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The copper compound Cu II (atsm) has progressed to phase 2/3 testing for treatment of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cu II (atsm) is neuroprotective in mutant SOD1 mouse models of ALS where its activity is ascribed in part to improving availability of essential copper. However, SOD1 mutations cause only ~ 2% of ALS cases and therapeutic relevance of copper availability in sporadic ALS is unresolved. Herein we assessed spinal cord tissue from human cases of sporadic ALS for copper-related changes. We found that when compared to control cases the natural distribution of spinal cord copper was disrupted in sporadic ALS. A standout feature was decreased copper levels in the ventral grey matter, the primary anatomical site of neuronal loss in ALS. Altered expression of genes involved in copper handling indicated disrupted copper availability, and this was evident in decreased copper-dependent ferroxidase activity despite increased abundance of the ferroxidases ceruloplasmin and hephaestin. Mice expressing mutant SOD1 recapitulate salient features of ALS and the unsatiated requirement for copper in these mice is a biochemical target for Cu II (atsm). Our results from human spinal cord indicate a therapeutic mechanism of action for Cu II (atsm) involving copper availability may also be pertinent to sporadic cases of ALS., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Complexes prepared with positron-emitting copper-64 are of interest as imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET). This work investigates the potential of using acyclic tetrapyrrolic 2,2'- bis dipyrrins as ligands to prepare charge-neutral, lipophilic, cell-permeable, redox active complexes with positron-emitting copper-64. The synthesis and characterization of a series of tetrapyrrolic 2,2'- bis dipyrrin copper(II) complexes are reported. Four 2,2'- bis dipyrrin copper(II) complexes were prepared with different functional groups in the meso-position of the ligands. Two of the new copper(II) complexes, one palladium(II) complex, and one nickel(II) complex were characterized by X-ray crystallography, which demonstrated that the copper(II) is in a distorted square planar environment. An investigation of the electrochemical properties of the complexes by cyclic voltammetry revealed that the complexes undergo multiple quasi-reversible processes. A comparison of the cyclic voltammetry of the copper complexes with their palladium(II) analogues suggests that these redox processes are ligand-based and not metal-based. The copper(II) complexes are cell-permeable in A431 mammalian cells and are nontoxic at concentrations of 50 μM. The ligands can be radiolabeled with copper-64 at room temperature.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain mainly comprised of aggregated forms of amyloid-β (Aβ). Molecules radiolabeled with technetium-99m that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and selectively bind to Aβ plaques have the potential to assist in the diagnosis of AD using single-photon emission computed tomography imaging. In this work, three new tetradentate ligands of pyridyl, amide, amine and thiol donors, featuring a styrylpyridyl group that is known to interact with amyloid plaques, were prepared. The new ligands formed charge-neutral and lipophilic complexes with the [Tc═O] 3+ and [Re═O] 3+ motifs, and two rhenium complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The rhenium(V) complexes interact with synthetic Aβ 1-40 and amyloid plaques on human brain tissue. Two of the new ligands were radiolabeled with 99m Tc using a kit-based approach, and their biodistribution in wild-type mice was evaluated. The presence of amide donors in the tetradentate ligand increased the stability of the respective [Tc═O] 3+ complexes but reduced brain uptake. While the complexes were able to cross the BBB, the degree of uptake in the brain was not sufficient to justify further investigation of these complexes.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid-β plaques. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with tracers radiolabeled with positron-emitting radionuclides that bind to amyloid-β plaques can assist in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. With the goal of designing new imaging agents radiolabeled with positron-emitting copper-64 radionuclides that bind to amyloid-β plaques, a family of bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligands with appended substituted stilbenyl functional groups has been prepared. The ligands form charge-neutral and stable complexes with copper(II). The new ligands can be radiolabeled with copper-64 at room temperature. Two lead complexes were demonstrated to bind to amyloid-β plaques present in post-mortem brain tissue from subjects with clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease and crossed the blood-brain barrier in mice. The work presented here provides strategies to prepare compounds with radionuclides of copper that can be used for targeted brain PET imaging.

