Formal DNA hydrolysis by mono- and dinuclear iron complexes

The complexes CpFe(CO)(2)Ph and [CpFe(CO)(2)](2) cleave DNA in the presence of H2O2 or organic peroxides to give products resulting from the formal hydrolysis of the phosphodiester groups.     

Cooperativity between metal ions in the cleavage of phosphate diesters and RNA by dinuclear Zn(II) catalysts

A series of ligands containing linked 1,4,7-triazacyclononane macrocycles are studied for the preparation of dinuclear Zn(II) complexes including 1,3-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropane (L2OH), 1,5-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)pentane (L3), 2,9-bis(1-methyl-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (L4), and alpha,alpha'-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)-m-xylene (L5). The titration of these ligands with Zn(NO(3))(2) was monitored by (1)H NMR. Each ligand was found to bind two Zn(II) ions with a very high affinity at near neutral pH under conditions of millimolar ligand and 2 equiv of Zn(NO(3))(2). In contrast, a stable mononuclear complex was formed in solutions containing 5.0 mM L2OH and 1 equiv of Zn(NO(3))(2). (1)H and (13)C NMR spectral data are consistent with formation of a highly symmetric mononuclear complex Zn(L2OH) in which a Zn(II) ion is sandwiched between two triazacyclononane units. The second-order rate constant k(Zn) for the cleavage of 2-hydroxypropyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP) at pH 7.6 and 25 degrees C catalyzed by Zn(2)(L2O) is 120-fold larger than that for the reaction catalyzed by the closely related mononuclear complex Zn(L1) (L1 = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane). By comparison, the observation that the values of k(Zn) determined under similar reaction conditions for cleavage of HPNP catalyzed by the other Zn(II) dinuclear complexes are only 3-5-fold larger than values of k(Zn) for catalysis by Zn(L1) provides strong evidence that the two Zn(II) cations in Zn(2)(L2O) act cooperatively in the stabilization of the transition state for cleavage of HPNP. The extent of cleavage of an oligoribonucleotide by Zn(L1), Zn(2)(L5), and Zn(2)(L2O) at pH 7.5 and 37 degrees C after 24 h incubation is 4,10, and 90%. The rationale for the observed differences in catalytic activity of these dinuclear Zn(II) complexes is discussed in terms of the mechanism of RNA cleavage and the structure and speciation of these complexes in solution.     

Enzyme-like acceleration for the hydrolysis of a DNA model promoted by a dinuclear Zn(II) catalyst in dilute aqueous ethanol

The rates and products of cleavage of methyl (2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (2) promoted by a dinuclear Zn(II) complex (3) of 1,3-bis-N,N'(1,5,9-triazacyclododecyl)propane along with 1 equiv of ethoxide were investigated in ethanol solution containing small amounts of water (8 mM or=1.6 x 10(17) times relative to the background hydroxide reaction, suggesting that complex 3 promotes the hydrolysis at least 1000 times more effectively than ethanolysis.     

Phosphodiester hydrolysis promoted by dinuclear iron(III) complexes

We report the reactivity of three binuclear non-heme Fe(III) compounds, namely [Fe₂(bbppnol)(μ-AcO)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Fe₂(bbppnol)(μ-AcO)₂](PF₆) (2), and [Fe₂(bbppnol)(μ-OH)(Cl)₂]·6H₂O (3), where H₃bbppnol = N,N′-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N,N′-bis(2-methylpyridyl)–1,3-propanediamine-2-ol, toward the hydrolysis of bis-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate as models for phosphoesterase activity. The synthesis and characterization of the new complexes 1 and 3 was also described. The reactivity differences observed for these complexes show that the accessibility of the substrate to the reaction site is one of the key steps that determinate the hydrolysis efficiency.     

Comparing a mononuclear Zn(II) complex with hydrogen bond donors with a dinuclear Zn(II) complex for catalysing phosphate ester cleavage

Introducing ligand based hydrogen bond donors to increase the activity of a mononuclear Zn(II) complex for catalysing phosphate ester cleavage can be a more effective strategy than making the dinuclear analogue.     

