Exceptional anticancer photodynamic properties of [1,4-Bis(3,6,9,12-Tetraoxatridec-1-yloxy)phthalocyaninato]zinc(II).

Phthalocyanines have been described as effective photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy and are therefore, being studied for their biomedical applications. The metalation of photosensitizers can improve their photodynamic therapy potential. Here, we focus on the biological properties of [1,4-Bis(3,6,9,12-Tetraoxatridec-1-yloxy)phthalocyaninato]zinc(II) (ZnPc(αEG4)2) and demonstrate its exceptional anticancer activity upon light stimulation to kill preferentially cancer cells with a start of efficiency at 10 pM. Indeed, in this work we highlighted the high selectivity of ZnPc(αEG4)2 for cancer cells compared with healthy ones and we establish its mechanism of action, enabling us to conclude that ZnPc(αEG4)2 could be a powerful tool for cancer therapy.

Photosensitivity of Different Nanodiamond-PMO Nanoparticles in Two-Photon-Excited Photodynamic Therapy.

BACKGROUND: In addition to their great optical properties, nanodiamonds (NDs) have recently proved useful for two-photon-excited photodynamic therapy (TPE-PDT) applications. Indeed, they are able to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly upon two-photon excitation but not with one-photon excitation; Methods: Fluorescent NDs (FNDs) with a 100 nm diameter and detonation NDs (DNDs) of 30 nm were compared. In order to use the gems for cancer-cell theranostics, they were encapsulated in a bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene-based (ENE) periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) shell, and the surface of the formed nanoparticles (NPs) was modified by the direct grafting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and amino groups using PEG-hexyltriethoxysilane and aminoundecyltriethoxysilane during the sol-gel process. The NPs' phototoxicity and interaction with MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were evaluated afterwards; Results: Transmission electronic microscopy images showed the formation of core-shell NPs. Infrared spectra and zeta-potential measurements confirmed the grafting of PEG and NH2 groups. The encapsulation of the NDs allowed for the imaging of cancer cells with NDs and for the performance of TPE-PDT of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with significant mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Multifunctional ND@PMO core-shell nanosystems were successfully prepared. The NPs demonstrated high biocompatibility and TPE-PDT efficiency in vitro in the cancer cell model. Such systems hold good potential for two-photon-excited PDT applications.

Assembly of Aggregation-Induced Emission Active Bola-Amphiphilic Macromolecules into Luminescent Nanoparticles Optimized for Two-Photon Microscopy In Vivo.

The (Z) and (E)-isomers of an extended tetraphenylethylene-based chromophore with optimized two-photon-induced luminescence properties are separated and functionalized with water-solubilizing pendant polymer groups, promoting their self-assembly in physiological media in the form of small, colloidal stable organic nanoparticles. The two resulting fluorescent suspensions are then evaluated as potential two-photon luminescent contrast agents for intravital epifluorescence and two-photon fluorescence microscopy. Comparisons with previously reported works involving similar fluorophores devoid of polymer side chains illustrate the benefits of later functionalization regarding the control of the self-assembly of the nano-objects and ultimately their biocompatibility toward the imaged organism.

Synergetic anticancer activity of gold porphyrin appended to phenyl tin malonate organometallic complexes.

The discovery of novel anticancer chemotherapeutics is fundamental to treat cancer more efficiently. Towards this goal, two dyads consisting of a gold porphyrin appended to organotin(iv) entities were synthesized and their physicochemical and biological properties were characterized. One dyad contains a gold porphyrin connected to a tin(iv) cation via a malonate and two phenyl ligands (AuP-SnPh2), while the other contains two tin(iv) cations each chelated to one carboxylic acid group of the malonate and three phenyl ligands (AuP-Sn2Ph6). The mode of chelation of Sn(iv) to the malonate was elucidated by IR spectroscopy and 119Sn NMR. In the solid state, the complexes exist as coordination polymers in which the tin is penta-coordinated and bridged to two different malonate units. In solution the chemical shifts of 119Sn signals indicate that the tin complexes are in the form of monomeric species associated with a tetra-coordinated tin cation. The therapeutic potential of these new compounds was assessed by determining their cytotoxic activities on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and on healthy human fibroblasts (FS 20-68). The study reveals that the dyads are more potent anticancer drugs than the mixture of their individual components (gold porphyrin and reference tin complexes). Therefore, the covalent link of organotin complexes to a gold porphyrin induces a synergistic cytotoxic effect. The dyad AuP-SnPh2 shows high cytotoxicity (0.13 µM) against MCF-7 along with good selectivity for cancer cells versus healthy cells. Finally, it was also shown that the dyad AuP-Sn2Ph6 exhibits a very high anticancer activity (LC50 = 0.024 µM), but the presence of two tin units induces strong cytotoxicity on healthy cells too (LC50 = 0.032 µM). This study underscores, thus, the potential of the association of gold porphyrin and organotin complexes to develop anticancer metallo-drugs.

Two-Photon Absorbing AIEgens: Influence of Stereoconfiguration on Their Crystallinity and Spectroscopic Properties and Applications in Bioimaging.

This paper aims at designing chromophores with efficient aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties for two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM), which is one of the best-suited types of microscopy for the imaging of living organisms or thick biological tissues. Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives are common building blocks in the design of chromophores with efficient AIE properties. Therefore, in this study, extended TPE AIEgens specifically optimized for two-photon absorption (2PA) are synthesized and the resulting (E/Z) isomers are separated using chromatography on chiral supports. Comparative characterization of the AIE properties is performed on the pure (Z) and (E) isomers and the mixture, allowing us, in combination with powder X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR, to document a profound impact of crystallinity on solid-state fluorescence properties. In particular, we show that stereopure AIEgens form aggregates of superior crystallinity, which in turn exhibit a higher fluorescence quantum yield compared to diastereoisomers mixtures. Preparation of stereopure organic nanoparticles affords very bright fluorescent contrast agents, which are then used for cellular and intravital two-photon microscopy on human breast cancer cells and on zebrafish embryos.

Substantial Cellular Penetration of Fluorescent Imidazoquinoxalines.

Fluorescent tools have revolutionized our capability to visualize, probe, study, and understand the biological cellular properties, processes and dynamics, enabling researchers to improve their knowledge for example in cancer field. In this paper, we use the peculiar properties of our Imiqualines derivatives to study their cellular penetration and distribution in a human melanoma cell line A375 using confocal microscopy. Preliminary results on colocalization with the potent protein target c-Kit of our lead are also described.

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine, Imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxaline and Pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline derivatives as IKK1 and IKK2 inhibitors.

The transcription nuclear factor NF-κB plays a pivotal role in chronic and acute inflammatory diseases. Among the several and diverse strategies for inhibiting NF-κB, one of the most effective approach considered by the pharmaceutical industry seems to be offered by the development of IKK inhibitors. In a former study, two potential IKK2 inhibitors have been highlighted among a series of imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives. In order to enhance this activity, we present herein the synthesis of twenty-one new compounds based on the imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine, imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxaline or pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline structures. Their potential to inhibit IKK1 and IKK2 activities is also tested.

Fluorescence Study of Imidazoquinoxalines.

The fluorescence properties of eleven novel derivatives based on the imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline structures have been studied. The absorption and emission spectra of these compounds have been recorded in dimethylsulfoxide solution. The phenyl substituting group on position 1 gives them particular properties thanks to the diverse hydroxy or methoxy decorating moieties, especially when they are multiplied or mixed. The investigated fluorescence auto-quenching revealed that the decreasing fluorescence intensity correlated only with the chemical structures of the aromatic compounds.

New imidazoquinoxaline derivatives: Synthesis, biological evaluation on melanoma, effect on tubulin polymerization and structure-activity relationships.

Microtubules are considered as important targets of anticancer therapy. EAPB0503 and its structural imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives are major microtubule-interfering agents with potent anticancer activity. In this study, the synthesis of several new derivatives of EAPB0503 is described, and the anticancer efficacy of 13 novel derivatives on A375 human melanoma cell line is reported. All new compounds show significant antiproliferative activity with IC50 in the range of 0.077-122µM against human melanoma cell line (A375). Direct inhibition of tubulin polymerization assay in vitro is also assessed. Results show that compounds 6b, 6e, 6g, and EAPB0503 highly inhibit tubulin polymerization with percentages of inhibition of 99%, 98%, 90%, and 84% respectively. Structure-activity relationship studies within the series are also discussed in line with molecular docking studies into the colchicine-binding site of tubulin.

Lysosomes and unfolded protein response, determinants of differential resistance of melanoma cells to vinca alkaloids.

