Efficient fluorescent sensors of oligopeptides by dithiobis(2-benzoylamide)-bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s: structure in solution, binding behavior, and thermodynamic origin

Two 6,6'-bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s linked by 2,2'-dithiobis[2-(benzoylamino)ethyleneamino] and 2,2'-dithiobis[2-(benzoylamino)diethylenetriamino] bridges (1 and 2) have been synthesized as cooperative multipoint recognition receptor models for non-aromatic oligopeptides. Their structures in solution and inclusion complexation mechanism are comprehensively investigated by means of circular dichroism, 2D NMR spectra and temperature-dependent fluorescence titrations. The results show that the cooperative 'host-linker-guest' binding mode and the extensive desolvation effect jointly contribute to the guest-induced fluorescence enhancement of bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s. Further examinations on the binding behavior of hosts 1-2 with a series of di- and tri-peptides demonstrate that bis(beta-cyclodextrin) 1 can recognize not only the size/shape of oligopeptides but also the dipeptide sequence, giving an exciting residue selectivity up to 37.5 for Gly-Gly-Gly/Glu-Glu pair and a high sequence selectivity up to 5.0 for Gly-Leu/Leu-Gly pair. These fairly good selectivities are discussed from the viewpoint of cooperative binding, multiple recognition and induced-fit interactions between host and guest.     

Molecular binding behavior of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide-bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin) with oligopeptides: switchable molecular binding mode

Bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin) 1 with a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide linker was synthesized, and its inclusion complexation behavior with some aliphatic oligopeptides was investigated in aqueous buffer solution of pH 2.0 and 7.2 at 25 degrees C by means of circular dichroism, fluorescence, and 2D NMR techniques. The results show that the resulting inclusion complexes of 1 with oligopeptides adopt a cooperative "cyclodextrin-guest-cyclodextrin" sandwich binding mode in a neutral media, but a "guest-linker-cyclodextrin" coinclusion binding mode in an acidic media. These switchable binding modes consequently rationalize the binding ability of bis(beta-cyclodextrin) 1 at different pH values; that is, 1 shows the stronger association with oligopeptides in a neutral media. Because of the simultaneous contributions of hydrophobic, hydrogen bond, and electrostatic interactions, bis(beta-cyclodextrin) 1 affords length-selectivity up to 4.7 for the Gly-Gly/Gly-Gly-Gly pair at pH 2.0 and sequence-selectivity up to 4.2 for the Gly-Leu/Leu-Gly pair at pH 7.2. These phenomena are discussed from the viewpoint of the size-fit concept and the multipoint recognitions between host and guest.     

Selective binding of chiral molecules of cinchona alkaloid by beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins and organoselenium-bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s

The inclusion complexation behavior of chiral members of cinchona alkaloid with beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins (1 and 2) and 6,6(')-trimethylenediseleno-bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin) (3) was assessed by means of fluorescence and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. The spectrofluorometric titrations have been performed in aqueous buffer solution (pH 7.20) at 25.0 degrees C to determine the stability constants of the inclusion complexation of 1-3 with guest molecules (i.e., cinchonine, cinchonidine, quinine, and quinidine) in order to quantitatively investigate the molecular selective binding ability. The stability constants of the resulting complexes of 2 with guest molecules are larger than that of 1. As a result of cooperative binding, the stability constants of inclusion complexation of dimeric beta-cyclodextrin 3 with cinchonidine and cinchonine are higher than that of parent 1 by factor of 4.5 and 2.4, respectively. These results are discussed from the viewpoint of the size-fit and geometric complementary relationship between the host and guest.     

Inclusion complexation behavior of dyestuff guest molecules by a bridged bis(cyclomaltoheptaose)[bis(beta-cyclodextrin)] with a pyromellitic acid diamide tether

