Calix[4]arenes C-136 and C-137 hyperpolarize myometrium mitochondria membranes

Calixarenes are supramolecular compounds interacting with bioactive molecules and ions, causing changes in biochemical and biophysical processes. The aim of this work was to study the effects of calix[4]arenes C-136, C-137, and C-138 at the level of polarization of the rat myometrium mitochondria membrane. The structure of synthesized calix[4]arene molecules was confirmed by the methods of ¹H NMR and infrared spectroscopy. Calix[4]arenes C-136 and C-137 each possess two chalcone amide moieties at the lower rim, while calix[4]arene C-138, only one. Calix[4]arenes C-136 and C-137 differ by the presence of ether or hydroxyl groups, respectively, at the lower rim of calix[4]arene skeleton, as well as the length of alkyl spacer between chalcone amide group and the macrocycle. It was shown that calix[4]arenes C-136, C-137, and C-138 form micelles in aqueous medium and in dimethylformamide (DMF). Irradiation of micelles with an argon laser on the flow cytometer results in the rise of autofluorescence. In an aqueous medium, calix[4]arene micelles interact with a positively charged voltage-sensitive fluorescent probe TMRM, which can testify to the presence of negative charge in these structures. However, calix[4]arene micelles do not interact with TMRM in DMF solution. The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using fluorescent dyes MTG and TMRM with confocal microscopy and fluorescent dye TMRM with flow cytometry. Experiments were conducted on myometrium cells in culture and on suspension of digitonin-permeabilized uterus myocytes. It was shown that the fluorescent signal was stable during the time of experiment. Calix[4]arenes C-136 and C-137 (10 μM) hyperpolarize mitochondria membranes. At maximum, the effect was 173% relative to the control. At the same time, calix[4]arene C-138 did not influence the mitochondria membrane potential. The relationship between the structural organization of investigated calix[4]arene molecules and their effect on polarization of the mitochondria membrane is discussed.     

Unusual reactivity of copper(I) complexes of functionalised calix[4]arenes

Two functionalised calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(2-pyridylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (L¹) and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(2-pyridylmethoxy)-26,28-dibutoxycalix[4]arene (L³), were prepared and characterised. The copper(I) complexes of both calix[4]arenes were synthesised and their reactivities were analysed and compared. The presence of the metal induced a radical in the case of L¹ whereas no such radical was observed in the metal complex of ligand L³.     

Calix[4]arene C-90 selectively inhibits Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase of myometrium cell plasma membrane

The supramolecular compound calix[4]arene C-90 (5,11,17,23-tetra(trifluoro)methyl(phenylsulfonylimino)-methylamino-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene) is shown to efficiently inhibit the ATP hydrolase activity of Ca²⁺,Mg²⁺-ATPase in the myometrium cell plasma membrane fraction and also in a preparation of the purified enzyme solubilized from this subcellular fraction. The inhibition coefficient I _0.5 values were 20.2 ± 0.5 and 58.5 ± 6.4 μM for the membrane fraction and the solubilized enzyme, respectively. The inhibitory effect of calix[4]arene C-90 was selective comparatively to other ATPases localized in the plasma membrane: calix[4]arene C-90 did not influence the activities of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and “basal” Mg²⁺-ATPase. The inhibitory effect of calix[4]arene C-90 on the Ca²⁺,Mg²⁺-ATPase activity was associated with the cooperative action of four trifluoromethylphenyl sulfonylimine (sulfonylamidine) groups oriented similarly on the upper rim of the calix[4]arene macrocycle (the calix[4]arene “bowl”). The experimental findings seem to be of importance for studies, using calix[4]arene C-90, of membrane mechanisms of regulation of calcium homeostasis in smooth muscle cells and also for investigation of the participation of the plasma membrane Ca²⁺-pump in control of electro- and pharmacomechanical coupling in myocytes.     

