Coordination pattern and reactivity of two model peptides from porin protein P1.

It has been reported that numerous of Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane proteins take part in cancerogenesis. Therefore, it is very interesting to study their interactions with metal ions and the ability to produce reactive oxygen species, which may be involved in cancer progression. Since investigations of metal binding to proteins are often based on fragments that contain the metal-binding domains, designing model peptides should be very mindful. As was shown in this paper, very similar protein fragments may behave differentially. Herein, combined potentiometric, spectroscopic, and computational studies were performed to determine metal ion binding by ligands constituting fragments of porin protein P1. Two studied tetrapeptides (Ac-KEHK-NH2 and Ac-EHKA-NH2) that have common EHK motif have different coordination properties and reactivity. Therefore, we should be cautious when transferring the behavior of small peptide fragments to whole protein.

Protocol of proceedings with Fusobacterium nucleatum and optimization of ABTS method for detection of reactive oxygen species.

Aim: Characterization of the ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum DSM 15643 and DSM 20482 strains in the presence of Cu2+ and H2O2 to reactive oxygen species generation. Method: Spectrophotometric ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) method was used. Results: Determination of: MIC for Cu2+, H2O2 and ABTS; survivability of F. nucleatum under atmospheric oxygen exposure; the level and rate constants of free radicals production by the bacteria. Conclusion:F. nucleatum in the presence of Cu2+ and H2O2 is able to generate free radicals. Reactive oxygen species are produced mainly outside the bacterial cell, which suggests that outer membrane proteins may be involved in oxidative process.

Phleomycin complex - Coordination mode and in vitro cleavage of DNA.

Phleomycin is one of the anticancer glycopeptide antibiotics which cause DNA cleavage. It is commonly used as a copper(II) complex. Therefore, it is important to study the metal ion binding process and to define the coordination mode. In this paper, we describe the acid-base properties of phleomycin and the coordination sphere of the Cu(II) cation. In the metal binding process up to five nitrogen donor atoms can be involved. Four of them in the same plane deriving from: the pyrimidine ring, secondary amine of ß-aminoalanine, imidazole and amide of the nearest peptide bond (from ß-hydroxyhistidine) and in the apical position from the α-amino functional group of ß-aminoalanine, resulting complex has a square-pyramidal geometry. Phleomycin complexes are able to induce single- and double-stranded DNA damage when they are accompanied by one-electron reductants, such as dithiothreitol, glutathione, 2-mercaptoethanol or ascorbic acid. In such conditions they produce reactive oxygen species which are responsible for DNA cleavage. The metal ion binding site is relatively close to the nucleic acid interacting moiety. This supports the hypothesis that copper ion is important in the anticancer activity which involves DNA degradation.

Copper(II) complexes with Fusobacterium nucleatum adhesin FadA: Coordination pattern, physicochemical properties and reactivity.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic, Gram-negative bacteria linked to colon cancer. It is interesting to determine how metal ions interact with bacterial adhesin proteins. To this end, the coordination of ATDAAS-NH2 and MKKFL-NH2 fragments of Fusobacterium adhesin A (FadA) to copper(II) ions was studied by potentiometry, spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, CD, EPR and NMR) and the density functional theory (DFT) methods. At pH 6.8 (colon physiological pH), the metal ion in the first peptide (ATDAAS-NH2) is coordinated by one oxygen and three nitrogen donors while in the second one (MKKFL-NH2) - by sulfur and three nitrogen atoms. Both complexes form two five- and one six-membered stable chelate rings. Moreover, reactivity studies confirmed the production of reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion radical and singlet oxygen. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed during gel electrophoresis and spectroscopic assays with reporting molecules like NDMA (N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline) and NBT (Nitrotetrazolium Blue Chloride). All reactions were conducted in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as endogenous oxidant.

CuI and CuII complexes with phosphine derivatives of fluoroquinolone antibiotics - A comparative study on the cytotoxic mode of action.