Structure and coordination in mono and dinuclear Zn(II)-pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complexes

The structures of the chelate Zn(PDTC)₂ and its dimeric form Zn₂(PDTC)₄ are investigated theoretically at B3LYP/cc-pVDZ level. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis has been performed to explore the metal–ligand coordination of these chelates. In Zn(PDTC)₂, the sulfur atoms mainly use 3p sub-shells to coordinate with mixed (4s + 4p _x  + 4p _y  + 4p _z ) orbital of zinc having sp ³ hybridization. In Zn₂(PDTC)₄, each zinc atom coordinates with one terminal and two bridging PDTC ligands. The contribution of bridging sulfur atoms in chelation is much more than terminal sulfurs. The bridging sulfur atoms use 3s and 3p sub-shells to coordinate with 4s and 4p sub-shells of metal center zinc. The charge transfer interactions between sulfur and metal center involving 4d, 5s, and 5p sub-shells of zinc are much feeble compared to those involving 4s and 4p sub-shells of zinc.     

Zn(II) coordination to polyamine macrocycles containing dipyridine units. New insights into the activity of dinuclear Zn(II) complexes in phosphate ester hydrolysis

Zn(II) binding by the dipyridine-containing macrocycles L1-L3 has been analyzed by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solutions. These ligands contain one (L1, L2) or two (L3) 2,2'-dipyridine units as an integral part of a polyamine macrocyclic framework having different dimensions and numbers of nitrogen donors. Depending on the number of donors, L1-L3 can form stable mono- and/or dinuclear Zn(II) complexes in a wide pH range. Facile deprotonation of Zn(II)-coordinated water molecules gives mono- and dihydroxo-complexes from neutral to alkaline pH values. The ability of these complexes as nucleophilic agents in hydrolytic processes has been tested by using bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP) as a substrate. In the dinuclear complexes the two metals play a cooperative role in BNPP cleavage. In the case of the L2 dinuclear complex [Zn(2)L2(OH)(2)](2+), the two metals act cooperatively through a hydrolytic process involving a bridging interaction of the substrate with the two Zn(II) ions and a simultaneous nucleophilic attack of a Zn-OH function at phosphorus; in the case of the dizinc complex with the largest macrocycle L3, only the monohydroxo complex [Zn(2)L3(OH)](3+) promotes BNPP hydrolysis. BNPP interacts with a single metal, while the hydroxide anion may operate a nucleophilic attack. Both complexes display high rate enhancements in BNPP cleavage with respect to previously reported dizinc complexes, due to hydrophobic and pi-stacking interactions between the nitrophenyl groups of BNPP and the dipyridine units of the complexes.     

Phosphate diester hydrolysis by mono- and dinuclear lanthanum complexes with an unusual third-order dependence

A series of mono- and dinuclear lanthanum complexes of 15,31-dimethyl-3,11,19,27,33,35-hexaazapentacyclo[27.3.1.1.(5,9)1,(13,17). 1(21,25)]hexatriaconta-5,7,9(33),13,15,17(34),21,23,25(35),29,31, 1(36)-dodecaene-34,36-diol (24RBPyBC, L) have been defined in solution. Their ability to hydrolyze bis(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate, a phosphate diester, was studied. The various metal-coordinated hydroxide nucleophiles that form in solution attack the substrate in the hydrolysis reaction. The dihydroxo dilanthanum complex, L-2La-2(OH), is the most effective catalyst. Its rate constant is 75 times larger than the rate constant for the monohydroxo dilanthanum complex, L-2La-OH. The mononuclear complexes are not as successful as the dinuclear complexes because they have fewer metal ions per complex to act as Lewis acids. They also cannot generate hydroxide nucleophiles at low pH values like the dinuclear complexes can. The reaction has an unusual third-order dependence on the catalyst concentration which is valid for the dinuclear complexes as well as the mononuclear complexes. This implies a mechanism where a metal-coordinated hydroxide nucleophile attacks the phosphorus of the substrate on the side opposite the negatively charged oxygens.     