Two tridentate ligand systems bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), amine and carboxylate donor groups coupled to benzothiazole- or stilbene-based amyloid binding moieties were synthesised. Reaction of the imidazolium salt containing pro-ligands with Re(CO)5Cl yielded the corresponding rhenium metal complexes which were characterised by NMR, and X-ray crystallography. These ligands are of interest for the potential preparation of technetium-99m imaging agents for Alzheimer's disease and the capacity of these rhenium complexes bind to amyloid fibrils composed of amyloid-β peptide and amyloid plaques in human frontal cortex brain tissue was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy. These studies show that the complexes bound efficiently to amyloid-β fibrils and some evidence of binding to amyloid-β plaques.

The synthesis of new bis(thiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) complexes featuring polyamine substituents via selective transamination reactions is presented. Polyamines of different lengths, with different ionizable substituent groups, were used to modify and adjust the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of the copper complexes. The new analogues were radiolabeled with copper-64 and their lipophilicities estimated using distribution coefficients. The cell uptake of the new polyamine complexes was investigated with preliminary in vitro biological studies using a neuroblastoma cancer cell line. The in vivo biodistribution of three of the new analogues was investigated in vivo in mice using positron-emission tomography imaging, and one of the new complexes was compared to [ 64 Cu]Cu(atsm) in an A431 squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model. Modification of the copper complexes with various amine-containing functional groups alters the biodistribution of the complexes in mice. One complex, with a pendent ( N, N-dimethylamino)ethane functional group, displayed tumor uptake similar to that of [ 64 Cu]Cu(atsm) but higher brain uptake, suggesting that this compound has the potential to be of use in the diagnostic brain imaging of tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.

Amyloid-β plaques, consisting of aggregated amyloid-β peptides, are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Copper complexes formed using positron-emitting copper radionuclides that cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to specific molecular targets offer the possibility of noninvasive diagnostic imaging using positron emission tomography. New thiosemicarbazone-pyridylhydrazone based ligands that incorporate pyridyl-benzofuran functional groups designed to bind amyloid-β plaques have been synthesized. The ligands form stable complexes with copper(II) ( K d = 10 -18 M) and can be radiolabeled with copper-64 at room temperature. Subtle changes to the periphery of the ligand backbone alter the metabolic stability of the complexes in mouse and human liver microsomes, and influenced the ability of the complexes to cross the blood-brain barrier in mice. A lead complex was selected based on possessing the best metabolic stability and brain uptake in mice. Synthesis of this lead complex with isotopically enriched copper-65 allowed us to show that the complex bound to amyloid-β plaques present in post-mortem human brain tissue using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. This work provides insight into strategies to target metal complexes to amyloid-β plaques, and how small modifications to ligands can dramatically alter the metabolic stability of metal complexes as well as their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Age-associated deposition of amyloid-β in cerebral blood vessels, a condition referred to as cerebral amyloid angiopathy, can contribute to stroke and dementia. This research aimed to design new radioactive technetium-99 m complexes that bind to amyloid-β plaques that have the potential to assist in diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy using single-photon-emitted computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Six new pyridylthiosemicarbazide ligands containing either benzofuran or styrylpyridyl functional groups that are known to selectively bind to amyloid plaques were prepared. Non-radioactive isotopes of technetium are not available so rhenium was used as a surrogate for exploratory chemistry. The new ligands were used to prepare well-defined [Re-oxo] 3+ complexes where two pyridylthiosemicarbazide ligands were coordinated to a single metal ion to give bivalent complexes with two amyloid-β targeting functional groups. The interaction of the [Re-oxo] 3+ complexes with synthetic amyloid-β 1-42 and with amyloid plaques in human brain tissue was investigated. Two ligands were selected to develop methods to prepare their [ 99m Tc-oxo] 3+ complexes at the tracer level. These technetium-99 m complexes are likely to be isostructural to their rhenium-oxo analogues.