In this paper, we present a comparative study on the cytotoxic mode of action of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes with phosphine derivatives of fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin HCp and norfloxacin HNr). The in vitro cytotoxic activity of four new compounds was tested against two selected cancer cell lines. All complexes exhibited much better cytotoxicity against both cell lines than unmodified fluoroquinolone antibiotics, their phosphines (PCp, PNr), chalcogenide derivatives (oxides: OPCp, OPNr; sulfides: SPCp, SPNr and selenides: SePCp, SePNr) and previously described by us complexes with phosphines derived from different fluoroquinolones: lomefloxacin (HLm) and sparfloxacin (HSf) as well as cisplatin. Apoptosis, observed at a great predominance, was induced by all studied complexes. Importantly, it was concluded that coordination compounds with Cu(I) ion ([CuI-PNr] and [CuI-PCp]) were much more active than those with Cu(II) ion ([OPNr-CuII], [OPCp-CuII]), even though the highest efficacy to produce reactive oxygen species, participating in overall cytotoxicity, was proved for copper(II) complexes among all studied compounds. Herein, we discuss not only results obtained for copper(I)/(II) complexes with phosphines derived from HNr and HCp but we also compare them to previously described data for complexes with HLm and HSf derivatives. This is the first insight into a structure-activity relationship of copper complexes with phosphine derivatives of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Peptides having antimicrobial activity and their complexes with transition metal ions.

Peptide antibiotics are produced by bacterial, mammalian, insect or plant organisms in defense against invasive microbial pathogens. Therefore, they are gaining importance as anti-infective agents. There are a number of antibiotics that require metal ions to function properly. Metal ions play a key role in their action and are involved in specific interactions with proteins, nucleic acids and other biomolecules. On the other hand, it is well known that some antimicrobial agents possess functional groups that enable them interacting with metal ions present in physiological fluids. Some findings support a hypothesis that they may alter the serum metal ions concentration in humans. Complexes usually have a higher positive charge than uncomplexed compounds. This means that they might interact more tightly with polyanionic DNA and RNA molecules. It has been shown that several metal ion complexes with antibiotics promote degradation of DNA. Some of them, such as bleomycin, form stable complexes with redox metal ions and split the nucleic acids chain via the free radicals mechanism. However, this is not a rule. For example blasticidin does not cause DNA damage. This indicates that some peptide antibiotics can be considered as ligands that effectively lower the oxidative activity of transition metal ions.

Impact of the Cu(II) ions on the chemical and biological properties of goserelin - coordination pattern, DNA degradation, oxidative reactivity and in vitro cytotoxicity.

Goserelin acetate (Gos) as a synthetic analog of the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is widely used in the treatment of sex hormone-related conditions. In this paper we present the chemical and biological aspects of its interaction with Cu(II) ions. The mode of Cu(II) binding and the thermodynamic stability of the obtained complexes were characterized by potentiometry, UV-Vis and CD spectroscopic methods. The DFT calculations were applied in order to investigate and confirm the molecular structure of the studied systems. The experimental and theoretical results clearly indicated the involvement of three nitrogens from the peptide and two oxygens from the acetate moieties in the Cu(II) coordination under physiological conditions. The investigated metallopeptide caused single- and/or double cleavage of the sugar-phosphate backbone of the plasmid DNA in the reaction accompanied by endogenous substances such as hydrogen peroxide or ascorbic acid. The degradation of the DNA molecule occurred via the free radical mechanism. Calculations based on measured spectra allowed determining the kinetic parameters of OH formation. The cytotoxic effects of Gos and its metallo-derivative were tested in vitro towards two cancer cell lines (A549 - human lung adenocarcinoma, CT26 - mouse colon carcinoma).

Characterization of Highly Efficient RNA-Cleaving DNAzymes that Function at Acidic pH with No Divalent Metal-Ion Cofactors.