XAFS studies of anti-inflammatory dinuclear and mononuclear Zn(II) complexes of indomethacin

Zinc K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) experiments were performed in the solid and solution states at low temperature (10 K), on dimeric and monomeric anti-inflammatory Zn(II) complexes of indomethacin [1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-acetic acid=IndoH] of the formula [Zn2(Indo)4L2] [L=pyridine (Py), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA)], [Zn(Indo)2L2] [L=ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH)], and Zn(II) acetate dihydrate [Zn(OAc)2(OH2)2]. The bond distances and angles obtained from multiple-scattering fits to the XAFS data of the Zn(II) dimeric complexes in the solid and solution states exhibit excellent correspondence with those obtained from single crystal diffraction studies. The Zn...Zn separations of 2.97 and 2.96 A and carboxylate group O-C-O angles of 125 degrees for powdered [Zn2(Indo)4(Py)2] and [Zn2(Indo)4(DMA)2] agree well with the XRD values of 2.969(1) and 2.9686(6) A and 125.8(4) degrees and 126.1(2) degrees, respectively. The calculated Zn-O(RCOO) and Zn-L bond distances of 2.03 and 2.04 A, or 2.02 and 1.98 A for Py or DMA complexes, respectively, also agree well with crystallographic data. The X-ray powder diffraction data on samples of the monomers exhibited additional reflections apart from those due to the crystallographically characterized cis-[Zn(eta2-O,O'-Indo)2L2], but microanalyses were consistent with this formulation. Therefore, mixed models that contained the cis complex and a second component consisting of a trans-six-coordinate complex, a five-coordinate complex, or a four-coordinate complex were used to model the XAFS. The best fits to the XAFS data were obtained with a mixture of the cis-six-coordinate complex and a four-coordinate complex containing two monodentate Indo ligands. The bond lengths for the six-coordinate structure were consistent with those determined on a single crystal, and those for the four-coordinate complexes were consistent with related four-coordinate structures with two monodentate carboxylate ligands. Dissolution of the dimer (DMA adduct) in DMF resulted in a mixture of dimer and monomer species as shown by MS XAFS fitting. This is the first time that solution structures have been determined for anti-inflammatory Zn(II) complexes, and this is an important first step in understanding the pharmacology of the complexes.     

Highly efficient phosphodiester hydrolysis promoted by a dinuclear copper(II) complex

The interaction of Cu(II) with the ligand tdci (1,3,5-trideoxy-1,3,5-tris(dimethylamino)-cis-inositol) was studied both in the solid state and in solution. The complexes that were formed were also tested for phosphoesterase activity. The pentanuclear complex [Cu(5)(tdciH(-2))(tdci)(2)(OH)(2)(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(4).6H(2)O consists of two dinuclear units and one trinuclear unit, having two shared copper(II) ions. The metal centers within the pentanuclear structure have three distinct coordination environments. All five copper(II) ions are linked by hydroxo/alkoxo bridges forming a Cu(5)O(6) cage. The Cu-Cu separations of the bridged centers are between 2.916 and 3.782 A, while those of the nonbridged metal ions are 5.455-5.712 A. The solution equilibria in the Cu(II)-tdci system proved to be extremely complicated. Depending on the pH and metal-to-ligand ratio, several differently deprotonated mono-, di-, and trinuclear complexes are formed. Their presence in solution was supported by mass, CW, and pulse EPR spectroscopic study, too. In these complexes, the metal ions are presumed to occupy tridentate [O(ax),N(eq),O(ax)] coordination sites and the O-donors of tdci may serve as bridging units between two metal ions. Additionally, deprotonation of the metal-bound water molecules may occur. The dinuclear Cu(2)LH(-3) species, formed around pH 8.5, provides outstanding rate acceleration for the hydrolysis of the activated phosphodiester bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP). The second-order rate constant of BNPP hydrolysis promoted by the dinuclear complex (T = 298 K) is 0.95 M(-1) s(-1), which is ca. 47600-fold higher than that of the hydroxide ion catalyzed hydrolysis (k(OH)). Its activity is selective for the phosphodiester, and the hydrolysis was proved to be catalytic. The proposed bifunctional mechanism of the hydrolysis includes double Lewis acid activation and intramolecular nucleophilic catalysis.     

Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) dinuclear complexes of a polypodal ligand containing phenolate and pyridyl donor groups

Acetate and perchlorate dinuclear metal complexes of Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with the cresolate polypodal ligand having mixed phenolate and pyridyl pendant functionalities, H₃L, have been synthesized. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, LSI mass spectrometry, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, magnetic studies and conductivity measurements. Crystal structures of H₃L, [Cu₂(HL)(OAc)(H₂O)₂](OAc)·1.5H₂O and [Zn₂L(CH₃OH)₃](ClO₄)CH₃OH·2H₂O complexes, have been also determined.     

Phosphate diester hydrolysis and DNA damage promoted by new cis-aqua/hydroxy copper(II) complexes containing tridentate imidazole-rich ligands

The tridentate Schiff base [(2-(imidazol-4-yl)ethyl)(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)methyl)imine (HISMIMI) and its reduced form HISMIMA were synthesized and characterized, as well their mononuclear cis-dihalo copper(II) complexes 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, the dinuclear [CuII(mu-OH)2CuII](2+) complexes (3) and (4) obtained from complexes 1 and 2, respectively, were also isolated and characterized by several physicochemical techniques, including magnetochemistry, electrochemistry, and EPR and UV-vis spectroscopies. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray crystallography and revealed two neutral complexes with their tridentate chelate ligands meridionally coordinated. Completing the coordination spheres of the square-pyramidal structures, a chloride ion occupies the apical position and another is bonded in the basal plane. In addition, complexes 1 and 2 were investigated by infrared, electronic, and EPR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, and potentiometric equilibrium studies. The hydrolytic activity on phosphate diester cleavage of 1 and 2 was investigated utilizing 2,4-BDNPP as substrate. These experiments were carried out at 50 degrees C, and the data treatment was based on the Michaelis-Menten approach, giving the following kinetic parameters (complex 1/complex 2): vmax (mol L(-1) s(-1))=16.4x10(-9)/7.02x10(-9); KM (mol L(-1))=17.3x10(-3)/3.03x10(-3); kcat (s(-1))=3.28x10(-4)/1.40x10(-4). Complex 1 effectively promoted the hydrolytic cleavage of double-strand plasmid DNA under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, with a rate constant of 0.28 h(-1) for the decrease of form I, which represents about a 10(7) rate increase compared with the estimated uncatalyzed rate of hydrolysis.     

The ligand effect on the hydrolytic reactivity of Zn(II) complexes toward phosphate diesters

The catalytic effects of the Zn(II) complexes of a series of poliaminic ligands in the hydrolysis of the activated phosphodiesters bis-p-nitrophenyl phosphate (BNP) and 2-hydroxypropyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP) have been investigated. The reactions show first-order rate dependency on both substrate and metal ion complex and a pH dependence which is diagnostic of the acid dissociation of the reactive species. The mechanism of the metal catalyzed transesterification of HPNP has been assessed by solvent isotopic kinetic effect studies and involves the intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the substrate alcoholic group, activated by metal ion coordination. The intrinsic reactivity of the different complexes is controlled by the nature and structure of the ligand: complexes of tridentate ligands, particularly if characterized by a facial coordination mode, are more reactive than those of tetradentate ligands which can hardly allow binding sites for the substrate. In the case of tridentate ligands that form complexes with a facial coordination mode, a linear Br?nsted correlation between the reaction rate (log k) and the pK(a) of the active nucleophile is obtained. The beta(nuc) values are 0.75 for the HPNP transesterification and 0.20 for the BNP hydrolysis. These values are indicated as the result of the combination of two opposite Lewis acid effects of the Zn(II) ion: the activation of the substrate and the efficiency of the metal coordinated nucleophile. The latter factor apparently prevails in determining the intrinsic reactivity of the Zn(II) complexes.     

