Osmium Arene Complexes Research Articles

Osmium-arene complexes with high potency towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) poses a major challenge as frontline therapeutic agents become increasingly ineffective with the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). To combat this global health problem, new antitubercular agents with novel modes of action are needed. We have screened a close family of 17 organometallic half-sandwich Os(II) complexes [(arene)Os(phenyl-azo/imino-pyridine)(Cl/I)]+Y– containing various arenes (p-cymene, biphenyl, or terphenyl), and NMe2, F, Cl, or Br phenyl or pyridyl substituents, for activity towards Mtb in comparison with normal human lung cells (MRC5). In general, complexes with a monodentate iodido ligand were more potent than chlorido complexes, and the five most potent iodido complexes (MIC 1.25–2.5 µM) have an electron-donating Me2N or OH substituent on the phenyl ring. As expected, the counter anion Y (PF6–, Cl–, I–) had little effect on the activity. The pattern of potency of the complexes towards Mtb is similar to that towards human cells, perhaps because in both cases intracellular thiols are likely to be involved in their activation and their redox mechanism of action. The most active complex against Mtb is the p-cymene Os(II) NMe2-phenyl-azopyridine iodido complex (2), a relatively inert complex that also exhibits potent activity towards cancer cells. The uptake of Os from complex 2 by Mtb is rapid and peaks after 6 h, with temperature-dependence studies suggesting a major role for active transport. Significance to Metallomics Antimicrobial resistance is a global health problem. New advances are urgently needed in the discovery of new antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action. Half-sandwich organometallic complexes offer a versatile platform for drug design. We show that with an appropriate choice of the arene, an N,N-chelated ligand, and monodentate ligand, half-sandwich organo–osmium(II) complexes can exhibit potent activity towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The patterns of activity of the 17 azo- and imino-pyridine complexes studied here towards Mtb and normal lung cells suggest a common redox mechanism of action involving intracellular thiols.

Elemental mapping of half-sandwich azopyridine osmium arene complexes in cancer cells

Nanofocused synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry provide insights into time-dependent ligand exchange reactions of organo-osmium anticancer complexes in cancer cells. Created with Biorender.com.

Os2–Os4 Switch Controls DNA Knotting and Anticancer Activity

AbstractDinuclear trihydroxido‐bridged osmium–arene complexes are inert and biologically inactive, but we show here that linking dihydroxido‐bridged OsII–arene fragments by a bridging di‐imine to form a metallacycle framework results in strong antiproliferative activity towards cancer cells and distinctive knotting of DNA. The shortened spacer length reduces biological activity and stability in solution towards decomposition to biologically inactive dimers. Significant differences in behavior toward plasmid DNA condensation are correlated with biological activity.

Os2 -Os4 Switch Controls DNA Knotting and Anticancer Activity.

Dinuclear trihydroxido‐bridged osmium–arene complexes are inert and biologically inactive, but we show here that linking dihydroxido‐bridged OsII–arene fragments by a bridging di‐imine to form a metallacycle framework results in strong antiproliferative activity towards cancer cells and distinctive knotting of DNA. The shortened spacer length reduces biological activity and stability in solution towards decomposition to biologically inactive dimers. Significant differences in behavior toward plasmid DNA condensation are correlated with biological activity.

Arene Osmium Complexes with Ethacrynic Acid-Modified Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Intracellular Glutathione S-Transferase Inhibition and Antiproliferative Activity

Four arene osmium complexes were prepared containing derivatives of ethacrynic acid, a potent inhibitor of glutathione S-transferases, either by direct coordination or via N- or P-donor ligands. The complexes were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods and, for Os(η6-p-cymene)(acetylacetonato)(2-(2,3-dichloro-4-(2-ethylenebutanoyl)phenoxy)acetato) and Os(η6-p-cymene)Cl2(2-(2-(2,3-dichloro-4-(2-methylenebutanoyl)phenoxy)acetoxy)ethyl nicotinato), by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The cytotoxicity of the complexes toward human ovarian cancer cells and nontumorous human embryonic kidney cells was investigated, and two of the complexes, for which ruthenium analogues are known, helped to delineate the influence of the metal ion. Inhibition studies of intracellular glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, detoxification enzymes implicated in drug resistance) indicate that the observed cytotoxicity of the complexes involves GST inhibition, as well as other targets following dissociation of the ethacry...