This research aimed to develop new tumor targeted theranostic agents taking advantage of the similarities in coordination chemistry between technetium and rhenium. A γ-emitting radioactive isotope of technetium is commonly used in diagnostic imaging, and there are two β - emitting radioactive isotopes of rhenium that have the potential to be of use in radiotherapy. Variants of the 6-hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) bifunctional ligands have been prepared by appending thioamide functional groups to 6-hydrazinonicotinamide to form pyridylthiosemicarbazide ligands (SHYNIC). The new bidentate ligands were conjugated to the tumor targeting peptides Tyr 3 -octreotate and cyclic-RGD. The new ligands and conjugates were used to prepare well-defined {M═O} 3+ complexes (where M = 99m Tc or nat Re or 188 Re) that feature two targeting peptides attached to the single metal ion. These new SHYNIC ligands are capable of forming well-defined rhenium and technetium complexes and offer the possibility of using the 99m Tc imaging and 188/186 Re therapeutic matched pairs.

A series of [Re(i)L(CO) 3 ] + complexes (where L is a bifunctional bis(NHC)-amine ligand) that are analogues of potential Tc-99m diagnostic imaging agents for Alzheimer's disease have been synthesised. One of the complexes bound to amyloid plaques in human frontal cortex brain tissue from subjects with Alzheimer's disease.

Gallium-68 is a positron-emitting isotope that can be used in positron-emission tomography imaging agents. Alzheimer's disease is associated with the formation of plaques in the brain primarily comprised of aggregates of a 42 amino acid protein called amyloid-β. With the goal of synthesising charge neutral, low molecular weight, lipophilic gallium complexes with the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to Aβ plaques we have used an ancillary tetradentate N 2 O 2 Schiff base ligand and the β-diketone curcumin as a bidentate ligand to give a six-coordinate Ga 3+ complex. The tetradentate Schiff base ligand adopts the cis-β configuration with deprotonated curcumin acting as a bidentate ligand. The complex binds to amyloid-β plaques in human brain tissue and it is possible that extension of this chemistry to positron-emitting gallium-68 could provide useful imaging agents for Alzheimer's disease., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The intracellular distribution of fluorescently labeled copper and zinc bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complexes was investigated in M17 neuroblastoma cells and primary cortical neurons with a view to providing insights into the neuroprotective activity of a copper bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complex known as Cu(II)(atsm). Time-resolved fluorescence measurements allowed the identification of the Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes as well as the free ligand inside the cells by virtue of the distinct fluorescence lifetime of each species. Confocal fluorescent microscopy of cells treated with the fluorescent copper(II)bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complex revealed significant fluorescence associated with cytoplasmic puncta that were identified to be lysosomes in primary cortical neurons and both lipid droplets and lysosomes in M17 neuroblastoma cells. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy confirmed that the fluorescence signal emanating from the lipid droplets could be attributed to the copper(II) complex but also that some degree of loss of the metal ion led to diffuse cytosolic fluorescence that could be attributed to the metal-free ligand. The accumulation of the copper(II) complex in lipid droplets could be relevant to the neuroprotective activity of Cu(II)(atsm) in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

There is increasing interest in the use of lipophilic copper (Cu)-containing complexes to combat bacterial infections. In this work, we showed that Cu complexes with bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligands [Cu(btsc)] exert antibacterial activity against a range of medically significant pathogens. Previous work using Neisseria gonorrhoeae showed that Cu(btsc) complexes may act as inhibitors of respiratory dehydrogenases in the electron transport chain. We now show that these complexes are also toxic against pathogens that lack a respiratory chain. Respiration in Escherichia coli was slightly affected by Cu(btsc) complexes, but our results indicate that, in this model bacterium, the complexes act primarily as agents that deliver toxic Cu ions efficiently into the cytoplasm. Although the chemistry of Cu(btsc) complexes may dictate their mechanism of action, their efficacy depends heavily on bacterial physiology. This is linked to the ability of the target bacterium to tolerate Cu and, additionally, the susceptibility of the respiratory chain to direct inhibition by Cu(btsc) complexes. The physiology of N. gonorrhoeae, including multidrug-resistant strains, makes it highly susceptible to damage by Cu ions and Cu(btsc) complexes, highlighting the potential of Cu(btsc) complexes (and Cu-based therapeutics) as a promising treatment against this important bacterial pathogen., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)