Inhibition of Yersinia protein tyrosine phosphatase by phosphonate derivatives of calixarenes

Inhibition of Yersinia protein tyrosine phosphatase by calix[4]arene mono-, bis-, and tetrakis(methylenebisphosphonic) acids as well as calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene tetrakis(methylphosphonic) acids have been investigated. The kinetic studies revealed that some compounds in this class are potent competitive inhibitors of Yersinia PTP with inhibition constants in the low micromolar range. The binding modes of macrocyclic phosphonate derivatives in the enzyme active center have been explained using computational docking approach. The results obtained indicate that calix[4]arenes are promising scaffolds for the development of inhibitors of Yersinia PTP.     

Pyrene-p-tert-butylcalixarenes inclusion complexes formation: a surface photochemistry study.

Diffuse reflectance and luminescence techniques were used to study the photophysics and photochemistry of pyrene within p-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes with n = 4, 6, and 8, and to study their ability to form inclusion complexes in heterogeneous media. Evidences for inclusion complex formation were found for the three hosts under study. Ground state diffuse reflectance results have shown the formation of ground state dimers of pyrene inside the cavity of calix[6]arene and calix[8]arene, with this feature much more evident for calix[6]arene. For calix[4]arene, only a monomer fits inside the cavity and the presence of pyrene microcrystals outside the cavity was detected. A luminescence lifetime distribution analysis was performed, revealing the presence of prompt emissions from the pyrene microcrystals outside the cavity in the case of calix[4]arene and from the constrained dimers inside the cavities of calix[6]arene and calix[8]arene. Transient absorption results have shown the presence of pyrene radical cation and also of trapped electrons for the three hosts under study. The formation of the phenoxyl radical of the calixarene following the laser pulsed excitation of pyrene at 355 nm is increased for calix[6]arene and calix[8]arene. This feature is particularly relevant for calix[6]arene, suggesting a very favourable situation for the hydrogen atom abstraction to occur. The analysis of the degradation products revealed the presence of hydroxypyrene as a major photodegradation product for the three hosts. Dihydro-hydroxypyrene was also formed in the case of calix[6]arene and calix[8]arene. The formation of the calixarene's phenoxyl radical and subsequent hydrogen abstraction is consistent with the formation of dihydro-dihydroxypyrene.     

Synthesis and complexation of tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)calix[4]arene adopting the 1,3-alternate conformation

Novel upper-rim modified tetraphosphinocalix[4]arenes (5a-b) adopting 1,3-alternate conformation have been synthesized. Reaction of 5,11,17,23-tetrachloromethyl-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (1) with Ph₂POEt gave 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (2). Tetra-O-substitution of 2 with n-propyl iodide or benzyl bromide in the presence of K₂CO₃ carried out to afford 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxy-(3a) or -benzyloxycalix[4]arene (3b), whereas di-O-substituted calix[4]arene, 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)-25,27-dipropoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (4), was obtained exclusively when Na₂CO₃ was used as base. Reduction of 3a-b with PhSiHCl₂ afforded 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphosphinomethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxy-(5a) and -tetrabenzyloxycalix[4]arene (5b). ¹H and ¹³C NMR analysis reveals that the phosphines (5a-b) and the tetra-O-substituted phosphine oxides (3a-b) adopt 1,3-alternate conformation, while the parent tetrahydroxy-(2) and the di-O-propylated phosphine oxide (4) adopt cone-conformation. The X-ray structure indicates that the calix[4]arene moieties in 4 a pinched-cone conformation in solid state. Complexation of the phosphine ligand (5a) with [RuCl₂(p-cymene)]₂ affords the tetranuclear complexes, [{RuCl₂(p-cymene)}₂ · 5a] (6), as 1,3-alternate conformer.     

Conjugation, immunoreactivity, and immunogenicity of calix[4]arenes; model study to potential calix[4]arene-based Ac3+ chelators.