Carboxyester hydrolysis promoted by novel nano‐sized macrocyclic Zn(II) complexes

A novel series of nano‐sized Zn(II) macrocyclic complexes has been synthesized using the template method, i.e. by the in situ reaction of Schiff bases (derived from 1,4‐bis(4‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)alkanes/phenylene with salicylaldehyde/2‐hydroxyacetophenone) and 1,4‐dibromobutane in the presence of zinc(II) acetate dihydrate in ethanol. The complexes have been characterized using elemental analysis, infrared and NMR spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis. The catalytic properties of these complexes have been investigated kinetically for the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenylacetate (PNPA) at 25°C in aqueous dimethylsulfoxide using phosphate buffer (pH = 7.0–8.5). During the reaction, absorbance of p‐nitrophenolate increases linearly with time (i.e. increase of p‐nitrophenolate concentration) which indicates that the rate of the reaction increases linearly with time. On the basis of these results, a plausible mechanism for the hydrolysis of PNPA is proposed. It is shown that coordinated water may serve as a good nucleophile that effectively catalyses PNPA hydrolysis. Therefore, these complexes may serve as model compounds for hydrolytic enzymes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalytic properties of dinuclear copper(II) complexes in the oxidation of two electron donors by dioxygen

Summary Dinuclear copper(II) complexes of differing magnetic and redox properties derived from various dinucleating ligands were investigated for their catalytic activity in the oxidation of 3,5-di-t-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) and ascorbic acid by oxygen. Poor activity was exhibited by di--hydroxocopper(II) complexes of 2,2-bypyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline and N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine(TMEDA). Dicopper(II) complexes of Schiff base ligands, obtained from 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and diamines, are relatively less active compared with ligands derived from monoamines. The difference is explained on the basis of redox behaviour.     

Zn(II) complexes of glutathione disulfide: structural basis of elevated stabilities

Glutathione disulfide (GSSG), a long disregarded redox partner of glutathione (GSH), is thought to participate in intracellular zinc homeostasis. We performed a concerted potentiometric and NMR spectroscopic study of protonation and Zn(II) binding properties of GSSG ((γECG)(2)) and a series of its nine analogs with C-terminal modifications, tripeptide disulfides: (γECS)(2), (γECE)(2), (γECG-NH(2))(2), (γECG-OEt)(2), and (γEcG)(2); dipeptide disulfides, (γEC)(2) and (γEC-OEt)(2); and mixed disulfides, γECG-γEC and γECG-γEC-OEt. The acid-base and Zn(II) complexation properties in this group of compounds are strictly correlated to average C-terminal electrostatic charges. In particular, it was demonstrated that GSSG assumes a bent (head-to-tail) conformation in solution at neutral pH, which is controlled by electrostatic attraction between the protonated γ-amino groups of the Glu residue and the deprotonated C-terminal Gly carboxylates. This interaction modulates the ability of GSSG to coordinate Zn(II), both indirectly, by affecting the basicities of the amino groups, and directly, through the participation of the Gly carboxylates in the outer coordination sphere of the Zn(II) ion. A specific coiled structure of the major [Zn-GSSG](2-) complex is additionally stabilized by the formation of hydrogen bonds between glycinyl carboxylates and two Zn(II)-coordinated water molecules. The elevated stability of Zn(II)-GSSG complexes was demonstrated by competition with FluoZin-3, a fluorescent sensor with high Zn(II) affinity, commonly used in in vitro and in vivo studies. The potential biological functions and reactivity of GSSG complexes of Zn(II) ions are discussed.     