A novel bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin) with a pyromellitic acid 2,5-diamide tether (2) has been synthesized by reaction of 6(I)-(2-aminoethyleneamino)-6-deoxycyclomaltoheptaose [mono 6-(2-aminoethyleneamino)-6-deoxy-beta-cyclodextrin] with 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride. Its inclusion complexation behavior with some representative dyestuffs, i.e., Acridine Red (AR), Rhodamine B (RhB), Neutral Red (NR), Brilliant Green (BG), was studied by using UV-absorption, fluorescence, and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Fluorescence titrations have been performed at 25 degrees C in pH 7.2 buffer solution to calculate the binding constants of resulting complexes. These results obtained indicated that bis(beta-cyclodextrin) 2 exhibits the strongly enhanced binding ability with all dye molecules examined compared with natural cyclodextrins. The binding modes of 2 with dye molecules have been deduced by 2D NMR experiments to establish the correlations between molecular conformations and binding constants of inclusion complexation. It is found that the improved binding ability and molecular selectivity of 2 could be attributed to double-cavity cooperative inclusion interaction and the size/shape matching between the host and guest.     

Synthesis and interaction with metal ions of cyclic oligopeptides bearing carboxyl groups

Cyclic di- and tetrapeptides bearing carboxyl or carboxylate groups, cyclo[Glu(OBzl)-Glu(OMe)], cyclo[Glu-Glu(OMe)], cyclo(Glu-Glu), cyclo[Glu(OMe)-Pro)2, and cyclo(Glu-Pro)2, were synthesized and investigated on the intramolecular interaction of carboxyl side chains in the complexation with metal ions in relation with the conformation. The three kinds of cyclic dipeptides were found to take a flagpole boat conformation. Folded conformation of side chains was predominant for cyclo[Glu(OBzl)-Glu(OMe)] and cyclo[Glu-Glu(OMe)]. However, cyclo(Glu-Glu) took an unfolded conformation. Intramolecular interaction of carboxyl groups was observed neither in free state nor in complexation with metal ions. The intramolecular interaction of carboxyl groups was observed in the case of cyclo(Glu-Pro)2 in the absence of metal ions added. Cyclo[Glu(OMe)-Pro]2 and cyclo(Glu-Pro)2 formed a complex with Ca2+ and Ba2+ without participation of side chains.     

A novel metallobridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s fluorescent probe for the determination of glutathione

A novel metallobridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s 2 [bis(beta-CD)s 2] was synthesized and characterized by means of (1)H NMR, IR, element analysis and redox iodometric titration. The fluorescence of metallobridged bis(beta-CD)s 2 was weak compared with bis(beta-CD)s 1 because of the paramagnetism of copper (II) ions. Glutathione was able to form complexes with copper (II) derived from the metallobridged bis(beta-CD)s 2. This competitive complexation with copper (II) may lead to a significant fluorescence recovery of the bis(beta-CD)s. Therefore, a rapid and simple spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of glutathione. The analytical application for glutathione was investigated in NaCl/P(i) (pH 6.00) at room temperature. The linear range of the method was 0.30-20.0 micromol.L(-1) with a detection limit of 63.8 nmol.L(-1). There was no interference from the plasma constituents. The proposed method had been successfully used to determine glutathione in human plasma.     

Inclusion complexes of paclitaxel and oligo(ethylenediamino) bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s: solubilization and antitumor activity

The inclusion complexation behavior of paclitaxel with a series of oligo(ethylenediamino) bridged bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s possessing bridge chains in different length (1-4) has been investigated in order to improve the water solubility of paclitaxel. It is found that only the long-tethered bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s 1 and 2 can form the inclusion complexes with paclitaxel, which are characterized by NMR, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, TG-DTA, DSC, and microcalorimetry technology. The results obtained show that bis(beta-cyclodextrin)s 1 and 2 are able to solubilize paclitaxel to high levels up to 2 and 0.9 mg/mL, respectively. The high complex stability of bis(beta-cyclodextrin) 1 and paclitaxel is discussed from thermodynamic viewpoint. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of these complexes assessed using a human erythroleukemia K562 cell line indicates that the IC(50) value of 1/paclitaxel complex is 6.0 x 10(-10) mol/dm(3) (calculated as paclitaxel molar concentration), which means that the antitumor activity of 1/paclitaxel complex is better than that of parent paclitaxel (IC(50) value 9.8 x 10(-10) mol/dm(3)). This high antitumor activity, along with the satisfactory water solubility and high thermal stability of the 1/paclitaxel complex, will be potentially useful for its clinical application as a highly effective antitumor drug.     