For the development of calix[4]arene-based radiotherapeutic agents, the conjugation to biomolecules and immunogenicity in mice of potential 225Ac3+-chelating calix[4]arenes were studied. A calix[4]arene triethyl ester isothiocyanate and a bis(calix[4]arene) hexacarboxylic acid, containing a masked thiol functionality, were used in conjugation experiments to a mouse monoclonal antibody and serum albumins. All characterization techniques indicate that only the calix[4]arene carboxylic acid is successfully conjugated to the biomolecules. The immunoreactivity of the conjugates is not impaired when up to 6 equiv of calixarene are bound to the monoclonal antibody. Animal tests indicated that the immunogenicity toward the calix[4]arene is strongly influenced by the nature of the carrier, the dosage, and the injection method. No immune response occurred when a homologous carrier was used or when a heterologous carrier was applied at a dosage of 10 microg per immunization via intravenous injection. Under all other conditions, the presence of antibodies directed against the calix[4]arene was demonstrated. Thus, for the application in radioimmunotherapy, the conjugation of a calix[4]arene to a humanized antibody will probably not lead to an immune response, and the immunoreactivity will not be disturbed.     

Calix[4]arene methylenebisphosphonic acids as inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Сalix[4]arenes bearing methylenebisphosphonic or hydroxymethylenebisphosphonic acid fragments at the wide rim of the macrocycle were studied as inhibitors of PTP1B. Some of the inhibitors showed IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range and good selectivity in comparison with other protein tyrosine phosphatases such as TC-PTP, PTPβ, LAR, and CD45. Kinetic studies indicated that the calix[4]arene derivatives influence PTP1B activity as slow-binding inhibitors. Based on molecular docking results, the binding modes of the macrocyclic bisphosphonates in the active centre of PTP1B are discussed.     

Density functional theory study of the potassium complexation of an unsymmetrical 1,3-alternate calix[4]-crown-5-N-azacrown-5 bearing two different crown rings

Theoretical studies of an unsymmetrical calix[4]-crown-5-N-azacrown-5 (1) in a fixed 1,3-alternate conformation and the complexes 1·K⁺(a), 1·K⁺(b), 1·K⁺(c) and 1·K⁺K⁺ were performed using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. The fully optimized geometric structures of the free macroligand and its 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, as obtained from DFT calculations, were used to perform natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The two main types of driving force metal–ligand and cation–π interactions were investigated. NBO analysis indicated that the stabilization interaction energies (E ₂) for O…K⁺ and N…K⁺ are larger than the other intermolecular interactions in each complex. The significant increase in electron density in the RY* or LP* orbitals of K⁺ results in strong host–guest interactions. In addition, the intermolecular interaction thermal energies (ΔE, ΔH, ΔG) were calculated by frequency analysis at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. For all structures, the most pronounced changes in the geometric parameters upon interaction are observed in the calix[4]arene molecule. The results indicate that both the intermolecular electrostatic interactions and the cation–π interactions between the metal ion and π orbitals of the two pairs that face the inverted benzene rings play a significant role.     

A B3LYP and MP2 theoretical investigation into host-guest interaction between calix[4]arene and Li+ or Na+

The DFT-B3LYP and MP2 methods with 6-311G** and 6-311++G** basis sets have been applied to study the complexation energies of the host-guest complexes between the cone calix[4]arene and Li⁺ or Na⁺ on the B3LYP optimized geometries. A comparison of the complexation energies obtained from the MP2(full) with those from MP2(fc) method is also carried out. The result shows that it is essential to introduce the diffuse basis set into the geometry optimizations and complexation energy calculations of the alkali-metal cation-π interaction complexes of calix[4]arene, and the D _e values show a maximum of 21.13 kJ mol⁻¹ (14.45% of relative error) between the MP2(full)/6-311++G** and MP2(fc)/6-311++G** method. For Li⁺ cation, the complexation is mainly energetically stabilized by the lower rim/cation (namely O–Li⁺) interaction. However, binding energies and NBO analyses confirm that Na⁺ cation prefers to enter the calix[4]arene cavity and the cation-π interaction is predominant, which contradicts the previous low-level theoretical studies. Furthermore, the complexation with Li⁺ is preferred over that with Na⁺ by at least 12.70 kJ mol⁻¹ at MP2(full)/6-311++G**//B3LYP/6-311++G** level.      

