RESUMO
A Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adduct (MBHA) derivative bearing a triphenylamine moiety was found to react with human serum albumin (HSA) shifting its emission from the blue to the green-yellow thus leading to green fluorescent albumin (GFA) derivatives and enlarging the platform of probes for aggregation-induced fluorescent-based detection techniques. A possible interaction of MBHA derivative 7 with a lipophilic pocket within the HSA structure was suggested by docking studies. DLS experiments showed that the reaction with HSA induce a conformational change of the protein contributing to the aggregation process of GFA derivatives. The results of investigations on the biological properties suggested that GFA retained the ability of binding drug molecules such as warfarin and diazepam. Finally, cytotoxicity evaluation studies suggested that, although the MBHA derivative 7 at 0.1â µg/mL affected the percentage of cell viability in comparison to the negative control, it cannot be considered cytotoxic, whereas at all the other concentrations≥0.5â µg/mL resulted cytotoxic at different extent.
Assuntos
Albumina Sérica Humana , Humanos , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Ligação Proteica , Proteínas/metabolismo , Albumina Sérica Humana/química , Espectrometria de FluorescênciaRESUMO
Riluzole, the first clinically approved treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), represents a successful example of a drug endowed with a multimodal mechanism of action. In recent years, different series of riluzole-based compounds have been reported, including several agents acting as Multi-Target-Directed Ligands (MTLDs) endowed with neuroprotective effects. Aiming at identical twin structures inspired by riluzole (2a-c), a synthetic procedure was planned, but the reactivity of the system took a different path, leading to the serendipitous isolation of benzo[b][1,4]thiazepines 3a-c and expanded intermediates N-cyano-benzo[b][1,4]thiazepines 4a-c, which were fully characterized. The newly obtained structures 3a-c, bearing riluzole key elements, were initially tested in an in vitro ischemia/reperfusion injury protocol, simulating the cerebral stroke. Results identified compound 3b as the most effective in reverting the injury caused by an ischemia-like condition, and its activity was comparable, or even higher than that of riluzole, exhibiting a concentration-dependent neuroprotective effect. Moreover, derivative 3b completely reverted the release of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), lowering the values to those of the control slices. Based on its very promising pharmacological properties, compound 3b was then selected to assess its effects on voltage-dependent Na+ and K+ currents. The results indicated that derivative 3b induced a multifaceted inhibitory effect on voltage-gated currents in SH-SY5Y differentiated neurons, suggesting its possible applications in epilepsy and stroke management, other than ALS. Accordingly, brain penetration was also measured for 3b, as it represents an elegant example of a MTDL and opens the way to further ex-vivo and/or in-vivo characterization.
RESUMO
HBDI-like chromophores represent a novel set of biomimetic switches mimicking the fluorophore of the green fluorescent protein that are currently studied with the hope to expand the molecular switch/motor toolbox. However, until now members capable of absorbing visible light in their neutral (i. e. non-anionic) form have not been reported. In this contribution we report the preparation of an HBDI-like chromophore based on a 3-phenylbenzofulvene scaffold capable of absorbing blue light and photoisomerizing on the picosecond timescale. More specifically, we show that double-bond photoisomerization occurs in both the E-to-Z and Z-to-E directions and that these can be controlled by irradiating with blue and UV light, respectively. Finally, as a preliminary applicative result, we report the incorporation of the chromophore in an amphiphilic molecule and demonstrate the formation of a visible-light-sensitive nanoaggregated state in water.
Assuntos
Luz , Proteínas de Fluorescência Verde/químicaRESUMO
A novel series of 1,5-diarylpyrrol-3-sulfur derivatives (10-12) was synthesized and characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The biological activity of these compounds was evaluated in in vitro and in vivo tests to assess their COX-2 inhibitory activity along with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect. Results showed that the bioisosteric transformation of previously reported alkoxyethyl ethers (9a-c) into the corresponding alkyl thioethers (10a-c) still leads to selective and active compounds being the COX-2 inhibitory activity for most of them in the low nanomolar range. The oxidation products of 10a,b were also investigated and both couple of sulfoxides (11a,b) and sulfones (12a,b) showed an appreciable COX-2 inhibitory activity. Molecular modeling studies were performed to investigate the binding mode of the representative compounds 10b, 11b, and 12b into COX-2 enzyme and to explore the potential site of metabolism of 10a and 10b due to the different in vivo efficacy. Among the developed compounds, compound 10b showed a significant in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity paving the way to develop novel anti-inflammatory drugs.