To take advantage of the luminescent properties of d(6) transition metal complexes to label proteins, versatile bifunctional ligands were prepared. Ligands that contain a 1,2,3-triazole heterocycle were synthesised using Cu(I) catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition "click" chemistry and were used to form phosphorescent Ir(III) and Ru(II) complexes. Their emission properties were readily tuned, by changing either the metal ion or the co-ligands. The complexes were tethered to the metalloprotein transferrin using several conjugation strategies. The Ir(III)/Ru(II)-protein conjugates could be visualised in cancer cells using live cell imaging for extended periods without significant photobleaching. These versatile phosphorescent protein-labelling agents could be widely applied to other proteins and biomolecules and are useful alternatives to conventional organic fluorophores for several applications., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Mutations in the metalloprotein Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause approximately 20% of familial cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease for which effective therapeutics do not yet exist. Transgenic rodent models based on over-expression of mutant SOD1 have been developed and these have provided opportunity to test new therapeutic strategies and to study the mechanisms of mutant SOD1 toxicity. Although the mechanisms of mutant SOD1 toxicity are yet to be fully elucidated, incorrect or incomplete metallation of SOD1 confers abnormal folding, aggregation and biochemical properties, and improving the metallation state of SOD1 provides a viable therapeutic option. The therapeutic effects of delivering copper (Cu) to mutant SOD1 have been demonstrated recently. The aim of the current study was to determine if delivery of zinc (Zn) to SOD1 was also therapeutic. To investigate this, SOD1G37R mice were treated with the metal complex diacetyl-bis(4-methylthiosemicarbazonato)zinc(II) [Zn(II)(atsm)]. Treatment resulted in an improvement in locomotor function and survival of the mice. However, biochemical analysis of spinal cord tissue collected from the mice revealed that the treatment did not increase overall Zn levels in the spinal cord nor the Zn content of SOD1. In contrast, overall levels of Cu in the spinal cord were elevated in the Zn(II)(atsm)-treated SOD1G37R mice and the Cu content of SOD1 was also elevated. Further experiments demonstrated transmetallation of Zn(II)(atsm) in the presence of Cu to form the Cu-analogue Cu(II)(atsm), indicating that the observed therapeutic effects for Zn(II)(atsm) in SOD1G37R mice may in fact be due to in vivo transmetallation and subsequent delivery of Cu., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Gas-phase carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, catalyzed by group 10 metal acetate cations [(phen)M(O2CCH3)](+) (where M = Ni, Pd or Pt) formed via electrospray ionization of metal acetate complexes [(phen)M(O2CCH3)2], were examined using an ion trap mass spectrometer and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In step 1 of the catalytic cycle, collision induced dissociation (CID) of [(phen)M(O2CCH3)](+) yields the organometallic complex, [(phen)M(CH3)](+), via decarboxylation. [(phen)M(CH3)](+) reacts with allyl acetate via three competing reactions, with reactivity orders (% reaction efficiencies) established via kinetic modeling. In step 2a, allylic alkylation occurs to give 1-butene and reform metal acetate, [(phen)M(O2CCH3)](+), with Ni (36%) > Pd (28%) > Pt (2%). Adduct formation, [(phen)M(C6H11O2)](+), occurs with Pt (24%) > Pd (21%) > Ni(11%). The major losses upon CID on the adduct, [(phen)M(C6H11O2)](+), are 1-butene for M = Ni and Pd and methane for Pt. Loss of methane only occurs for Pt (10%) to give [(phen)Pt(C5H7O2)](+). The sequences of steps 1 and 2a close a catalytic cycle for decarboxylative carbon-carbon bond coupling. DFT calculations suggest that carbon-carbon bond formation occurs via alkene insertion as the initial step for all three metals, without involving higher oxidation states for the metal centers.