Here, we describe the characterization of new RNA-cleaving DNAzymes that showed the highest catalytic efficiency at pH 4.0 to 4.5, and were completely inactive at pH values higher than 5.0. Importantly, these DNAzymes did not require any divalent metal ion cofactors for catalysis. This clearly suggests that protonated nucleic bases are involved in the folding of the DNAzymes into catalytically active structures and/or in the cleavage mechanism. The trans-acting DNAzyme variants were also catalytically active. Mutational analysis revealed a conservative character of the DNAzyme catalytic core that underpins the high structural requirements of the cleavage mechanism. A significant advantage of the described DNAzymes is that they are inactive at pH values close to physiological pH and under a wide range of conditions in the presence of monovalent and divalent metal ions. These pH-dependent DNAzymes could be used as molecular cassettes in biotechnology or nanotechnology, in molecular processes that consist of several steps. The results expand the repertoire of DNAzymes that are active under nonphysiological conditions and shed new light on the possible mechanisms of catalysis.

New copper(I) complexes bearing lomefloxacin motif: Spectroscopic properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and interactions with DNA and human serum albumin.

In this paper we present lomefloxacin's (HLm, 2nd generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic agent) organic and inorganic derivatives: aminomethyl(diphenyl)phosphine (PLm), its oxide as well as new copper(I) iodide or copper(I) thiocyanate complexes with PLm and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmp) or 2,2'-biquinoline (bq) as the auxiliary ligands. The synthesized compounds were fully characterised by NMR, UV-Vis and luminescence spectroscopies. Selected structures were analysed by theoretical DFT (density functional theory) methods. High stability of the complexes in aqueous solutions in the presence of atmosferic oxygen was proven. Cytotoxic activity of all compounds was tested towards three cancer cell lines (CT26 - mouse colon carcinoma, A549 - human lung adenocarcinoma, and MCF7 - human breast adenocarcinoma). All complexes are characterised by cytotoxic activity higher than the activity of the parent drug and its organic derivatives as well as cisplatin. Studied derivatives as well as parent drug do not intercalate to DNA, except Cu(I) complexes with bq ligand. All studied complexes caused single-stranded cleavage of the sugar-phosphate backbone of plasmid DNA. The addition of H2O2 caused distinct changes in the plasmid structure and led to single- and/or double-strain plasmid cleavage. Studied compounds interact with human serum albumin without affecting its secondary structure.

New ruthenium(II) coordination compounds possessing bidentate aminomethylphosphane ligands: synthesis, characterization and preliminary biological study in vitro.

Addition of aminomethylphosphane P{CH2N(CH2CH2)2O}3 (), PPh2{CH2N(CH2CH2)2O} () or PPh2{CH2N(CH2CH2)2NCH2CH3} () to a methanolic solution of RuCl3 results in reduction of ruthenium(iii) ions giving finally ttt-[RuCl2()2] (), ttt-[RuCl2()2] () and ttt-[RuCl2()2] (). The synthesized complexes are the first examples of ruthenium(ii) coordination compounds possessing aminomethylphosphanes chelating via phosphorus and nitrogen atoms. They were fully characterized (NMR, ESI-MS, IR, elemental analysis, X-ray crystallography). Preliminary studies of the in vitro cytotoxicity on the A549 cell line (human lung adenocarcinoma) and interactions with human serum proteins (albumin and apotransferrin) showed moderate activity of the complexes. Interestingly, the P,N-chelation leads to formation of strained 4-membered Ru-P-C-N-Ru rings, which in the case of and undergo opening in the presence of CH3CN, which results in rearrangement to ctc-[RuCl2()2(CH3CN)2] () and ctc-[RuCl2()2(CH3CN)2] ().

Impact of Cu(2+) ions on the structure of colistin and cell-free system nucleic acid degradation.