Assuntos
Inibidores de Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/uso terapêutico , Pirróis/uso terapêutico , Sulfetos/uso terapêutico , Sulfonas/uso terapêutico , Sulfóxidos/uso terapêutico , Analgésicos/síntese química , Analgésicos/metabolismo , Analgésicos/uso terapêutico , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios/síntese química , Anti-Inflamatórios/metabolismo , Anti-Inflamatórios/uso terapêutico , Carragenina , Linhagem Celular , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/metabolismo , Inibidores de Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/síntese química , Inibidores de Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/metabolismo , Desenho de Fármacos , Humanos , Inflamação/induzido quimicamente , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Masculino , Camundongos , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Estrutura Molecular , Ligação Proteica , Pirróis/síntese química , Pirróis/metabolismo , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Ratos Wistar , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Sulfetos/síntese química , Sulfetos/metabolismo , Sulfonas/síntese química , Sulfonas/metabolismo , Sulfóxidos/síntese química , Sulfóxidos/metabolismoRESUMO
Two new fluorophenylindenone derivatives were designed as potential p38α MAPK modulators by preserving the key interactions of the vicinal pyridine/fluorophenyl pharmacophore with the enzyme protein. Interestingly, these two fluorophenylindenone isomers showed divergent activities, with compound 6 behaving as an inhibitor and 5 as a putative activator. These results were rationalized by docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations in terms of stabilization of DFG loop, by compound 5 in a conformation more accessible to phosphorylation.
Assuntos
Fenindiona/análogos & derivados , Proteínas Quinases p38 Ativadas por Mitógeno/efeitos dos fármacos , Cristalografia por Raios X , Ativação Enzimática , Ligação de Hidrogênio , Isomerismo , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Fenindiona/farmacologia , Fosforilação , Proteínas Quinases p38 Ativadas por Mitógeno/antagonistas & inibidoresRESUMO
An easy and viable crosslinking technology, based on the "click-chemistry" reaction copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click-crosslinking), was applied to graft copolymers of medium molecular weight (i.e., 270 kDa) hyaluronic acid (HA) grafted with ferulic acid (FA) residues bearing clickable propargyl groups, as well as caffeic acid derivatives bearing azido-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) side chains. The obtained crosslinked materials were characterized from the point of view of their structure and aggregation liability to form hydrogels in a water environment. The most promising materials showed interesting loading capability regarding the antioxidant agent phycocyanin (PC). Two novel materials complexes (namely HA(270)-FA-TEGEC-CL-20/PC and HA(270)-FA-HEGEC-CL-20/PC) were obtained with a drug-to-material ratio of 1:2 (w/w). Zeta potential measurements of the new complexes (-1.23 mV for HA(270)-FA-TEGEC-CL-20/PC and -1.73 mV for HA(270)-FA-HEGEC-CL-20/PC) showed alterations compared to the zeta potential values of the materials on their own, suggesting the achievement of drug-material interactions. According to the in vitro dissolution studies carried out in different conditions, novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) were obtained with a variety of characteristics depending on the desired route of administration and, consequently, on the pH of the surrounding environment, thanks to the complexation of phycocyanin with these two new crosslinked materials. Both complexes showed excellent potential for providing a controlled/prolonged release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). They also increased the amount of drug that reach the target location, enabling pH-dependent release. Importantly, as demonstrated by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the complexation process, involving freezing and freeze-drying, showed no adverse effects on the antioxidant activity of phycocyanin. This activity was preserved in the two novel materials and followed a concentration-dependent pattern similar to pure PC.
RESUMO
The reactivity of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adduct (MBHA) derivative 7 was studied with different primary amine derivatives such as n-butylamine, Na-acetyl-L-lysine methyl ester, and a poly-(L-lysine) derivative as lysine models to obtain information about the possible reactions in complex protein environments. MBHA derivative 7 reacted with n-butylamine or Na-acetyl-L-lysine methyl ester producing monoadducts 9a or 9c, which showed bright emission features in the green region at 526-535 nm with photoluminescence quantum yield values in solutions of 73% and 51%, respectively. Based on these results, MBHA derivative 7 can be considered an interesting new fluorogenic probe potentially useful in the labelling of basic amino acid residues. Furthermore, similar to other MBHA derivatives, compound 7 showed the tendency to produce diadducts especially in polar solvents system where specific interactions between the extended aromatic moieties may play a major role.
RESUMO
Two novel benzofulvene monomers bearing propargyl or allyl groups have been synthesized by means of readily accessible reactions, and were found to polymerize spontaneously by solvent removal, in the apparent absence of catalysts or initiators, to give the corresponding polybenzofulvene derivatives bearing clickable propargyl or allyl moieties. The clickable propargyl and allyl groups were exploited in appropriate click reactions to develop a powerful and versatile "grafting onto" synthetic methodology for obtaining tailored polymer brushes.
Assuntos
Ciclopentanos/química , Polímeros/química , Polímeros/síntese química , Solventes/química , Catálise , Química Click , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , PolimerizaçãoRESUMO
A Morita-Baylis-Hillman acetate was dimerized by a click-chemistry Copper(i)-Catalysed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction employing a tri(ethylene glycol) diazide derivative to obtain a dimeric MBHA derivative. The reaction of this dimeric MBHA derivative with n-butylamine afforded a photoisomerizable macrocyclic crown ether-paracyclophane hybrid architecture that is potentially useful in a large variety of applications as well as those already well-known for crown ethers.
RESUMO
New graft copolymers were prepared by reaction of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with mono-imidazolide or bis-imidazolide derivatives of ferulic acid (FA) with the formation of ester bonds. The obtained graft copolymers, thanks to the crosslinking capability of FA, formed in water strong gels as verified by rheological analyses. The resulting hydrogels were characterized to evaluate their applicability as wound dressing. In this perspective, their capability to absorb and retain a large amount of fluid without dissolving was verified by swelling kinetics and Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate measurements. Their stability towards mechanical solicitations was assessed by quantifying elasticity, compliance, stress-relaxation, and adhesivity properties. The analyses pointed out that hydrogel PVA-FA2-3 obtained by feruloylation of PVA with bis-imidazole derivative of ferulic acid using an acylation agent/polymer molar ratio 0.03/1 resulted the best candidate for the foreseen application.
RESUMO
An easy and viable crosslinking procedure by click-chemistry (click-crosslinking) of hyaluronic acid (HA) was developed. In particular, the clickable propargyl groups of hyaluronane-based HA-FA-Pg graft copolymers showing low and medium molecular weight values were exploited in crosslinking by click-chemistry by using a hexa(ethylene glycol) spacer. The resulting HA-FA-HEG-CL materials showed an apparent lack of in vitro cytotoxic effects, tuneable water affinity, and rheological properties according to the crosslinking degree that suggests their applicability in different biomedical fields.
RESUMO
The quinoline nucleus of the previously described 4-phenylquinoline-3-carboxamides NK(1) receptor ligands 7 has been transformed into either substituted or azole-(i.e., triazole or tetrazole) fused pyridine moieties of compounds 9 and 10, respectively, in order to obtain NK(1) receptor ligands showing lower molecular weight or higher hydrophilicity. The program of molecular manipulations produced NK(1) receptor ligands showing affinity in the nanomolar range. In particular, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl derivative 9j showed an IC(50) value of 4.8 nM and was proved to behave as a NK(1) antagonist blocking Sar(9)-SP-sulfone induced proliferation and migration of microvascular endothelial cells. Therefore, compound 9j has been labeled with [(11)C]CH(3)I (t(1/2)=20.4 min, ß(+)=99.8%) starting from the corresponding des-methyl precursor 9i using with a radiochemical yield of about 10% (not decay corrected) and a specific radioactivity>1 Ci/µmol in order to be used as a radiotracer in next PET studies.
Assuntos
Piridinas/química , Receptores da Neurocinina-1/química , Amidas/química , Amidas/metabolismo , Amidas/farmacologia , Animais , Células CHO , Radioisótopos de Carbono/química , Bovinos , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Cristalografia por Raios X , Células Endoteliais/efeitos dos fármacos , Marcação por Isótopo , Ligantes , Piridinas/síntese química , Piridinas/metabolismo , Piridinas/farmacologia , Ensaio Radioligante , Receptores da Neurocinina-1/metabolismo , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
We employ replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) and a hybrid ab initio multiconfigurational quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach to model the absorption and fluorescence properties of bacterial luciferin-luciferase. Specifically, we employ complete active space perturbation theory (CASPT2) and study the effect of active space, basis set, and IPEA shift on the computed energies. We discuss the effect of the protein environment on the fluorophore's excited-state potential energy surface and the role that the protein plays in enhancing the fluorescence quantum yield in bacterial bioluminescence.
Assuntos
Corantes Fluorescentes/química , Luciferases Bacterianas/química , Teoria Quântica , Análise Espectral/métodos , Medições Luminescentes , Modelos Químicos , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Conformação ProteicaRESUMO
Translocator protein 18 kDa [TSPO or peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR)] was identified in the search of binding sites for benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs in peripheral regions. In these areas, binding sites for TSPO ligands were recognized in steroid-producing tissues. TSPO plays an important role in many cellular functions, and its coding sequence is highly conserved across species. TSPO is located predominantly on the membrane of mitochondria and is overexpressed in several solid cancers. TSPO basal expression in the CNS is low, but it becomes high in neurodegenerative conditions. Thus, TSPO constitutes not only as an outstanding drug target but also as a valuable marker for the diagnosis of a number of diseases. The aim of the present article is to show the lesson we have learned from our activity in TSPO medicinal chemistry and in approaching the targeted delivery to mitochondria by means of TSPO ligands.
Assuntos
Benzodiazepinas/farmacologia , Compostos de Boro/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Receptores de GABA/metabolismo , Benzodiazepinas/química , Química Farmacêutica , Humanos , Ligantes , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Estrutura Molecular , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Receptores de GABA/genéticaRESUMO
The synthesis of new bis-deoxy-coelenterazine (1) derivatives bearing ester protective groups (acetate, propionate and butyrate esters) was accomplished. Moreover, their hydrolytic stability at room temperature was evaluated in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent, using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the key products at different time intervals. The results showed an increasing hydrolysis rate according to longest aliphatic chain, with a half-life of 24 days of the more stable acetate derivative (4a). Furthermore, the analysis of the experimental data revealed the greater stability of the enol tautomer in this aprotic polar solvent. This result was confirmed by theoretical calculations using the density functional theory (DFT) approach, which gave us the opportunity to propose a detailed decomposition mechanism. Additionally, the derivatives obtained were tested by bioluminescence luciferase assays to evaluate their potential use as extracellular pH-sensitive reporter substrates of luciferase. The biological data support the idea that further structural modifications of these molecules may open promising perspectives in this field of research.
Assuntos
Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Imidazóis/química , Sondas Moleculares/química , Pirazinas/química , Meia-Vida , Hidrólise , Cinética , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética/métodos , TermodinâmicaRESUMO
The experimental investigation of the unidirectional motion characterizing the photoisomerization of single-molecule rotary motors requires accessible lab prototypes featuring an electronic circular dichroism (ECD) signal that is sensitive to the geometrical and electronic changes occurring during an ultrafast reactive process. Here we report a combined experimental/computational study of a candidate obtained via the asymmetrization of a light-driven biomimetic molecular switch. We show that the achieved motor has an ECD band that is remarkably sensitive to the isomerization motion, and it is therefore suitable for time-resolved ECD studies. However, we also find that, unexpectedly, the synthesized motor isomerizes on a time scale longer than the subpicosecond time measured for the achiral parent, a result that points to alternative candidates conserving a high reaction speed.
Assuntos
Materiais Biomiméticos/química , Indanos/química , Pirrolidinonas/química , Materiais Biomiméticos/síntese química , Materiais Biomiméticos/efeitos da radiação , Dicroísmo Circular , Teoria da Densidade Funcional , Indanos/síntese química , Indanos/efeitos da radiação , Modelos Químicos , Pirrolidinonas/síntese química , Pirrolidinonas/efeitos da radiação , Rotação , Estereoisomerismo , Raios UltravioletaRESUMO
Potential boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agents have been designed on the basis of the evidence about translocator protein (TSPO) overexpression on the outer mitochondrial membrane of tumor cells. The structure of the first TSPO ligand bearing a carborane cage (compound 2d) has been modified in order to find a suitable candidate for in vivo studies. The designed compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their potential interaction with TSPO and tumor cells. In vitro biological evaluation showed in the case of fluoromethyl derivative 4b a nanomolar TSPO affinity very similar to that of 2d, a significantly lower cytotoxicity, and a slightly superior performance as boron carrier toward breast cancer cells. Moreover, compound 4b could be used as a ¹9F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent as well as labeled with ¹¹C or ¹8F to obtain positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers in order to apply the "see and treat" strategy in BNCT.
Assuntos
Terapia por Captura de Nêutron de Boro/métodos , Boro , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas de Transporte/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Quinolinas , Receptores de GABA-A/metabolismo , Adenocarcinoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Adenocarcinoma/patologia , Adenocarcinoma/radioterapia , Animais , Sítios de Ligação , Boranos/síntese química , Boranos/farmacologia , Boranos/uso terapêutico , Boro/química , Boro/metabolismo , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/patologia , Neoplasias da Mama/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Neoplasias da Mama/radioterapia , Proteínas de Transporte/química , Proteínas de Transporte/genética , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Neoplasias do Colo/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias do Colo/patologia , Neoplasias do Colo/radioterapia , Cristalografia por Raios X , Feminino , Radioisótopos de Flúor , Expressão Gênica , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/patologia , Modelos Moleculares , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons , Ligação Proteica , Quinolinas/síntese química , Quinolinas/farmacologia , Quinolinas/uso terapêutico , Ratos , Receptores de GABA-A/química , Receptores de GABA-A/genética , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Rhodopsins are photoreceptive proteins using light to drive a plethora of biological functions such as vision, proton and ion pumping, cation and anion channeling, and gene and enzyme regulation. Here we combine organic synthesis, NMR structural studies, and photochemical characterization to show that it is possible to prepare a fully synthetic mimic of rhodopsin photoreceptors. More specifically, we conjugate a bile acid binding protein with a synthetic mimic of the rhodopsin protonated Schiff base chromophore to achieve a covalent complex featuring an unnatural protein host, photoswitch, and photoswitch-protein linkage with a reverse orientation. We show that, in spite of its molecular-level diversity, light irradiation of the prepared mimic fuels a photochromic cycle driven by sequential photochemical and thermal Z/E isomerizations reminiscent of the photocycles of microbial rhodopsins.
Assuntos
Materiais Biomiméticos/química , Proteínas de Transporte/química , Corantes/química , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/química , Fotorreceptores Microbianos/química , Rodopsina/química , Isomerismo , Luz , Processos Fotoquímicos , Conformação Proteica , Prótons , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
In order to evaluate the potential of a technology platform based on hyaluronan copolymers grafted with propargylated ferulate fluorophores (HA-FA-Pg) in the development of drug delivery systems, the propargyl groups of HA-FA-Pg derivatives were employed with oleic acid (OA) or stearic acid (SA) residues across a biocompatible hexa(ethylene glycol) (HEG) spacer. The designed materials (i.e., HA-FA-HEG-OA or HA-FA-HEG-SA) showed clear-cut aggregation features in an aqueous environment, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), generating nanoaggregate systems. In fact, HA-FA-HEG-OA and HA-FA-HEG-SA derivatives showed the property to create self-assembled cytocompatible nanostructured aggregates in water, thanks to the simultaneous presence of hydrophilic portions in the polymeric backbone, such as hyaluronic acid, and hydrophobic portions in the side chains. Furthermore, the designed materials interact with living cells showing a high degree of cytocompatibility. The potential ability of nanosystems to load pharmacologically active molecules was assessed by the physical entrapment of olanzapine into both polymeric systems. The drug loading evaluation demonstrated that the nanoparticles are able to incorporate a good quantity of olanzapine, as well as improve drug solubility, release profile, and cytocompatibility.
RESUMO
A new polymer brush was synthesized by spontaneous polymerization of benzofulvene macromonomer 6-MOEG-9-T-BF3k bearing a nona(ethylene glycol) side chain linked to the 3-phenylindene scaffold by means of a triazole heterocycle. The polymer structure was studied by SEC-MALS, NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF MS techniques, and the results supported the role of oligomeric initiatory species in the spontaneous polymerization of polybenzofulvene derivatives. The aggregation features of high molecular weight poly-6-MOEG-9-T-BF3k-FE were investigated by pyrene fluorescence analysis, dynamic light scattering studies, and transmission electron microscopy, which suggested a tendency towards the formation of spherical objects showing dimensions in the range of 20-200 nm. Moreover, poly-6-MOEG-9-T-BF3k-FE showed an interesting cytocompatibility in the whole concentration range tested that, besides its aggregation features, makes this polybenzofulvene brush a good polymer candidate for nanoencapsulation and delivery of drug molecules. Finally, the photo-physical features of poly-6-MOEG-9-T-BF3k-FE could allow the biodistribution of the resulting drug delivery systems to be monitored by fluorescence microscopy techniques.