Several copper(ii) complexes of bis(thiosemicarbazones) [Cu(btsc)s] show promise as therapeutics for the treatment of neurological diseases, cancers and bacterial infections. These complexes are thought to act primarily as copper ionophores or "copper boosting" agents, whereby the Cu(II) centre is reduced by cytosolic reductants and Cu(I) is released as "free" or "bioavailable" ion. It is then assumed that the dissociated Cu(I) ion is the species responsible for many of the observed biological effects of Cu(btsc)s. We recently showed that Cu(btsc) complexes inhibited NADH dehydrogenases in the bacterial respiratory chain. In this work, we demonstrate that Cu(btsc) complexes also inhibit mitochondrial respiration and that Complex I in the mitochondrial electron transport chain is a specific target of inhibition. However, bioavailable Cu ions do not appear to contribute to the action of Cu(btsc) as a respiratory inhibitor. Instead, an intact Cu(btsc) molecule may bind reversibly and competitively to the site of ubiquinone binding in Complex I. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that the intact complex may be important in the overall cellular activity of Cu(btsc) complexes and further the understanding of their biological effects as a potential therapeutic.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of age-related neurodegenerative dementia. The disease is characterised by the presence of plaques in the cerebral cortex. The major constituent of these plaques is aggregated amyloid-β peptide. This review focuses on the molecular aspects of metal complexes designed to bind to amyloid-β. The development of radioactive metal-based complexes of copper and technetium designed as diagnostic imaging agents to detect amyloid burden in the brain is discussed. Separate sections of the review discuss the use of luminescent metal complexes to act as non-conventional probes of amyloid formation and recent research into the use of metal complexes as inhibitors of amyloid formation and toxicity.

The enzyme-mediated site-specific bioconjugation of a radioactive metal complex to a single-chain antibody using the transpeptidase sortase A is reported. Cage amine sarcophagine ligands that were designed to function as substrates for the sortase A mediated bioconjugation to antibodies were synthesized and enzymatically conjugated to a single-chain variable fragment. The antibody fragment scFv(anti-LIBS) targets ligand-induced binding sites (LIBS) on the glycoprotein receptor GPIIb/IIIa, which is present on activated platelets. The immunoconjugates were radiolabeled with the positron-emitting isotope (64)Cu. The new radiolabeled conjugates were shown to bind selectively to activated platelets. The diagnostic potential of the most promising conjugate was demonstrated in an in vivo model of carotid artery thrombosis using positron emission tomography. This approach gives homogeneous products through site-specific enzyme-mediated conjugation and should be broadly applicable to other metal complexes and proteins., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Abnormal biometal homeostasis is a central feature of many neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and motor neuron disease. Recent studies have shown that metal complexing compounds behaving as ionophores such as clioquinol and PBT2 have robust therapeutic activity in animal models of neurodegenerative disease; however, the mechanism of neuroprotective action remains unclear. These neuroprotective or neurogenerative processes may be related to the delivery or redistribution of biometals, such as copper and zinc, by metal ionophores. To investigate this further, we examined the effect of the bis(thiosemicarbazonato)-copper complex, Cu(II)(gtsm) on neuritogenesis and neurite elongation (neurogenerative outcomes) in PC12 neuronal-related cultures. We found that Cu(II)(gtsm) induced robust neurite elongation in PC12 cells when delivered at concentrations of 25 or 50 nM overnight. Analogous effects were observed with an alternative copper bis(thiosemicarbazonato) complex, Cu(II)(atsm), but at a higher concentration. Induction of neurite elongation by Cu(II)(gtsm) was restricted to neurites within the length range of 75-99 µm with a 2.3-fold increase in numbers of neurites in this length range with 50 nM Cu(II)(gtsm) treatment. The mechanism of neurogenerative action was investigated and revealed that Cu(II)(gtsm) inhibited cellular phosphatase activity. Treatment of cultures with 5 nM FK506 (calcineurin phosphatase inhibitor) resulted in analogous elongation of neurites compared to 50 nM Cu(II)(gtsm), suggesting a potential link between Cu(II)(gtsm)-mediated phosphatase inhibition and neurogenerative outcomes.

