Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dalila Iacopini, Jan Vanco, Sebastiano Di Pietro, Vittorio Bordoni, Stefano Zacchini, Fabio Marchetti, Zdenek Dvorak, Tomas Malina, Lorenzo Biancalana, Zdenek Travnicek, Valeria Di Bussolo
Summary: Glycoconjugation is a powerful strategy to enhance the anticancer activity of metal complexes. In this study, glycoconjugated ruthenium(II) p-cymene complexes were synthesized by modifying commercial arylphosphanes with carbohydrate-derived fragments. These complexes exhibited significant cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines and showed potential as novel anticancer agents.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Alba Hernandez-Garcia, Lenka Markova, Maria Dolores Santana, Jitka Pracharova, Delia Bautista, Hana Kostrhunova, Vojtech Novohradsky, Viktor Brabec, Jose Ruiz, Jana Kasparkova
Summary: This study presents the synthesis and characterization of six new heteroleptic osmium(II) complexes with varying substituents in the R3 position of the phenyl ring of the cyclometalating C^N ligand. These complexes are highly kinetically inert and absorb a full-wavelength range of visible light. The antiproliferative activity of these complexes has been investigated using human cancer and noncancerous cell cultures, showing that they are more potent than conventional cisplatin. The mechanism of action involves the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and disruption of calcium homeostasis.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Linhai Jiang, Xiaoliang Cai, Sheng Li, Ying Miao, Xiaoyu Yang, Manbian Lin, Liang Chen, Xiaozheng He, Zuquan Weng
Summary: The conjugation of CUR with HES to form HES-CUR NPs enhanced the solubility and drug loading efficiency of CUR. HES-CUR NPs exhibited a stronger antiproliferative effect and better apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells compared to CUR. The efficacy of HES-CUR NPs against HepG2 cells might be related to enhanced mitochondrial damage and autophagy induction.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ramya Prabaharan, Ramesh Rengan, Devan Umapathy, Antony Joseph Velanganni Arockiam, Jan Grzegorz Malecki
Summary: The study synthesized six new arene ruthenium (II) complexes and evaluated their anticancer activity through MTT assay and staining techniques, demonstrating good cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, particularly with complex 6 showing potential anticancer activity.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Urszula K. Komarnicka, Sandra Koziel, Agnieszka Skorska-Stania, Agnieszka Kyziol, Francesco Tisato
Summary: In this study, new complexes based on ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) with phosphine ligands and phenyl rings with/without methoxy motifs were synthesized and characterized. The complexes showed high catalytic efficiency in the oxidation of NADH to NAD(+) and exhibited potential applications in biological and medical fields. Furthermore, they demonstrated redox activity and significant cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dao-Ming Wang, Li-Qin She, Hao Yuan, Yichen Wu, Yong Tang, Peng Wang
Summary: We reported a Ni-catalyzed hydroxylarylation reaction of unactivated alkenes using molecular oxygen as the oxidant and hydroxyl source. This reaction showed high efficiency, excellent regioselectivity, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and remarkable heterocycle compatibility, providing a wide range of valuable compounds.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li-Qin Qin, Chun-Jie Liang, Zhen Zhou, Qi-Pin Qin, Zu-Zhuang Wei, Ming-Xiong Tan, Hong Liang
Summary: Four novel Zn(II) complexes with mitochondrial-targeting properties were synthesized in this study, showing strong anticancer activities against SK-OV-3/DDP and T-24 tumor cells with low toxicities to normal cells. Among them, the probe Zn2 exhibited significant fluorescence in the red region and substantial accumulation in mitochondria, leading to induction of mitochondrial dysfunction at low concentrations through increases in Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species levels.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Oscar A. Lenis-Rojas, Rui Cabral, Beatriz Carvalho, Sofia Friaes, Catarina Roma-Rodrigues, Jhonathan A. A. Fernandez, Sabela F. Vila, Laura Sanchez, Clara S. B. Gomes, Alexandra R. Fernandes, Beatriz Royo
Summary: A new series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) compounds bearing 1,2,3-triazole ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. Compounds 1 and 3 showed good cytotoxic activity against ovarian cancer cells with low toxicity both in vitro and in vivo.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. A. Neelakantan, V Latha, S. Thalamuthu
Summary: The study synthesized and characterized beta-diketone derivatives L1 and L2 with extended conjugation, showing selective inhibitory activity against breast cancer cell lines and inducing apoptosis through ROS production.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mohamed Jawed Ahsan, Kavita Choudhary, Amena Ali, Abuzer Ali, Faizul Azam, Atiah H. Almalki, Eman Y. Santali, Md. Afroz Bakht, Abu Tahir, Salahuddin
Summary: Curcumin analogues have shown promising anticancer activity, with compounds 3b and 3c exhibiting the most potential. These compounds demonstrated significant growth inhibitions against multiple cancer cell lines and displayed good selectivity and binding affinity. These analogues may offer beneficial therapeutic intervention for cancer treatment and prevention.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Fabijanska, Maria M. Kasprzak, Justyn Ochocki
Summary: The study found that ruthenium compounds can partially or completely overcome the resistance to platinum drugs by activating apoptosis pathways and inducing loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, while platinum compounds have cytostatic effects requiring longer exposure time. Additionally, cisplatin-resistant cells have higher glutathione levels compared to sensitive cells, indicating mechanisms to evade apoptosis caused by DNA damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riccardo Pettinari, Fabio Marchetti, Alessia Tombesi, Fenghe Duan, Liming Zhou, Luigi Messori, Chiara Giacomelli, Laura Marchetti, Maria Letizia Trincavelli, Tiziano Marzo, Diego La Mendola, Gabriele Balducci, Enzo Alessio
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between two cationic ruthenium(II) [9]aneS3 complexes and a model protein, revealing a limited reactivity and modest cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. The moderate pharmacological activity is likely attributed to the relatively high stability of these complexes.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yuguang Wang, Hengliang Liu, Donglin Cai, Jinqiu Zhou, Mengjing Wu, Huifang Zheng, Deming Xie
Summary: A high-performance and recyclable high valence oxides of ruthenium catalyst was successfully released from commercially available ruthenium carbon catalyst. It selectively oxidized C=C bonds and C equivalent to C bonds to yield corresponding aldehydes, ketones, and alpha-diketones with high yields. The catalyst, with its cheap availability, recyclability, safety, and low toxicity, shows great potential in industrial scale unsaturated bond oxidation cleavage applications.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Eleonora E. Kim, Yuriy N. Kononevich, Yulia S. Dyuzhikova, Dmitry S. Ionov, Dmitry A. Khanin, Galina G. Nikiforova, Olga Shchegolikhina, Viktor G. Vasil'ev, Aziz M. Muzafarov
Summary: Luminescent materials are gaining attention due to their valuable characteristics and wide range of potential applications. In this study, a metal-ligand interaction approach was used to create cross-linked luminescent polymers based on multiligand polysiloxanes and organoeuropiumsiloxanes. These polymers were fully characterized, and their physical, mechanical, self-healing, optical, and thermal properties were studied.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hyeon Ji Kim, Tae-Jun Kim, Yu Gyung Kim, Chaeeun Seong, Jin-Hwa Cho, Wanil Kim, Kyung-Ha Lee, Do-Yeon Kim
Summary: Finasteride, known for treating benign prostate hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia, shows potential as an anti-glioblastoma drug by inhibiting glioma stem-like cells maintenance and glioblastoma proliferation, possibly through lowering intracellular ROS levels and reducing beta-catenin accumulation.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Emma Gallo, Anna Proust, Claudio Pettinari
Summary: Since 1893, coordination chemistry has continuously evolved and become a fundamental pillar in the field of chemical sciences, playing a crucial role in catalysis and materials. After two years of restrictions, the 44th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC) was held in Rimini, Italy in August 2022, providing a platform for over a thousand chemists to present their research projects, some of which are summarized in this Special Collection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marzia Bruna Gariboldi, Emanuela Marras, Nicole Ferrario, Veronica Vivona, Pamela Prini, Francesca Vignati, Gianpaolo Perletti
Summary: Edible/medicinal mushrooms have gained attention in both Asian and European countries for their health and nutritional benefits. They have been found to have various pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects on breast cancer cells. This article reviews the mushrooms that show antineoplastic activity, highlights their bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action, and discusses the relationship between dietary consumption of mushrooms and breast cancer risk as well as clinical studies on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miryam Chiara Malacarne, Maristella Mastore, Marzia Bruna Gariboldi, Maurizio Francesco Brivio, Enrico Caruso
Summary: In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photosensitizer excited by a specific wavelength and oxygen leads to photochemical reactions and cell damage. This article reports preliminary studies on G. mellonella larvae to evaluate the stress response induced by a porphyrin photosensitizer (TPPOH). The tests showed the impact of photosensitizer administration and irradiation on larvae's survival rate and immune system cells, and observed a maximum peak of cellular uptake at 8 hours. The results suggest G. mellonella as a promising model for preclinical photosensitizer tests.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra Yu, Francesco Caruso, Stuart Belli, Miriam Rossi
Summary: This study evaluates the biological role of isoflavones, including formononetin (FMNT), in antioxidant and superoxide reduction activity, as well as their potential PPAR gamma agonist activity. The findings provide insights for further research on the therapeutic potential of natural products in diabetes treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Lorenzo Pietracci, Riccardo Pettinari, Alessia Tombesi, Fabio Marchetti, Claudio Pettinari, Agustiïn Galindo, Farzaneh Fadaei-Tirani, Mouna Hadiji, Paul J. Dyson
Summary: This study investigates the coordination mechanisms of pyrazolone ligands containing a pyridine ring with the (Ru(II)) fragment through experimental and theoretical calculations. The ligands were found to coordinate in an unusual N,O-chelating fashion with Ru(II), and various complexes were synthesized. The study provides important insights into the properties of the ligands and complexes.
