⁵ M^?1) and hydrodynamic volume measurement studies. The studies suggest the classical intercalative mode of DNA binding. The cleavage reaction on pUC19 DNA was monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results indicate that the Cu(II) complexes can more effectively promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA. The superoxide dismutase mimic activity of the complexes was evaluated by nitroblue tetrazolium assay, and the complexes catalysed the dismutation of superoxide at pH = 7.8 with IC₅₀ values in the range 0.597–0.900 μM. The complexes were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria. All the complexes are good cytotoxic agents and show LC₅₀ values ranging from 5.559 to 11.912 µg ml^?1. All newly synthesized Cu(II) complexes were also evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strain (IC₅₀ = 0.62–2.0 µg ml^?1). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stabilization of G‐Quadruplex DNA,Inhibition of Telomerase Activity and Live Cell Imaging Studies of Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Telomerase inhibition is an attractive strategy for cancer chemotherapy. In the current study, we have synthesized and characterized two chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, namely, Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, where phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and p‐MOPIP is 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline. The chiral selectivity of the compounds and their ability to discriminate quadruplex DNA were investigated by using UV/Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assay, polymerase chain reaction stop assay and telomerase repeat amplification protocol. The results indicate that the two chiral compounds could induce and stabilize the formation of antiparallel G‐quadruplexes of telomeric DNA in the presence or absence of metal cations. We report the remarkable ability of the two complexes Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ to stabilize selectively G‐quadruplex DNA; the former is a better G‐quadruplex binder than the latter. The anticancer activities of these complexes were evaluated by using the MTT assay. Interestingly, the antiproliferative activity of Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ was higher than that of Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, and Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ showed a significant antitumor activity in HepG2 cells. The status of the nuclei in Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺‐treated HepG2 cells was investigated by using real‐time living cell microscopy to determine the effects of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ on intracellular accumulation. The results show that Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ can be taken up by HepG2 cells and can enter into the cytoplasm as well as accumulate in the nuclei; this suggests that the nuclei were the cellular targets of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺.