Review
Oncology
Simone Pellegrino, Salvatore Terrosu, Gulnara Yusupova, Marat Yusupov
Summary: Understanding the molecular basis of ribosomal inhibition by small molecules is essential for developing potential anticancer drugs. Recent advancements in structural studies have shed light on the binding modes of ribosome inhibitors, providing valuable insights for the development of more potent and specific treatments for cancer cells.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Shoohb Alassadi, Michelle J. Pisani, Nial J. Wheate
Summary: Platinum drugs have been widely used in cancer chemotherapy and can be combined with other drugs. The formulation and pharmacokinetics of platinum drugs play important roles in their efficacy and safety. However, controlling platinum pharmacokinetics and side effects remains a challenge. Co-administration of other drugs in cancer patients may potentially affect the efficacy and side effects of platinum drugs.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chibuzor Olelewe, Samuel G. Awuah
Summary: In pursuit of better cancer treatment options, metal-based complexes have shown potential as attractive chemotherapeutics due to their tunability, novel mechanisms, and potency. Recent research has focused on targeting mitochondria and other metabolic pathways to overcome resistance and inhibit tumor growth with selectivity and high potency. This article discusses the progress made in third row transition metal-based mitochondrial targeting agents, aiming to stimulate research in new clinical anticancer agents and the elucidation of novel mechanisms of action.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Yaoxia Jia, Xing Li, Xiangqi Meng, Jinjie Lei, Yangmiao Xia, Lingying Yu
Summary: This review focuses on the anti-cancer attributes, mechanism, and regulation of related signaling pathways of 6-shogaol. Furthermore, it discusses its synergy with commonly used anticancer drugs, potential drug delivery systems, and prospects for future research. This comprehensive review aims to provide a theoretical basis and guiding significance for the future anti-cancer research and clinical development of 6-shogaol.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vishal Kumar, Sanjeev Dhawan, Pankaj Sanjay Girase, Paul Awolade, Suraj Raosaheb Shinde, Rajshekhar Karpoormath, Parvesh Singh
Summary: Chalcones are a class of compounds with diverse biological activities that are beneficial to human health. Their anticancer activities are achieved through the inhibition of various molecular targets, and understanding the mechanisms may lead to the development of more effective anticancer drugs.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Meixia Fan, Lei Yao
Summary: This paper reviews recent advances in the synthesis of evodiamine, as well as studies on the drug design, biological activities, and structure-activity-relationships of its derivatives. The research focuses on the structural modifications of evodiamine, particularly on specific ring systems, with promising anticancer potentials shown by some compounds that warrant further study.
RECENT PATENTS ON ANTI-CANCER DRUG DISCOVERY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Tania Gamberi, Alessandro Pratesi, Luigi Messori, Lara Massai
Summary: Gold compounds, potential anticancer agents, exhibit cytotoxicity by affecting protein expression at the cellular level, with a focus on redox control systems and proteasome machinery as primary targets.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jiajia Wu, Mingwu Zang, Shouwei Wang, Bing Zhao, Jing Bai, Chenchen Xu, Yuxuan Shi, Xiaoling Qiao
Summary: This article summarizes the sequence features, biosynthesis pathway, mode of action, and application of Nisin A and its natural variants as meat preservatives. The functional domains of the main enzymes (NisB, NisC, and NisP) involved in Nisin synthesis are systematically illustrated, and five conserved sites Dha5, Pro9, Gly14, Leu16, and Lys22 are identified as potentially important for structural and functional modifications to enhance antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial effects of Nisin used individually or in combination with other natural substances in different meats are clarified.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Qingfei Wang, Lin Yang, Hesen Zhao, David Groves, Weijun Weng, Shengchao Xue, Huajian Li, Chaoyi Dong, Liqiang Yang, Dapeng Li, Jun Deng
Summary: Models for orogenic gold systems have remained controversial. The characteristics of Chinese giant gold provinces strongly suggest a sub-crustal fluid and metal source. Lithosphere-scale shear zones and faults play a crucial role as conduits for ore fluids and metals.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Hernandez Becerra, Jennifer Quinchia, Cristina Castro, Jahir Orozco
Summary: Polymersomes are biomimetic cell membrane-like model structures that have gained attention for their biocompatibility, versatility, and tunable properties. They can encapsulate cargoes and be triggered to disassemble in response to stimuli, making them suitable for photodynamic therapy. This review explores the current advances and applications of light-responsive polymersomes in anticancer therapy.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yang Li, Shan Shi, Shurong Zhang, Zongjie Gan, Xin Wang, Xudong Zhao, Yijian Zhu, Meiting Cao, Xiaoyue Wang, Wei Li
Summary: The study developed Pt(IV) prodrugs with superior antiproliferative and anti-tumour activities, acting on tumour cells through a triple-action mechanism leading to cell death.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ke Wu, Eduard Karapetyan, John Schloss, Jaydutt Vadgama, Yong Wu
Summary: In this article, the recent advancements in small molecule drug design are outlined with a focus on structural perspective. Protein structure prediction methods are compared and the role of ligand binding pocket in structure-based drug design is explored. Various structural features such as functional groups, stereochemistry, and molecular weight are examined for optimizing drug candidates. Computational tools like molecular docking and virtual screening are discussed for predicting and refining drug candidate structures. Examples of drug candidates designed based on their molecular structure are presented and future directions in the field are discussed. Integrating structural information with other valuable data sources can improve the drug discovery process, leading to the identification of novel therapeutics with improved efficacy, specificity, and safety profiles.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lenka Hruba, Viswanath Das, Marian Hajduch, Petr Dzubak
Summary: Nucleoside-based drugs, widely used in the treatment of various diseases, have been hindered by drug resistance. This review explores the mechanisms of resistance, including changes in membrane transporters, activating kinases, drug elimination strategies, and DNA damage repair mechanisms. The critical analysis in this review points towards novel therapeutic strategies such as targeted therapies, new nucleoside analogs, and synergistic drug combinations to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisa Abas, Diego Aguirre-Ramirez, Mariano Laguna, Laura Grasa
Summary: Newly synthesized dithiocarbamate cycloaurated complexes exhibit good antitumor properties with excellent in vitro antiproliferative activity and selectivity. They also show good antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elena Catanzaro, Donatella Canistro, Valentina Pellicioni, Fabio Vivarelli, Carmela Fimognari
Summary: This review presents and critically discusses the chemistry and biosynthesis of allicin, its pharmacokinetic profile, its anticancer mechanisms and molecular targets, and its selectivity towards tumor cells. The research carried out so far reveals that allicin suppresses the growth of different types of tumors by targeting multiple signaling pathways associated with cancer development. Future research directions are outlined to further explore the potential of allicin as a natural product for cancer treatment.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Francesca Binacchi, Cassandra Elia, Damiano Cirri, Corjan van de Griend, Xue-Quan Zhou, Luigi Messori, Sylvestre Bonnet, Alessandro Pratesi, Tarita Biver
Summary: Metal compounds are attractive ligands for various nucleic acids. Five metal complexes with aminopyridyl-2,2'-bipyridine tetradentate ligands and quasi-planar geometry were studied for their binding to different nucleic acid molecules. The binding preferences and structural features of the metal complexes were analyzed using spectroscopy and melting methods.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Canil, Juan Gurruchaga-Pereda, Simona Braccini, Lorella Marchetti, Tiziana Funaioli, Fabio Marchetti, Alessandro Pratesi, Luca Salassa, Chiara Gabbiani
Summary: Photoactivatable Pt(IV) prodrugs have great potential as metal-based drugs due to their chemical inertness in oxidized form and selective targeting compared to Pt(II) compounds. A new Pt(IV) complex, soluble in water and unreactive until reduction, was synthesized. The complex exhibited rapid and efficient photoreduction with visible light, facilitated by a catalytic system based on flavin and NADH. The reactivity of the prodrug against biological targets was only observed after photoreduction to its Pt(II) analogue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ester Giorgi, Francesca Binacchi, Carlo Marotta, Damiano Cirri, Chiara Gabbiani, Alessandro Pratesi
Summary: Despite progress, cancer still poses challenges due to side effects, resistance, and poor selectivity of current metal-based therapies. New strategies reviewed include using heterobimetallic complexes containing different metal centers and conjugating metal complexes to target cancer cells. Examples of targeting organelles and the entire cancer cell were highlighted.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Damiano Cirri, Andrea Geri, Lara Massai, Michele Mannelli, Tania Gamberi, Francesca Magherini, Matteo Becatti, Chiara Gabbiani, Alessandro Pratesi, Luigi Messori
Summary: A panel of four novel gold(I) complexes, inspired by the clinically established gold drug auranofin, were prepared and characterized. The differences in their interactions with model proteins were analyzed, and their cytotoxic effects on ovarian cancer cells were quantitated. These novel gold complexes showed potential as effective anticancer agents.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Carlo Marotta, Ester Giorgi, Francesca Binacchi, Damiano Cirri, Chiara Gabbiani, Alessandro Pratesi
Summary: The discovery of cisplatin's antineoplastic properties in 1965 renewed the interest in metal complexes for medicinal applications. Researchers have been studying safer and more effective alternatives to cisplatin, including platinum(IV)-based compounds. These compounds have attracted attention because they can be reduced in cells to activate the platinum center and offer advantages such as reducing side effects. This review summarizes the recent achievements in the field of Pt(IV) prodrugs.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yschtar Tecla Simonini Steiner, Giammarco Maria Romano, Lara Massai, Martina Lippi, Paola Paoli, Patrizia Rossi, Matteo Savastano, Andrea Bencini
Summary: The globally widespread perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a concerning environmental contaminant. Two triamine-based chemosensors, L1 and L2, along with their Zn(II) complexes, are proposed as fluorescent probes for detecting PFOA in water. The receptors interact with PFOA through salt bridge formation, causing a decrease in the fluorescence emission of pyrene. This study demonstrates the potential use of simple polyamine-based molecular receptors for optical recognition of harmful pollutants like PFOA in aqueous media.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pasquale Pernice, Luigi Sirleto, Manuela Rossi, Mario Iodice, Alessandro Vergara, Rocco Di Girolamo, Giuseppina Luciani, Claudio Imparato, Antonio Aronne
Summary: In this study, stimulated Raman scattering in transparent glass-ceramics (TGCs) based on bulk nucleating phase Ba2NaNb5O15 was investigated to explore the influence of micro-and nanoscale structural transformations on Raman gain. Nanostructured TGCs were synthesized by proper nucleation and crystallization heat treatments. The results demonstrate a significant Raman gain improvement for both BaNaNS glass and TGCs with respect to SiO2 glass, which can be clearly attributed to the nanostructuring process. These findings suggest that the nonlinear optical functionalities of TGC materials can be controlled by modulating the structural transformations at the nanoscale rather than microscale.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mikel Bernabeu de Maria, Diego Tesauro, Filippo Prencipe, Michele Saviano, Luigi Messori, Christine Enjalbal, Ryszard Lobinski, Luisa Ronga
Summary: Methylmercury, mercury (II), and mercury (I) chlorides were found to react with vasopressin and its mono- and diselenium analogues to form various mercury-peptide adducts. The replacement of Cys by SeCys in vasopressin increased reactivity towards methylmercury, resulting in the formation of -Se/S-Hg-Se-bridged structures and subsequent demethylation of methylmercury. Competitive experiments showed that CH3HgCl preferred to react with the diselenium analogue rather than vasopressin. The diselenium peptide also demonstrated the ability to displace CH3Hg moieties bound to S in vasopressin. These findings suggest the potential use of selenopeptides for methylmercury chelation and detoxification strategies.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Geri, Lara Massai, Luigi Messori
Summary: Gold compounds have shown promise as anticancer agents with innovative modes of action, targeting proteins rather than nucleic acids. Through ESI MS measurements, the reactions of various gold compounds with model proteins have been explored, revealing adduct formation and key features of these reactions. This review focuses on five gold compounds and their reactions with four biomolecular targets, showing that cytotoxic gold drugs selectively target cancer cell proteins, particularly cysteine and selenocysteine proteome, leading to severe damage and altered redox state, ultimately causing cancer cell death.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Geri, Lara Massai, Marko Novinec, Iztok Turel, Luigi Messori
Summary: Medicinal gold compounds exert their pharmacological effects by binding to protein targets. In this study, the reactions between seven representative gold compounds and the cysteine protease cathepsin B were explored, revealing strong interactions with the free cysteine in the enzyme. The findings suggest that the chemical nature of the gold compound plays a significant role in its interaction with proteins.
Article
Biology
Fiore Capozzi, Maria Cristina Sorrentino, Angelo Granata, Alessandro Vergara, Miriam Alberico, Manuela Rossi, Valeria Spagnuolo, Simonetta Giordano
Summary: This article presents the results of an experiment using transplanted mosses and lichens as biomonitors to optimize the detection of anthropogenic microfibers. The study found that the moss H. cupressiforme is a better indicator than the lichen P. furfuracea, especially when exposed without a covering net. The accumulation of microfibers was higher in moss compared to lichen, and naked transplants provided greater sensitivity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Veronica Ghini, Michele Mannelli, Lara Massai, Andrea Geri, Stefano Zineddu, Tania Gamberi, Luigi Messori, Paola Turano
Summary: NMR metabolomics is a valuable approach for studying changes in cancer cell metabolism caused by anticancer drugs. This study investigates the significant metabolic alterations induced by two cytotoxic gold carbene compounds in A2780 ovarian cancer cells and compares them to auranofin, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Gabriella Tito, Romualdo Troisi, Giarita Ferraro, Andrea Geri, Lara Massai, Luigi Messori, Filomena Sica, Antonello Merlino
Summary: The reaction between the cytotoxic compound dirhodium tetraacetate and a B-DNA double helical dodecamer was studied using X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry. The structure of the dirhodium/DNA adduct revealed a dimetallic center binding to an adenine through axial coordination. Additional information was obtained through ESI MS measurements. Comparison with previous data for cisplatin indicated a significant difference in the way these two metallodrugs react with the DNA dodecamer.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan He, Yawen Li, Fuwen Zhao, Yuze Lin
Summary: High trap density in organic solar cells leads to localized charge carriers and reduced carrier lifetime, limiting device efficiency. This feature article summarizes the recent advances of trap suppression by material design and device engineering.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Monfort, Arshitha Madhusudhan, Martin Motola
Summary: This article presents the advantages of coupling photocatalysis and Fenton-based processes for environmental remediation and discusses their synergy. It critically examines the simultaneous triggering of these two processes and provides insights into research approaches. The study aims to enhance understanding of this complex process and highlight the potential integration of new catalysts in current wastewater treatment technology.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manideepa Dhar, Chittaranjan Mishra, Avijit Das, Uttam Manna
Summary: An approach of 'polymerization of monomers in its aggregated form' has been introduced to tailor the water wettability of fibrous and porous substrates, achieving hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity transition, as well as patterned wettability. This facile chemical method provides a durable coating with adjustable and patterned wettability for various potential applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saswat Ranjan Bhoi, Chhanda Debnath, Shikha Gandhi
Summary: In this article, a novel catalytic reaction using Pd(0) and Bronsted acid is reported for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles through redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes. This atom-economical method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and eliminates the need for leaving groups or oxidizing agents commonly used in traditional allylation reactions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longkun Chen, Mingshuai Zhang, Meichen Liu, Zhuoyuan Liu, Yuetong Qiu, Zhilai Zhang, Fuchao Yu, Jiuzhong Huang
Summary: In this study, an efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed selective mono- and dual-C-H bond functionalization/cyclization with iodonium ylide as the sole coupling partner was demonstrated. Fused benzodiazepine skeletons were obtained in excellent yields, providing an improved approach to dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Kennett, Sven Epple, Gabriella van der Valk, Irene Georgiou, Evelyne Gout, Romain R. Vives, Angela J. Russell
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S), which showed potent inhibition of Sulf-2. The results suggest that IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of Sulfs, and a trisulfated disaccharide is identified as the minimal fragment size of heparan sulfate for effective endosulfatase inhibition.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Garbini, Andrea Brunetti, Riccardo Pedrazzani, Magda Monari, Massimo Marcaccio, Giulio Bertuzzi, Marco Bandini
Summary: The self-adaptability of galvanostatic electrolysis was found to be helpful in a multistage chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. Through a series of reductive events, densely functionalized cyclopentanes with five contiguous stereocenters were obtained (25 examples, yields up to 95%, dr values up to >20:1). Further experimental and electrochemical investigations indicated the crucial role of dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate in the reaction mechanism.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dhananjay S. Nipate, Neha Meena, Prakash N. Swami, Krishnan Rangan, Anil Kumar
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of functionalized benzo[a]phenazines and indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines was achieved through Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines and 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with allyl alcohols. The method showed a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, good to high yields of annulated products, and the capability for scaled-up synthesis. A tentative mechanism of the annulation reaction was proposed based on a preliminary mechanistic investigation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Zhang, Abudukadi Tudi, Xia Yang, Xuping Wang, Zhihua Yang, Shujuan Han, Shilie Pan
Summary: A new lead tellurium borate material with a unique fundamental building block [B4O10] was synthesized and found to exhibit high birefringence. The structure-property relationship was discussed using first-principles calculations.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amresh Kumar Singh, Baishali Thakurta, Anupam Giri, Monalisa Pal
Summary: This study introduces three key concepts for the quick synthesis of large-scale high-quality 2D materials films and their utilization in device fabrication.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Hagiwara, Shun Nishimura, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: A copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system has been developed to improve electron transfer and enhance photoinduced H2 generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