Calix[4]arene based molecular sensors with pyrene as fluoregenic unit: Effect of solvent in ion selectivity and colorimetric detection of fluoride

Fluorescent molecular sensors having excimer emission property have been designed and synthesised incorporating calix[4]arene derivatives in cone and 1,3-alternate conformation as ionophore and two pyrene moieties at close proximity as fluorophore. They exhibit strong excimer emission around 515 nm, which is used to monitor interaction of metal ions with the ionophores. Ion-binding study of these fluoroionophore has been investigated in acetonitrile-chloroform and THF-H₂O with a wide range of cations and anions and the recognition process is monitored by luminescence, UV-Vis and ¹H NMR (for F⁻) spectral changes. The present study demonstrated profound influence of solvent in ion selectivity, in acetonitrile-chloroform they formed complexes with Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺, whereas in THF-H₂O they exhibit selectivity only for Cu²⁺. In the case of anions, selectivity for only F⁻ with color change is observed. Composition of the complexes formed was determined from mass spectrometry and the binding constants were determined from fluorescence titration data. The reasons for formation of excimer emission, quenching of it in presence of certain metal ions, role of solvent in selectivity and energy/electron transfer process involved in the ion-recognition event have been discussed on the basis of experimental data.     

Extraction selectivities of lower rim substituted calix[4]arene hosts induced by variations in the upper rim substituents

The compound 25,26,27,28-tetra-(2-dimethyldithiocarbamoylethoxy)calix[4]arene has been prepared from 25,26,27,28-tetra-(2-bromoethoxy)calix[4]arene by reaction with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate. As an extractant for heavy metal ions 25,26,27,28-tetra-(2-dimethyldithiocarbamoylethoxy)calix[4]arene is effective for Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Pd²⁺ and Au³⁺, but much less effective than 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetra-(2-N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamoylethoxy)calix[4]arene for both Hg₂²⁺ and MeHg⁺. Calixarene alcohols also show selectivity as hosts. The alcohol derivative 25,26,27,28-tetra-(2-hydroxyethoxy)calix[4]arene undergoes slow occlusion of iodine into the lower rim, whereas with the alcohol 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetra-(2-hydroxyethoxy)calix[4]arene no interaction is observed.     

Calix[4]arene methylenebisphosphonic acids: the features of alkaline phosphatases inhibition

The inhibition of alkaline phosphatases by calix[4]arenes functionalysed at the macrocyclic upper rim by one or two methylenebisphosphonic acid fragments has been investigated. It is established, that calix[4]arene bismethylenebisphosphonic acid displayed stronger inhibition of alkaline phosphatase from bovine intestine mucosa than calix[4]arene methylenebisphosphonic acid. At the same time, the both inhibitors showed almost similar levels of inhibitory activities in respect of bovine kidney alkaline phosphatase or E. coli alkaline phosphatase. The tested compounds were docked computationally to the active site of the E. coli alkaline phosphatase. On the basis of results obtained the possible binding modes of inhibitors were analysed.     

Chiral calix[4]arenes bearing amino alcohol functionality as membrane carriers for transport of chiral amino acid methylesters and mandelic acid

Novel chiral calix[4]arene derivatives bearing amino alcohol moieties at the lower rim have been synthesized from the reaction of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diester with various amino alcohols. The transport of amino acid esters (phenylglycine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan methyl esters hydrochloride) and mandelic acid were studied through chloroform bulk liquid membrane system using chiral calix[4]arenes 15-20. All these receptors have been found to act as carriers for transport of aromatic amino acid methylesters and mandelic acid from the aqueous source phase to the aqueous receiving phase. The influence of calixarene and guest structures upon transport through liquid membrane is discussed.     

Synthesis of calix[n]arene-based silica polymers for lipase immobilization

The objective of this study was to prepare new calix[n]arene-based silica polymers for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase. The amino functionalized calix[4]arene (C4P), calix[6]arene (C6P) and calix[8]arene (C8P)-based silica polymers were used for the covalent attachment of C. rugosa lipase using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. The characterization of synthesized CnP polymers and immobilized lipases were made by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The hydrolytic activities of immobilized lipases (CnP-L) were evaluated and compared with the free enzyme. The activity recovery of immobilized CRL (C. rugosa lipase) based on the carrier C4P, C6P and C8P reaches 74.6%, 68.5% and 51.4%, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature region of the immobilized lipases for the hydrolysis of p-NPP were 7.0 and 50 °C. Nevertheless, the immobilized lipase has good stability, adaptability and reusability in comparison with the free enzyme.     