Colistin and transition metal ions are commonly used as feed additives for livestock animals. This work presents the results of an analysis of combined potentiometric and spectroscopic (UV-vis, EPR, CD, NMR) data which lead to conclude that colistin is able to effectively chelate copper(II) ions. In cell-free system the oxidative activity of the complex manifests itself in the plasmid DNA destruction with simultaneous generation of reactive OH species, when accompanied by hydrogen peroxide or ascorbic acid. The degradation of RNA occurs most likely via a hydrolytic mechanism not only for complexed compound but also colistin alone. Therefore, huge amounts of the used antibiotic for nontherapeutic purposes might have a potential influence on livestock health.

Copper(i) complexes with phosphine derived from sparfloxacin. Part I - structures, spectroscopic properties and cytotoxicity.

In this paper we present new copper(i) iodide or copper(i) thiocyanate complexes with hydroxymethyldiphenylphosphine (PPh2(CH2OH)) or phosphine derivatives of sparfloxacin, a 3(rd) generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic agent (PPh2(CH2-Sf)) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmp) or 2,2'-biquinoline (bq) auxiliary ligands. The synthesised complexes were fully characterised by NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry. Selected structures were additionally analysed using X-ray and DFT methods. All complexes proved to be stable in solution in the presence of water and atmospheric oxygen for several days. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes was tested against two cancer cell lines (CT26 - mouse colon carcinoma and A549 - human lung adenocarcinoma). Applying two different incubation times, the studies enabled a preliminary estimation of the dependence of the selectivity and the mechanism of action on the type of diimine and phosphine ligands. The results obtained showed that complexes with PPh2(CH2-Sf) are significantly more active than those with PPh2(CH2OH). On the other hand, the relative impact of diimine on cytotoxicity is less pronounced. However, the dmp complexes are characterised by strong inhibitory properties, while the bq ones are rather not. This confirms the interesting and promising biological properties of the investigated group of copper(i) complexes, which undoubtedly are worthy of further biological studies.

Activity of fluconazole and its Cu(II) complex towards Candida species.

Candida species, although they are present as commensal organisms in the digestive tract of healthy individuals, can produce a broad spectrum of serious illnesses in compromised hosts. Fluconazole, a water-soluble triazole with bioavailability greater than 90 %, has been extensively used to treat a wide range of Candida infections. However, a growing resistance of microorganisms in the treatment leads to the discovery of new drugs or modifications of existing ones. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether coordination of Cu(II) ions to fluconazole affects its antifungal activity. The in vitro susceptibility tests and antifungal studies were performed with two Candida spp.: Candidaglabrata and Candida albicans. Overall, 34 strains of the former and 16 strains of the latter were treated with fluconazole, its Cu(II) complex and free Cu(II) ions. The obtained MIC values in 16 cases of the C. glabrata and in 5 cases of the C. albicans were lower for the complex in comparison to the drug. This implies that the complex is more effective against particular strains than the parent drug. The most significant improvement in the complex drug efficacy was observed for fluconazole-resistant species.

In vitro selection of deoxyribozymes active with Cd(2+) ions resulting in variants of DNAzyme 8-17.

In vitro selection was performed to search for RNA-cleaving DNAzymes catalytically active with Cd(2+) ions from the oligonucleotide combinatorial library with a 23-nucleotide random region. All the selected, catalytically active variants turned out to belong to the 8-17 type DNAzyme. Three DNAzymes were prepared in shortened, cis-acting versions which were subjected to a detailed study of the kinetic properties and metal ion preferences. Although the selection protocol was designed for Cd(2+)-dependent DNAzymes, the variants showed broader metal ion specificity. They preferred Cd(2+) but were also active with Mn(2+) and Zn(2+), suggesting that binding of the catalytic ion does not require an extremely specific coordination pattern. The unexpected decrease of the catalytic activity of the variants along with the temperature increase suggested that some changes occurred in their structures or the rate-limiting step of the reaction was changed. Two elements of the catalytic core of DNAzyme 1/VIIWS, the nucleotide at position 12 and the three-base-pair hairpin motif, were mutated. The presence of a purine residue at position 12 was crucial for the catalytic activity but the changes at that position had a relatively small influence on the metal ion preferences of this variant. The middle base pair of the three-base-pair hairpin was changed from A-T to C-G interaction. The catalytic activity of the mutated variant was increased with Zn(2+), decreased with Mn(2+), and was not changed in the presence of Cd(2+) ions. Clearly, this base pair was important for defining the metal ion preferences of the DNAzyme 1/VIIWS.