A series of oxyimine-based macrocyclic dinuclear zinc(II) complexes enhances phosphate ester hydrolysis, DNA binding, DNA hydrolysis, and lactate dehydrogenase inhibition and induces apoptosis

A symmetrical macrocyclic dizinc(II) complex (1) has been synthesized by using the ligand (L(1)) [μ-11,24-dimethyl-4,7,16,19-tetraoxa-3,8,15,20-tetraazatricyclo-[20.3.1.1(10,13)] heptacosa-1(25),2,7,9,11,13(27),14,20,22(26),23-decaene-26,27-diol]. A series of unsymmetrical macrocyclic dizinc(II) complexes (2-6) has been synthesized by Schiff base condensation of bicompartmental mononuclear complex [ZnL] [μ-3,16-dimethyl-8,11-dioxa-7,12-diazadicyclo-[1.1(14,18)] heptacosa-1,3,5(20),6,12,14,16,18(19)-octacaene-19,20-diolato)zinc(II)] with various diamines like 1,2-diamino ethane (L(2)), 1,3-diamino propane (L(3)), 1,4-diamino butane (L(4)), 1,2-diamino benzene (L(5)), and 1,8-diamino naphthalene (L(6)). The ligand L(1) and all the zinc(II) complexes were structurally characterized. To corroborate the consequence of the aromatic moiety in comparison to the aliphatic moiety present in the macrocyclic ring on the phosphate ester hydrolysis, DNA binding and cleavage properties have been studied. The observed first order rate constant values for the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate ester reaction are in the range from 2.73 × 10(-2) to 9.86 × 10(-2) s(-1).The interactions of complexes 1-6 with calf thymus DNA were studied by spectroscopic techniques, including absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The DNA binding constant values of the complexes were found in the range from 1.80 × 10(5) to 9.50 × 10(5) M(-1), and the binding affinities are in the following order: 6 > 5 > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4. All the dizinc(II) complexes 1-6 effectively promoted the hydrolytic cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Kinetic data for DNA hydrolysis promoted by 6 under physiological conditions give the observed rate constant (k(obs)) of 4.42 ± 0.2 h(-1), which shows a 10(8)-fold rate acceleration over the uncatalyzed reaction of ds-DNA. The comparison of the dizinc(II) complexes 1-6 with the monozinc(II) complex [ZnL] indicates that the DNA cleavage acceleration promoted by 1-6 are due to the efficient cooperative catalysis of the two close proximate zinc(II) cation centers. The ligand L(1), dizinc(II) complexes 1, 3, and 6 showed cytotoxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cancer cells, giving IC(50) values of 117, 37.1, 16.5, and 8.32 μM, respectively. The results demonstrated that 6, a dizinc(II) complex with potent antiproliferative activity, is able to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in human cancer cells. Cytotoxicity of the complexes was further confirmed by the lactate dehydrogenase enzyme level in HepG2 cell lysate and content media.     

Ni(II) complexes featuring non-metallated pincer-type ligands

Attempts to prepare pincer-type Ni complexes from the ligands (i-Pr(2)POCH(2))(2)CH(2) and (pz*CH(2))(2)CH(2) (pz* = 3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl) gave instead the complexes cis-{kappa(P),kappa(P')-(i-Pr(2)POCH(2))(2)CH(2)}NiCl(2) and {kappa(N),kappa(N')-(pz*CH(2))(2)CH(2)}NiBr(2). X-Ray diffraction studies confirmed that these potentially pincer-type ligands have not undergone metallation, serving instead as chelating ligands in essentially square-planar or tetrahedral complexes. Heating of these compounds failed to induce metallation of the coordinated ligands.     

Substrate specificity for catalysis of phosphodiester cleavage by a dinuclear Zn(II) complex

The 2.4 kcal mol(-1) greater stabilization of the transition state for cleavage of the minimal substrate HpPNP compared to the nucleoside substrate UpPNP by the efficient dinuclear metal ion catalyst Zn2(L2O) provides evidence that access to the cationic core of Zn2(L2O) is sterically blocked for the bulkier nucleoside substrates, a flaw that will need to be dealt with in later generations of metal ion catalysts of RNA cleavage.