Complexation of sucrose with cobalt(III)bis(phenanthroline)

The delta-[Co(III)bis(phenanthroline)(sucrose)]3+ complex forms with little perturbation of the sucrose conformation, and complexation by HO-2(g) and HO-1(f).     

Interaction of lead(II) with beta-cyclodextrin in alkaline solutions

Polarographic and UV-spectrophotometric investigations of Pb(II) complex formation with beta-cyclodextrin have showed that the complexation of Pb(II) ions begins at pH >10. The formation of lead(II) 1:1 complex with the beta-cyclodextrin anion was observed at pH 10-11.5. The logarithm of the stability constant of this complex compound is 15.9+/-0.3 (20 degrees C, ionic strength 1.0), and the molar extinction coefficient value is ca. 5500 (lambda(max)=260 nm). With further increase in solution pH the Pb-beta-cyclodextrin complex decomposes and converts to Pb(OH)(2) or Pb(OH)(3)(-) hydroxy-complexes. This process occurs with a decrease in Pb(II) complexation degree. The latter result could be explained by a decrease in the beta-cyclodextrin anion activity. Neither Pb(OH)(2) nor Pb(OH)(3)(-) encapsulation into beta-CD cavity was observed.     

Structural origins of the insulin-mimetic activity of bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV)

We have investigated the interaction of bis(acetylacetonato)oxovanadium(IV) (VO(acac)(2)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by EPR and angle-selected electron nuclear double resonance, correlating results with assays of glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes. EPR spectra of VO(acac)(2) showed no broadening in the presence of BSA; however, electron nuclear double resonance titrations of VO(acac)(2) in the presence of BSA were indicative of adduct formation of VO(acac)(2) with albumin of 1:1 stoichiometry. The influence of VO(acac)(2) on uptake of 2-deoxy-d-[1-(14)C]glucose by serum-starved 3T3-L1 adipocytes was measured in the presence and absence of BSA. Glucose uptake was stimulated 9-fold in the presence of 0.5 mm VO(acac)(2), 17-fold in the presence of 0.5 mm VO(acac)(2) plus 1 mm BSA, and 22-fold in the presence of 100 nm insulin. BSA had no influence on glucose uptake, on the action of insulin, or on glucose uptake in the presence of VOSO(4). The maximum insulin-mimetic effect of VO(acac)(2) was observed at VO(acac)(2):BSA ratios less than or equal to 1.0. Similar results were obtained also with bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV). These results suggest that the enhanced insulin-mimetic action of organic chelates of VO(2+) may be dependent on adduct formation with BSA and possibly other serum transport proteins.     

Dual DAT/sigma1 receptor ligands based on 3-(4-(3-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)amino)propyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol

Ester analogs of (+/-)3-(4-(3-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)amino)propyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol were synthesized and evaluated for binding at DAT, SERT, NET, and sigma1 receptors, and compared to GBR 12909 and several known sigma1 receptor ligands. Most of these compounds demonstrated high affinity (K(i)=4.3-51 nM) and selectivity for the DAT among the monoamine transporters. S- and R-1-(4-(3-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)amino)propyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-phenylpropan-2-ol were also prepared wherein modest enantioselectivity was demonstrated at the DAT. However, no enantioselectivity at sigma1 receptors was observed and most of the ester analogs of the more active S-enantiomer showed comparable binding affinities at both DAT and sigma1 receptors with a maximal 16-fold DAT/sigma1 selectivity.     

Synthesis of (bis)sulfonic acid, (bis)benzamides as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) antagonists

Screening efforts identified (bis)sulfonic acid, (bis)benzamides (1-3) as compounds that interact with the follicle stimulating-hormone receptor (FSHR) and inhibit FSH-stimulated cAMP accumulation with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range. Structure-activity relationship studies using novel analogues of 1-3 revealed that two phenylsulfonic acid moieties were necessary for activity and that the carbon-carbon double bond of the stilbene sub-series was the optimum spacer connecting these groups. Selected analogues (2, 14, and 50) were also able to block FSHR-dependent estradiol production in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells and progesterone secretion in a clonal mouse adrenal Y1 cell line. IC(50) values for these compounds in these assays were in the low micromolar range. Optimization of the benzoic acid side chains of 1-3 led to gains in selectivity versus activity at the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR). For instance, while stilbene (bis)sulfonic acid congener 2 was only 10-fold selective for FSHR over TSHR, analogue 50 with an IC(50) value of 0.9 microM in the FSHR-cAMP assay was essentially inactive at 30 microM in the TSHR-cAMP assay.     

Diastereoisomer-selective inclusion complexation of Cinchona alkaloids with a modified beta-cyclodextrin: fluorescent behavior enhanced by chiral-tether binding. Short communication

The molecular 1:1 complexation of cinchona alkaloids by mono(6-deoxy-6-{[(R)-1-(hydroxymethyl)propyl]amino})-beta-cyclodextrin (1) in aqueous solution has been investigated by 2D-NMR, fluorescence titration, and fluorescence-lifetime experiments. Generally, with 1 as the host, in contrast to beta-cyclodextrin proper, strong binding of quinine (2; Ka = 84,200 M(-1)) and quinidine (3; Ka = 27,300 M(-1)) at pH 6.8 was observed, as monitored by an increase in fluorescence intensity, with a fair degree of diastereoisomer discrimination (ca. 3:1). To rationalize these results, two possible cooperative complexation modes, including specific H-bonding interactions to the chiral tether of the cyclodextrin portion, are proposed.     

Coordination abilities of piperyd-1-yl-methane-1,1-diphosphonic acids towards zinc(II), magnesium(II) and calcium(II): potentiometric and NMR studies

The combination of the pH-metric and NMR studies is used to examine the stabilities and coordination modes as well as related structural aspects of zinc(II), magnesium(II) and calcium(II) complexation to piperyd-1-yl-methane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (1) and its derivatives containing a topologically modified piperidine ring (2-7). The studied compounds coordinate metal ions exclusively via the phosphonate functions with a nitrogen atom remaining protonated over the whole range of studied pH. Compounds 1-6 readily form soluble multinuclear complexes of type [M(3)(HL)(2)] and [M(3)(HL)(3)](3-) with Zn(2+) or [M(2)(H(2)L)(2)] with Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). These species are formed based on dimers consisting of two head-to-head arranged molecules linked by strong symmetrical hydrogen bonds. The placement of the two methyl groups at 2- and 6-positions on the piperidine ring precludes the molecular recognition via similar hydrogen bonds and accounts for different complexation properties of 7 compared to 1-6. The role that the metal coordination plays on conformation dynamics in 1-7 is also discussed.     

Monte Carlo simulations of the chiral recognition of fenoprofen enantiomers by cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin)

Differential complexation of fenoprofen enantiomers by cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin) was investigated by Monte Carlo docking simulations. The chiral discrimination of (R)- and (S)-fenoprofen by beta-cyclodextrin was discussed in terms of the difference in the interaction energies and the patterns of molecular interactions. The interaction energies between each enantiomer of fenoprofen and beta-cyclodextrin were consistent with the reported experimental results that showed that the S isomer interacted preferentially with beta-cyclodextrin and was retained longer in a separation process than the R isomer. The thermodynamic preference of inclusion complex formation of (S)-fenoprofen could be explained by the orientation of the phenyl group attached to the chiral carbon, which provided closer contact and thus more favorable intermolecular interactions between the host and guest molecule. The results presented here would be very useful for the prediction of chiral recognition ability of beta-cyclodextrin.     

Crystal structure of cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin) complexes with p-aminobenzoic acid and o-aminobenzoic acid

Crystal structures of cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin) complexes with p-aminobenzoic acid and o-aminobenzoic acid have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The space group of the beta-cyclodextrin-p-aminobenzoic acid complex is P2(1) with a host:guest stoichiometry of 1:1, and that of the beta-cyclodextrin-o-aminobenzoic acid complex is P1 with a stoichiometry of 2:3. The different structures of the guest molecules lead to the different molecular packing structures of the two complexes. Intermolecular hydrogen-bond interactions are the main force that stabilize the supramolecular systems. In both crystals, there are water molecules located near the cavity rims and in interstices between molecules of beta-cyclodextrin participating in formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds.     

The effect of structural changes in a polyamine backbone on its DNA-binding properties

A novel analog of spermine, compound 1, 2, 6 bis(N-3-aminopropylmethanamine)-1-methoxy-4-methylbenzene, has been prepared which shows DNA binding which is altered from spermine in its base pair selectivity. A fluorescence spectroscopic assay is used to compare the complexation properties of compound 1, spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and berenil binding to calf thymus DNA, poly d(AT), and poly d(GC). The results are interpreted in terms of a major groove binding motif and compared with literature values for DNA dissociation constants.     

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the prediction of chiral discrimination of N-acetylphenylalanine enantiomers by cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, beta-CD) based on the MM-PBSA (molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area) approach

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for the prediction of chiral discrimination of N-acetylphenylalanine enantiomers by cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, beta-CD). Binding free energies and various conformational properties were obtained using by the MM-PBSA (molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann/surface area) approach. The calculated relative difference (DeltaDeltabinding) of binding free energy was in fine agreement with the experimentally determined value. The difference of rotameric distributions of guest N-acetylphenylalanine enantiomers complexed with the host, beta-CD, was observed after the conformational analyses, suggesting that the conformational changes of guest captured within host cavity would be a decisive factor for enantiodifferentiation at a molecular level.     

Studies on the interaction mechanism between hexakis(imidazole) manganese(II) terephthalate and DNA and preparation of DNA electrochemical sensor

The interaction between hexakis(imidazole) manganese(II) terephthalate ([Mn(Im)(6)](teph).4H(2)O) and salmon sperm DNA in 0.2M pH 2.30 Britton-Robinson buffer solution was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Increasing fluorescence was observed for [Mn(Im)(6)](2+) with DNA addition, while quenching fluorescence phenomenon appeared for EB-DNA system when [Mn(Im)(6)](2+) was added. There were a couple quasi-reversible redox peaks of [Mn(Im)(6)](2+) from the cyclic voltammogram on the glassy carbon electrode. The peak current of [Mn(Im)(6)](2+) decreased with positive shift of the formal potential in the presence of DNA compared with that in the absence of DNA. All the experimental results indicate that [Mn(Im)(6)](2+) can bind to DNA mainly by intercalative binding mode. The binding ratio of the DNA-[Mn(Im)(6)](2+) association complex is calculated to be 1:1 and the binding constant is 4.44x10(3) M(-1). By using [Mn(Im)(6)](teph).4H(2)O as the electrochemical hybridization indicator, the DNA electrochemical sensor was prepared by covalent interaction and the selectivity of ssDNA modified electrode were described. The results demonstrate the use of electrochemical DNA biosensor in the determination of complementary ssDNA.     

Glutathione degradation by the alternative pathway (DUG pathway) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is initiated by (Dug2p-Dug3p)2 complex, a novel glutamine amidotransferase (GATase) enzyme acting on glutathione

The recently identified, fungi-specific alternative pathway of glutathione degradation requires the participation of three genes, DUG1, DUG2, and DUG3. Dug1p has earlier been shown to function as a Cys-Gly-specific dipeptidase. In the present study, we describe the characterization of Dug2p and Dug3p. Dug3p has a functional glutamine amidotransferase (GATase) II domain that is catalytically important for glutathione degradation as demonstrated through mutational analysis. Dug2p, which has an N-terminal WD40 and a C-terminal M20A peptidase domain, has no peptidase activity. The previously demonstrated Dug2p-Dug3p interaction was found to be mediated through the WD40 domain of Dug2p. Dug2p was also shown to be able to homodimerize, and this was mediated by its M20A peptidase domain. In vitro reconstitution assays revealed that Dug2p and Dug3p were required together for the cleavage of glutathione into glutamate and Cys-Gly. Purification through gel filtration chromatography confirmed the formation of a Dug2p-Dug3p complex. The functional complex had a molecular weight that corresponded to (Dug2p-Dug3p)(2) in addition to higher molecular weight oligomers and displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. (Dug2p-Dug3p)(2) had a K(m) for glutathione of 1.2 mm, suggesting a novel GATase enzyme that acted on glutathione. Dug1p activity in glutathione degradation was found to be restricted to its Cys-Gly peptidase activity, which functioned downstream of the (Dug2p-Dug3p)(2) GATase. The DUG2 and DUG3 genes, but not DUG1, were derepressed by sulfur limitation. Based on these studies and the functioning of GATases, a mechanism is proposed for the functioning of the Dug proteins in the degradation of glutathione.