Article
Polymer Science
Yury A. Belousov, Mikhail T. Metlin, Darya A. Metlina, Mikhail A. Kiskin, Ilya A. Yakushev, Trofim A. Polikovskiy, Ilya V. Taydakov, Andrei A. Drozdov, Fabio Marchetti, Claudio Pettinari
Summary: A new strategy for the easy polymerization of anionic [Ln(Q(cy))(4)](-) into two-dimensional layers of [AgLn(Q(cy))(4)](n) is proposed by binding the single molecular anions [Ln(Q(cy))(4)](-) to silver cations through coordination. The luminescent properties of [AgLn(Q(cy))(4)](n) have been studied, and it was found that LMCT quenching is effectively suppressed in the heterometallic [AgEu(Q(cy))(4)](n) polymer, explaining the low PLQY in [Eu(Q(cy))(4)](-). Sensibilization coefficients for H3O[Eu(Q(cy))(4)], [AgEu(Q(cy))(4)](n), and H3O[Sm(Q(cy))(4)] complexes were estimated via theoretical analysis and PLQY measurements.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raiyan Sakib, Francesco Caruso, Sandjida Aktar, Stuart Belli, Sarjit Kaur, Melissa Hernandez, Miriam Rossi
Summary: Black cumin seeds and seed oil are commonly used in traditional foods and medicine in various countries, and contain thymoquinone (TQ) which has therapeutic potential against diseases. This study evaluated the antioxidant activities of black seed oil, TQ, and another molecule called thymohydroquinone (THQ), and found that TQ and black seed oil have good superoxide scavenging ability. The study also used computational and experimental methods to explain the chemical mechanism of TQ's antioxidant activity, and identified a radical species involved in its reactivity with superoxide.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Garufi, Riccardo Pettinari, Fabio Marchetti, Mara Cirone, Gabriella D'Orazi
Summary: Organometallic ruthenium (Ru)(II)-cymene complexes have potential pharmacological properties as alternative therapeutic agents. Polyphenols, such as curcumin and curcuminoids, also display beneficial properties in medicine, including chemoprevention. This study investigated the anticancer effect of a cationic Ruthenium (Ru)(II)-cymene Bisdemethoxycurcumin (Ru-bdcurc) complex, revealing that targeting the interconnection between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident chaperone GRP78/BiP and NRF2 pathways enhances the cytotoxic effect of Ru-bdcurc on colon cancer cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sonila Xhafa, Laura Olivieri, Corrado Di Nicola, Riccardo Pettinari, Claudio Pettinari, Alessia Tombesi, Fabio Marchetti
Summary: In this study, a new synthetic protocol based on microwave-assisted synthesis was used to prepare higher yields of zinc and copper in MOFs with different ligands. The antibacterial activity of these MOFs was tested against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and the results showed that they exhibited broad-spectrum activity and strong efficiency in inhibiting bacterial growth. The mechanism of action was found to be based on the surface contact of MOF particles with bacterial cells and the generation of reactive oxygen species.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Patrizio Campitelli, Alessia Tombesi, Corrado Di Nicola, Claudio Pettinari, Anna Mauri, Simona Galli, Tongan Yan, Dahuan Liu, Jiaxin Dawn Duan, Subhadip Goswami, Giulia Tuci, Giuliano Giambastiani, Joseph T. Hupp, Andrea Rossin
Summary: The reaction of 3,5-diamino-4,4'-bis(1H-pyrazole) with copper(II) and nickel(II) acetates under solvothermal conditions produced four mixed-metal metal-organic frameworks. These frameworks have macroporous structures and high CO2 adsorption capacity. They were also tested as heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 electrochemical reduction, with Cu0.05Ni0.95 showing the best performance and producing CO and CH4 as the main reduction products.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Elisabetta Gabano, Marzia Bruna Gariboldi, Emanuela Marras, Francesca Barbato, Mauro Ravera
Summary: The complex [PtCl2(cyclohexane-1R,2R-diamine)] was combined with two different bioactive molecules to obtain multiaction antiproliferative agents. Microwave-assisted heating was used to speed up their preparation. The synthesized complexes showed significant antiproliferative activity, pro-apoptotic and pro-necrotic effects, cell cycle alterations, downregulation of histone deacetylase activity, and antimigratory activity.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela Marras, Camilla J. Balacchi, Viviana Orlandi, Enrico Caruso, Maurizio F. Brivio, Fabrizio Bolognese, Maristella Mastore, Miryam C. Malacarne, Miriam Rossi, Francesco Caruso, Veronica Vivona, Nicole Ferrario, Marzia B. Gariboldi
Summary: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising anticancer/antibacterial strategy that induces cell death through the generation of reactive oxygen species. This study characterized six Ru(II)-arene curcuminoids for their potential application in anticancer and/or antibacterial PDT. The results showed that these derivatives exhibited desirable properties and could be further investigated for their therapeutic potential. The lack of significant toxicity on larvae and promising antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria are important findings.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raiyan Sakib, Francesco Caruso, Stuart Belli, Miriam Rossi
Summary: The neem tree, commonly used in traditional medicine in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, has been found to have strong antioxidant properties. Neem oil, extracted from the seeds of the tree, is significantly more effective at scavenging superoxide radicals compared to other natural products. The antioxidant activity of neem oil is attributed to the presence of azadiradione, which mimics the action of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in scavenging superoxide radicals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Ramek, Jasmina Sabolovic
Summary: This paper investigates the geometries, energy landscapes, and magnetic parameters of copper(II) amino acid compounds using density functional theory calculations. The results show that certain conformers with histaminate-like and glycine-like modes have low Gibbs free energies and high metal-binding affinities. The predicted conformations reproduce the experimental electron paramagnetic resonance parameters.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Tian, Wen Zhong, Zengyan Yang, Ling Chen, Shijie Lin, Yanping Li, Yuxing Wang, Peilin Yang, Xing Long
Summary: A series of novel dibutyltin complexes based on salen-like ligands were synthesized and characterized. Complex S03 showed excellent in vitro anticancer activity and induced cancer cell death through multiple mechanisms. This study reveals new mechanisms of organotin complexes and provides new insights into the development of organotin metal complexes as anticancer drugs.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalie C. Korkola, Martin J. Stillman
Summary: Many proteins require a metal cofactor for their function, and these metals play a role in protein folding. The study found that the metallation rates of different metal binding pathways are influenced by pH, with the less cooperative pathway being more affected by low pH conditions. Specific mixtures of structures are formed in the initial steps of metallation, and unfolding the disordered apo-MT structure hinders the formation of these preliminary structures. The compact conformation of the native apo-MT allows for rapid formation of metal-thiolate structures with high affinity, providing protection from oxidation.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Boxuan Yang, Xitong Song, Binju Wang
Summary: The diiron active site plays a crucial role in catalytic transformations in both biological and chemical systems. Recent advancements in the field include the synthesis of biomimetic diiron catalysts inspired by the active structure of soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO), which have been successfully applied to the dehydrogenation of indolines.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina N. Banti, Angeliki A. Piperoudi, Catherine P. Raptopoulou, Vassilis Psycharis, Constantinos M. Athanassopoulos, Sotiris K. Hadjikakou
Summary: Two copper(I) polymorphs with mitochondria-targeting properties were successfully prepared via metal ion conjugation. These compounds showed promising activities in DNA binding, enzyme inhibition, and cancer cell inhibition. The molecular mechanisms of action were investigated.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2024)