Modulation of cell proliferation in rat liver cell cultures by new calix[4]arenes

Cell cycle progression is dependent on intracellular iron level and chelators lead to iron depletion and decrease cell proliferation. This antiproliferative effect can be inhibited by exogenous iron. In this work, we present the synthesis of new synthetic calix[4]arene podands bearing two aspartic/glutamic acid, ornithine groups or hydrazide function at the lower rim, designed as potential iron chelators. The synthesis only afforded calix[4]arenes in the cone conformation. We report their effect on cell proliferation, in comparison with the new oral chelator ICL670A (4-[3,5-bis-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]-benzoic acid). The antiproliferative effect of these new compounds was studied in the rat hepatoma cell line Fao by measuring mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated by extracellular LDH activity. Preliminary results indicated that among all tested compounds, monohydrazidocalix[4]arene 2 which is not cytotoxic in Fao cells exhibits interesting antiproliferative activity. This effect, independent on iron depletion, remains to be further explored. Moreover, it also shows that new substituted calix[4]arenes could open the way to new valuable medicinal chemistry scaffolding.     

Calixarene-based artificial ionophores for chloride transport across natural liposomal bilayer: Synthesis,structure-function relationships,and computational study

An amphiphilic calix[6]arene, alone or complexed with an axle to form a pseudo-rotaxane, has been embedded into liposomes prepared from 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and the permeability of the membrane-doped liposomes towards Cl^? ions has been evaluated by using lucigenin as the fluorescent probe. The pseudo-rotaxane promotes transmembrane transport of Cl^? ions more than calix[6]arene does. Surprisingly, the quenching of lucigenin was very fast for liposomes doped with the positively charged axle alone. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum-chemical calculations were also carried out for providing a semi-quantitative support to the experimental results.     

Calixarene-based phosphinic acids as inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases

In the present work, the derivatives of calix[4]arene, thiacalix[4]arene, and sulfonylcalix[4]arene bearing four methylene(phenyl)phosphinic acid groups on the upper rim of the macrocycle were synthesized and studied as inhibitors of human protein tyrosine phosphatases. The inhibitory capacities of the three compounds towards PTP1B were higher than those for protein tyrosine phosphatases TC–PTP, MEG1, MEG2, and SHP2. The most potent sulfonylcalix[4]arene phosphinic acid displayed K_i value of 32?nM. The thiacalix[4]arene phosphinic acid was found to be a low micromolar inhibitor of PTP1B with selectivity over the other PTPs. The kinetic experiments showed that the inhibitors compete with the substrate for the active site of the enzyme. Molecular docking was performed to explain possible binding modes of the calixarene-based phosphinic inhibitors of PTP1B.     

Voltage-dependent block of endothelial volume-regulated anion channels by calix[4]arenes

We have studiedthe effects of calix[4]arenes on the volume-regulated anionchannel (VRAC) currents in cultured calf pulmonary artery endothelialcells. TS- and TS-TM-calix[4]arenes induced a fastinhibition at positive potentials but were ineffective at negativepotentials. Maximal block occurred at potentials between 30 and 50 mV.Lowering extracellular pH enhanced the block and shifted the maximuminhibition to more negative potentials. Current inhibition was alsoaccompanied by an increased current noise. From the analysis of thecalix[4]arene-induced noise, we obtained a single-channelconductance of 9.3 ± 2.1 pS (n = 9) at +30 mV. The voltage- and time-dependent block were describedusing a model in which calix[4]arenes bind to a site at anelectrical distance of 0.25 inside the channel with an affinity of 220 µM at 0 mV. Binding occludes VRAC at moderately positive potentials,but calix[4]arenes permeate the channel at more positivepotentials. In conclusion, our data suggest an open-channel block ofVRAC by calix[4]arenes that also depends on the protonationof the binding site within the pore.