Interaction of methotrexate, an anticancer agent, with copper(II) ions: coordination pattern, DNA-cleaving properties and cytotoxic studies.

The acid-base properties and the Cu(II) binding processes of methotrexate (MTX) were characterized by selected spectroscopic techniques and potentiometric measurements. The pH titration data showed that MTX behaves as a triprotic ligand. The deprotonation constants were determined for α-COOH and γ-COOH groups and (N1)H+ from the pteridine ring. Taking all the obtained results into consideration, a coordination pattern was proposed. The DNA-cleaving activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were investigated for both MTX and the Cu(II)-MTX system. The complex displayed a promising nuclease activity toward plasmid DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Interestingly, the induction of ROS, such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions or singlet oxygen, was excluded and a different mechanism of DNA degradation was proposed. As MTX is now commonly used in anticancer therapy i.e. against lung cancer, basic cell-based studies were carried out to establish if its Cu(II) complex exhibits higher cytotoxic properties than the ligand alone. Activities of both compounds were also tested against colon carcinoma. Moreover, the determined values of IC50 were confronted with the cytotoxic activity of cisplatin.

Acid-base characterization, coordination properties towards copper(II) ions and DNA interaction studies of ribavirin, an antiviral drug.

We have studied processes of copper(II) ion binding by ribavirin, an antiviral agent used in treating hepatitis C, which is accompanied usually by an increased copper level in the serum and liver tissue. Protonation equilibria and Cu(II) binding were investigated using the UV-visible, EPR and NMR spectroscopic techniques as well as the DFT (density functional theory) calculations. The spectroscopic data suggest that the first complex is formed in the water solution at pH as low as 0.5. In this compound Cu(II) ion is bound to one of the nitrogen atoms from the triazole ring. Above pH6.0, the metal ion is surrounded by two nitrogen and two oxygen atoms from two ligand molecules. The DFT calculations allowed to determine the exact structure of this complex. We found that in the lowest energy isomer two molecules of the ligand coordinate via O and N4 atoms in trans positions. The hypothetical oxidative properties of the investigated system were also examined. It proved not to generate plasmid DNA scission products. However, the calf thymus (CT)-DNA binding studies showed that it reacts with ribavirin and its cupric complex. Moreover, the interaction with the complex is much more efficient.

Antibiotic bacitracin induces hydrolytic degradation of nucleic acids.

BACKGROUND: Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic active against Gram-positive bacterial strains. Its mechanism of action postulates disturbing the cell wall synthesis by inhibiting dephosphorylation of the lipid carrier. We have discovered that bacitracin induces degradation of nucleic acids, being particularly active against RNA. METHODS: In the examination of the nucleolytic activity of bacitracin several model RNA and DNA oligomers were used. The oligomers were labeled at their 5' ends with (32)P radioisotope and following treatment with bacitracin the cleavage sites and efficiency were determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Bacitracin induces degradation of RNA at guanosine residues, preferentially in single-stranded RNA regions. Bacitracin is also able to degrade DNA to some extent but comparable effects to those observed with RNA require its 10-fold higher concentration. The sites of degradation in DNA are very infrequent and preferentially occur near cytidine residues. Free radicals are not involved in the reaction, and which probably proceeds via a hydrolytic mechanism. The phosphate groups at the cleavage sites are present at the 3' ends of RNA products and at the 5' ends of DNA fragments. Importantly, the presence of EDTA does not influence RNA degradation but completely inhibits the degradation of DNA. For DNA degradation divalent metal ions like Mg(2+), Mn(2+) or Zn(2+) are absolutely necessary. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The ability of bacitracin to degrade nucleic acids via a hydrolytic mechanism was a surprising observation, and it is of interest whether these properties can contribute to its mechanisms of action during antibiotic treatment.

Revised coordination model and stability constants of Cu(II) complexes of tris buffer.

2-Amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1,3-diol, or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), is probably the most common biochemical buffer used alone or in combination with other buffers because it is stable, unreactive, and compatible with most proteins and other biomolecules. Being nontoxic, it has even found applications in medicine. Tris is known, however, to coordinate transition metal ions, Cu(II) among them. Although often ignored, this feature affects interactions of Cu(II) ions with biomolecules, as Tris is usually used in high molar excess. Therefore, it is important to have precise knowledge on the stoichiometry, stability, and reactivity of cupric Tris complexes. The literature data are incoherent in this respect. We reinvestigated the complex formation in the Tris-Cu(II) system by potentiometry, UV-vis, ESI-MS, and EPR at a broad range of concentrations and ratios. We found, contrary to several previous papers, that the maximum stoichiometry of Tris to Cu(II) is 2 and at neutral pH, dimeric complexes are formed. The apparent affinity of Tris buffer for Cu(II), determined by the competitivity index (CI) approach [Krezel, A.; Wójcik, J.; Maciejczyk, M.; Bal, W. Chem. Commun. 2003, 6, 704-705] at pH 7.4 varies between 2 × 10(6) and 4 × 10(4) M(-1), depending on the Tris and Cu(II) concentrations and molar ratio.

A rice fungicide blasticidin S efficiently binds Cu(II) ions and prevents DNA from metal-induced damage.

Blasticidin S is a representative of the aminoacylnucleoside class of antibiotics and it possesses fungicidal properties against the virulent fungus which causes a serious rice blast disease in Asia. It is widely used to control rice blast by foliar application as a crop protection agent. Serious copper contamination is observed in some areas of China. Moreover, some paddy soils present a potential risk of copper accumulation in the human body through the food chain, leading to several disorders. This work presents the results of combined potentiometric and spectroscopic (UV-visible, EPR, CD, NMR) data which lead to the conclusion that the antibiotic is capable of binding copper, and the resulting complexes are likely to form in the soil. The process of complex formation has a potential influence on the population feeding on a rice-based diet. Moreover, the results of electrophoretic experiments revealed that complexes do not cleave DNA. On the contrary, the presence of blasticidin S may prevent DNA from a Cu(II)-induced damage.

Copper(I) (pseudo)halide complexes with neocuproine and aminomethylphosphines derived from morpholine and thiomorpholine - in vitro cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity and the interactions with DNA and serum albumins.

Herein, a series of CuI or CuNCS complexes with neocuproine (2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline: dmp) and two tris(aminomethyl)phosphines derived from morpholine (P(CH2 N(CH2 CH2 )2 O)3 ) or thiomorpholine (P(CH2 N(CH2 CH2 )2 S)3 ) were tested as cytotoxic agents in vitro towards mouse colon carcinoma (CT26) and human lung adenocarcinoma (A549). The studies showed that the complexes exhibit potential antitumor properties, displayed by IC50 values below 10 µm towards the tested cell lines, in the case of 4-h incubation time with the examined compounds. Moreover, a high antimicrobial activity of all the complexes was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans with minimal inhibitory concentrations equal to 1-2 µg/mL. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of biological activity of the complexes, we investigated also their interactions with plasmid DNA (pUC18) and the human and bovine serum albumins. Gel electrophoresis experiments demonstrated that all the compounds were comparably efficient in DNA degradation process; however, luminescence quenching showed surprising dependence on the interactions strength of the used compounds with the albumins. Apart from exceptionally effective [CuI(dmp)P(CH2 N(CH2 CH2 )2 O)3 ], the complexes with P(CH2 N(CH2 CH2 )2 O)3 quenched more strongly luminescence of bovine serum albumin, while the complexes with P(CH2 N(CH2 CH2 )2 S)3 were more active in the quenching of human serum albumin luminescence.