Antiproliferative activities of trithiolato-bridged dinuclear arene osmium complexes

Trithiolato-bridged arene osmium complexes of the general formula [(p-cymene)2Os2(μ-SR)3]+ (R=C6H5, [1]+; C6H4-p-Me, [2]+; C6H4-p-OMe, [3]+; C6H4-p-Pri, [4]+; C6H4-p-But, [5]+; CH2C6H5, [6]+; CH2CH2C6H5, [7]+; CH2C6H4-p-But, [8]+) were synthesized in ethanol by reacting the p-cymene osmium dimer [(p-cymene)2Os2(μ-Cl)2Cl2] with the corresponding thiol (RSH). The complexes were isolated as their chloride salts, and fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. The single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of the salt [6]Cl is also presented. These osmium complexes were found to be highly cytotoxic towards several cancerous cell lines (A2780, A549, B16F10, HeLa) with IC50 values comparable or even better to those found for doxorubicin.

Effect of the piperazine unit and metal-binding site position on the solubility and anti-proliferative activity of ruthenium(II)- and osmium(II)- arene complexes of isomeric indolo[3,2-c]quinoline-piperazine hybrids.

In this study, the indoloquinoline backbone and piperazine were combined to prepare indoloquinoline–piperazine hybrids and their ruthenium- and osmium-arene complexes in an effort to generate novel antitumor agents with improved aqueous solubility. In addition, the position of the metal-binding unit was varied, and the effect of these structural alterations on the aqueous solubility and antiproliferative activity of their ruthenium- and osmium-arene complexes was studied. The indoloquinoline–piperazine hybrids L1–3 were prepared in situ and isolated as six ruthenium and osmium complexes [(η6-p-cymene)M(L1–3)Cl]Cl, where L1 = 6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(pyridin-2-yl-methylene)-11H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolin-2-N-amine, M = Ru ([1a]Cl), Os ([1b]Cl), L2 = 6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(pyridin-2-yl-methylene)-11H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolin-4-N-amine, M = Ru ([2a]Cl), Os ([2b]Cl), L3 = 6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(pyridin-2-yl-methylene)-11H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolin-8-N-amine, M = Ru ([3a]Cl), Os ([3b]Cl). The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, IR and UV–vis spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The antiproliferative activity of the isomeric ruthenium and osmium complexes [1a,b]Cl–[3a,b]Cl was examined in vitro and showed the importance of the position of the metal-binding site for their cytotoxicity. Those complexes containing the metal-binding site located at the position 4 of the indoloquinoline scaffold ([2a]Cl and [2b]Cl) demonstrated the most potent antiproliferative activity. The results provide important insight into the structure–activity relationships of ruthenium- and osmium-arene complexes with indoloquinoline–piperazine hybrid ligands. These studies can be further utilized for the design and development of more potent chemotherapeutic agents.

Structure and Spectroelectrochemical Response of Arene–Ruthenium and Arene–Osmium Complexes with Potentially Hemilabile Noninnocent Ligands

Nine of the compounds [M(L2–)(p-cymene)] (M = Ru, Os, L2– = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-aryl-o-amidophenolate) were prepared and structurally characterized (Ru complexes) as coordinatively unsaturated, formally 16 valence electron species. On L2–-ligand based oxidation to EPR-active iminosemiquinone radical complexes, the compounds seek to bind a donor atom (if available) from the N-aryl substituent, as structurally certified for thioether and selenoether functions, or from the donor solvent. Simulated cyclic voltammograms and spectroelectrochemistry at ambient and low temperatures in combination with DFT results confirm a square scheme behavior (ECEC mechanism) involving the Ln ligand as the main electron transfer site and the metal with fractional (δ) oxidation as the center for redox-activated coordination. Attempts to crystallize [Ru(Cym)(QSMe)](PF6) produced single crystals of [RuIII(QSMe•–)2](PF6) after apparent dissociation of the arene ligand.

Ruthenium- and osmium-arene complexes of 8-substituted indolo[3,2-c]quinolines: Synthesis, X-ray diffraction structures, spectroscopic properties, and antiproliferative activity

Six novel ruthenium(II)- and osmium(II)-arene complexes with indoloquinoline modified ligands containing methyl and halo substituents in position 8 of the molecule backbone have been synthesised and comprehensively characterised by spectroscopic methods (1H, 13C NMR, UV–Vis), ESI mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. Binding of indoloquinolines to a metal-arene scaffold makes the products soluble enough in biological media to allow for assaying their antiproliferative activity. The complexes were tested in three human cancer cell lines, namely A549 (non-small cell lung cancer), SW480 (colon carcinoma) and CH1 (ovarian carcinoma), yielding IC50 values in the 10−6–10−7M concentration range after continuous exposure for 96h. Compounds with halo substituents in position 8 are more effective cytotoxic agents in vitro than the previously reported species halogenated in position 2 of the indoloquinoline backbone. High antiproliferative activity of both series of substances may be due at least in part to their potential to act as DNA intercalators.

Biological activity of ruthenium and osmium arene complexes with modified paullones in human cancer cells

In an attempt to combine the ability of indolobenzazepines (paullones) to inhibit cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) and that of platinum-group metal ions to interact with proteins and DNA, ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) arene complexes with paullones were prepared, expecting synergies and an increase of solubility of paullones. Complexes with the general formula [MIICl(η6-p-cymene)L]Cl, where M=Ru (1, 3) or Os (2, 4), and L=L1 (1, 2) or L2 (3, 4), L1=N-(9-bromo-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]-benzazepin-6(5H)-yliden-N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)azine and L2=N-(9-bromo-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6-yl)-N′-[3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-4-yl-methylene]azinium chloride (L2*HCl), were now investigated regarding cytotoxicity and accumulation in cancer cells, impact on the cell cycle, capacity of inhibiting DNA synthesis and inducing apoptosis as well as their ability to inhibit Cdk activity. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay yielded IC50 values in the nanomolar to low micromolar range. In accordance with cytotoxicity data, the BrdU assay showed that 1 is the most and 4 the least effective of these compounds regarding inhibition of DNA synthesis. Effects on the cell cycle are minor, although concentration-dependent inhibition of Cdk2/cyclin E activity was observed in cell-free experiments. Induction of apoptosis is most pronounced for complex 1, accompanied by a low fraction of necrotic cells, as observed by annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometric analysis.

Organometallic Osmium Arene Complexes with Potent Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity

Iodido osmium(II) complexes [Os(η(6)-arene)(XY)I](+) (XY = p-hydroxy or p-dimethylaminophenylazopyridine, arene = p-cymene or biphenyl) are potently cytotoxic at nanomolar concentrations toward a panel of human cancer cell lines; e.g., IC(50) = 140 nM for [Os(η(6)-bip)(azpy-NMe(2))I](+) toward A2780 ovarian cancer cells. They exhibit low toxicity and negligible deleterious effects in a colon cancer xenograft model, giving rise to the possibility of a broad therapeutic window. The most active complexes are stable and inert toward aquation. Their cytotoxic activity appears to involve redox mechanisms.

In vivo tumour and metastasis reduction and in vitro effects on invasion assays of the ruthenium RM175 and osmium AFAP51 organometallics in the mammary cancer model

We have compared the organometallic arene complexes [(eta(6)-biphenyl)M(ethylenediamine)Cl](+) RM175 (M=Ru(II)) and its isostructural osmium(II) analogue AFAP51 (M=Os(II)) for their ability to induce cell detachment resistance from fibronectin, collagen IV and poly-l-lysine, and cell re-adhesion after treatment, their effects on cell migration and cell viability, on matrix metalloproteinases production, and on primary tumour growth of MCa mammary carcinoma, the effect of human serum albumin on their cytotoxicity. There are differences between ruthenium and osmium. The Os complex is up to 6x more potent than RM175 towards highly-invasive breast MDA-MB-231, human breast MCF-7 and human epithelial HBL-100 cancer cells, but whereas RM175 was active against MCa mammary carcinoma in vivo and caused metastasis reduction, AFAP51 was not. Intriguingly the presence of human serum albumin in the growth medium enhanced the cytotoxicity of both compounds. RM175 increased the resistance of MDA-MB-231 cells to detachment from substrates and both compounds inhibited the production of MMP-2. These data confirm the key role of ruthenium itself in anti-metastatic activity. It will be interesting to explore the activity of osmium arene complexes in other tumour models and the possibility of changing the non-arene ligands to tune the anticancer activity of osmium in vivo.

Organometallic Osmium(II) Arene Anticancer Complexes Containing Picolinate Derivatives

Chlorido osmium(II) arene [(eta(6)-biphenyl)Os(II)(X-pico)Cl] complexes containing X = Br (1), OH (2), and Me (3) as ortho, or X = Cl (4), CO(2)H (5), and Me (6) as para substituents on the picolinate (pico) ring have been synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of 1 and 6 show typical "piano-stool" geometry with intermolecular pi-pi stacking of the biphenyl outer rings of 6. At 288 K the hydrolysis rates follow the order 2 >> 6 > 4 > 3 > 5 >> 1 with half-lives ranging from minutes to 4.4 h illustrating the influence of both electronic and steric effects of the substituents. The pK(a) values of the aqua adducts 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A were all in the range of 6.3-6.6. The para-substituted pico complexes 4-6 readily formed adducts with both 9-ethyl guanine (9EtG) and 9-ethyl adenine (9EtA), but these were less favored for the ortho-substituted complexes 1 and 3 showing little reaction with 9EtG and 9EtA, respectively. Density-functional theory calculations confirmed the observed preferences for nucleobase binding for complex 1. In cytotoxicity assays with A2780, cisplatin-resistant A2780cis human ovarian, A549 human lung, and HCT116 colon cancer cells, only complexes 4 (p-Cl) and 6 (p-Me) exhibited significant activity (IC(50) values < 25 microM). Both of these complexes were as active as cisplatin in A2780 (ovarian) and HCT116 (colon) cell lines, and even overcome cisplatin resistance in the A2780cis (ovarian) cell line. The inactivity of 5 is attributed to the negative charge on its para carboxylate substituent. These data illustrate how the chemical reactivity and cancer cell cytotoxicity of osmium arene complexes can be controlled and "fine-tuned" by the use of steric and electronic effects of substituents on a chelating ligand to give osmium(II) arene complexes which are as active as cisplatin but have a different mechanism of action.

Medicinal Organometallic Chemistry: Designing Metal Arene Complexes as Anticancer Agents

The field of medicinal inorganic chemistry is rapidly advancing. In particular organometallic complexes have much potential as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The carbon-bound and other ligands allow the thermodynamic and kinetic reactivity of the metal ion to be controlled and also provide a scaffold for functionalization. The establishment of structure-activity relationships and elucidation of the speciation of complexes under conditions relevant to drug testing and formulation are crucial for the further development of promising medicinal applications of organometallic complexes. Specific examples involving the design of ruthenium and osmium arene complexes as anticancer agents are discussed.

Tuning the Hydrolytic Aqueous Chemistry of Osmium Arene Complexes with N,O-Chelating Ligands to Achieve Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity

Potential biological and medical applications of organometallic complexes are hampered by a lack of knowledge of their aqueous solution chemistry. We show that the hydrolytic and aqueous solution chemistry of half-sandwich OsII arene complexes of the type [(eta6-arene)Os(XY)Cl] can be tuned with XY chelating ligands to achieve cancer cell cytoxicity comparable to carboplatin. Complexes containing arene = p-cymene, XY = N,O-chelating ligands glycinate (1), L-alaninate (2), alpha-aminobutyrate (3), beta-alaninate (4), picolinate (5), or 8-hydroxyquinolinate (7) were synthesized. Although, 1-4 and 7 hydrolyzed rapidly (<min), complexes with pi-acceptor pyridine as N-donor and carboxylate as O-donor (5 and 6) hydrolyzed much more slowly (t1/2 = 0.20 and 0.52 h, 298 K). The aqua picolinate complexes were more acidic (pKa* = 6.67, 6.33) than the other aqua adducts (pKa* = 7.17-7.71). At biological test concentrations (micromolar), the chelating ligands dissociated from complexes 1-4 to give the inert hydroxo-bridged dinuclear species [(eta6-arene)Os(mu-OH)3Os(eta6-arene)]+ (8), and these complexes were inactive toward human lung A549 and ovarian A2780 cancer cells. In contrast, 5-7 were cytotoxic, especially 6 (IC50 values of 8 and 4.2 microM). The X-ray structures of 9-ethylguanine, [(eta6-p-cym)Os(pico)(9EtG-N7)]PF6, and 9-ethyladenine, [(eta6-p-cym)Os(pico)(9EtA-N7)]PF6, adducts of 5 are reported (the first reported for G or A adducts of OsII). Crystals of the 9EtA complex contain homoadenine base pairing. The 9EtG adduct in particular exhibits remarkable aqueous kinetic stability. This work shows how the rational control of chemical reactivity (hydrolysis, acidity, formation of hydroxo-bridged dinuclear species) can allow the design of cytotoxic anticancer OsII arene complexes.

X-ray crystallographic study of two dinuclear triply-bridged p-cymene osmium complexes

The single crystal X-ray structure analyses of [Os 2( p-cymene) 2(μ-H) 3]PF 6 ([ 1]PF 6) and [Os 2( p-cymene) 2(μ-Cl) 3]PF 6 ([ 2]PF 6) are presented. The two triple bridged arene osmium complexes show the metal to be in an octahedral geometry, where the p-cymene ligand is facially coordinated and where the bridging ligands (Cl or H) occupy the remaining three coordination sites. In the dinuclear trihydrido complex a strong metal–metal interaction is observed. This is not the case for the trichloro complex where a large metal–metal distance indicates no metal–metal bonding.