On account of its strong ability to become chemoresistant after a primary response to drugs, malignant melanoma (MM) remains a therapeutic challenge. This study focuses on acquired resistance to vinca alkaloids (VAs) using VA-resistant MM cell lines (CAL1R-VCR, CAL1R-VDS, and CAL1R-VRB), established by long-term continuous exposure of parental CAL1-wt cells to vincristine (VCR), vindesine (VDS), or vinorelbine (VRB), respectively. Transcriptomic profiling using rma and rdam methods led to distinguish two cell groups: CAL1R-VCR and CAL1R-VDS, CAL1R-VRB, and CAL1-wt. mgsa of the specifically altered genes in the first group evidenced the GO terms 'lysosomal lumen' and 'vacuolar lumen' linked to underexpressed genes, and 'endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response' associated with overexpressed genes. A specific reduction of lysosomal enzymes, independent of acidic vacuole organelle (AVO) turnover, was observed (LTG probe) in CAL1R-VCR and CAL1R-VDS cells. It was associated with the specific lowering of cathepsin B and L, known to be involved in the lysosomal pathway of apoptosis. Confirming gene profiling, the same groups (CAL1R-VCR and CAL1R-VDS, CAL1-wt and CAL1R-VRB) could be distinguished regarding the VA-mediated changes on mean size areas and on acidic compartment volumes. These two parameters were reduced in CAL1R-VCR and CAL1R-VDS cells, suggesting a smaller AVO accumulation and thus a reduced sensitivity to lysosomal membrane permeabilization-mediated apoptosis. In addition, 'ER stress response' inhibition by tauroursodeoxycholic acid induced a higher VA sensitization of the first cell group. In conclusion, lysosomes and unfolded protein response could be key determinants of the differential resistance of MM to VAs.

Differential involvement of glutathione S-transferase mu 1 and multidrug resistance protein 1 in melanoma acquired resistance to vinca alkaloids.

On account of its extreme intrinsic resistance to apoptosis and of its strong ability to become chemoresistant after a primary response to drugs, malignant melanoma (MM) is still a therapeutic challenge. We previously showed that glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) acts in synergy with multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) to protect GSTM1-transfected human CAL1 melanoma cells from toxic effects of vincristine (VCR). Herein, we investigated the role of these proteins in the acquired resistance of CAL1 cells to vinca alkaloids (VAs). Resistant lines were established by continuous exposure (>1 year) of parental CAL1-wt cells to VCR, vindesine (VDS), or vinorelbine (VRB): CAL1R-VCR, CAL1R-VDS, CAL1R-VRB, respectively. All resistant lines displayed more than 10-fold increase in resistance to their selection VA, and specifically expressed GSTM1. Suggesting a direct interaction between this protein and VAs, each VA specifically decreased the GSTM1-mediated glutathione conjugation activity in cell lysates. Curcumin (GSTM1 inhibitor), BSO (glutathione synthesis inhibitor), and MK571 (MRP1 inhibitor) considerably reversed the acquired resistance to VCR and VDS, but not to VRB. Microarray data analysis revealed similar gene expression patterns of CAL1R-VCR and CAL1R-VDS, and a distinct one for CAL1R-VRB. These data suggest a differential involvement of GSTM1 and MRP1 in acquired resistance to VAs. A coordinated expression and activity of GSTM1 and MRP1 is required to protect CAL1 cells from VCR and VDS, while the simple expression of GSTM1 is sufficient, possibly by a direct drug/protein interaction, to confer resistance against VRB.

Sequencing of the smallest Apicomplexan genome from the human pathogen Babesia microti.

We have sequenced the genome of the emerging human pathogen Babesia microti and compared it with that of other protozoa. B. microti has the smallest nuclear genome among all Apicomplexan parasites sequenced to date with three chromosomes encoding ∼3500 polypeptides, several of which are species specific. Genome-wide phylogenetic analyses indicate that B. microti is significantly distant from all species of Babesidae and Theileridae and defines a new clade in the phylum Apicomplexa. Furthermore, unlike all other Apicomplexa, its mitochondrial genome is circular. Genome-scale reconstruction of functional networks revealed that B. microti has the minimal metabolic requirement for intraerythrocytic protozoan parasitism. B. microti multigene families differ from those of other protozoa in both the copy number and organization. Two lateral transfer events with significant metabolic implications occurred during the evolution of this parasite. The genomic sequencing of B. microti identified several targets suitable for the development of diagnostic assays and novel therapies for human babesiosis.

Hydrophobic moeties in recombinant proteins are crucial to generate efficient saponin-based vaccine against Apicomplexan Babesia divergens.

Throughout Europe, bovine babesiosis is mainly caused by Babesia divergens, an Apicomplexan parasite transmitted by tick bites. The intra-erythrocytic development of B. divergens merozoites leads to haemolytic anaemia, and bovine babesiosis is responsible for economic losses in the agro-business industry. A totally efficient recombinant vaccine based on the merozoite surface protein Bd37 and saponin QuilA was recently described. In the present study we determined that protective immunity elicited by the Bd37 recombinant protein was related to the presence of hydrophobic residues in the protein. Using polymeric fusion of Bd37 as well as cell-free in vitro protein expression, we successfully expressed recombinant proteins containing hydrophobic sequences without the need of GST fusion. We used different hydrophobic sequences and different recombinant Bd37 proteins to demonstrate that antigen hydrophobicity affects the immune system, turning an inefficient protein into a 100% protective vaccine. Some hypotheses about the hydrophobic effect and its potential application to other parasitic protozoa vaccine are also discussed.