The use of copper radioisotopes in cancer diagnosis and radionuclide therapy is possible using chelators that are capable of binding Cu(II) with sufficient stability in vivo to provide high tumour-to-background contrast. Here we report the design and synthesis of a new bifunctional chelator, 5-(8-methyl-3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaaza-bicyclo[6.6.6]icosan-1-ylamino)-5-oxopentanoic acid (MeCOSar), that forms copper complexes of exceptional stability by virtue of a cage amine (sarcophagine) ligand and a new conjugate referred to as SarTATE, obtained by the conjugation of MeCOSar to the tumour-targeting peptide Tyr(3)-octreotate. Radiolabeling of SarTATE with (64)Cu(II), a radioisotope suitable for positron emission tomography (PET), was fast (~20 min), easily performed at room temperature and consistently resulted in high radiochemical purity (>99%). In vitro and in vivo evaluation of (64)CuSarTATE demonstrated its high selectivity for tumour cells expressing somatostatin receptor 2 (sstr2). Biodistribution and PET imaging comparisons were made between (64)CuSarTATE and (64)Cu-labeled DOTA-Tyr(3)-octreotate ((64)CuDOTATATE). Both radiopharmaceuticals showed excellent uptake in sstr2-positive tumours at 2 h post-injection. While tumour uptake of (64)CuDOTATATE decreased significantly at 24 h, (64)CuSarTATE activity was retained, improving contrast at later time points. (64)CuSarTATE accumulated less than (64)CuDOTATATE in the non-target organs, liver and lungs. The uptake of (64)CuSarTATE in the kidneys was high at 2 h but showed significant clearance by 24 h. The new chemistry and pre-clinical evaluation presented here demonstrates that MeCOSar is a promising bifunctional chelator for Tyr(3)-octreotate that could be applied to a combined imaging and therapeutic regimen using a combination of (64)Cu- and (67)CuSarTATE complexes, owing to improved tumour-to-non-target organ ratios compared to (64)CuDOTATATE at longer time points.

Radiolabeled diacetylbis(4-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) [Cu(II)(atsm)] is an effective positron-emission tomography imaging agent for myocardial ischemia, hypoxic tumors, and brain disorders with regionalized oxidative stress, such as mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, and lactic acidosis with stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and Parkinson's disease. An excessively elevated reductive state is common to these conditions and has been proposed as an important mechanism affecting cellular retention of Cu from Cu(II)(atsm). However, data from whole-cell models to demonstrate this mechanism have not yet been provided. The present study used a unique cell culture model, mitochondrial xenocybrids, to provide whole-cell mechanistic data on cellular retention of Cu from Cu(II)(atsm). Genetic incompatibility between nuclear and mitochondrial encoded subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) in xenocybrid cells compromises normal function of the ETC. As a consequence of this impairment to the ETC we show xenocybrid cells upregulate glycolytic ATP production and accumulate NADH. Compared to control cells the xenocybrid cells retained more Cu after being treated with Cu(II)(atsm). By transfecting the cells with a metal-responsive element reporter construct the increase in Cu retention was shown to involve a Cu(II)(atsm)-induced increase in intracellular bioavailable Cu specifically within the xenocybrid cells. Parallel experiments using cells grown under hypoxic conditions confirmed that a compromised ETC and elevated NADH levels contribute to increased cellular retention of Cu from Cu(II)(atsm). Using these cell culture models our data demonstrate that compromised ETC function, due to the absence of O(2) as the terminal electron acceptor or dysfunction of individual components of the ETC, is an important determinant in driving the intracellular dissociation of Cu(II)(atsm) that increases cellular retention of the Cu.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal, motor neuron disease with no effective long-term treatment options. Recently, TDP-43 has been identified as a key protein in the pathogenesis of some cases of ALS. Although the role of TDP-43 in motor neuron degeneration is not yet known, TDP-43 has been shown to accumulate in RNA stress granules (SGs) in cell models and in spinal cord tissue from ALS patients. The SG association may be an early pathological change to TDP-43 metabolism and as such a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Accumulation of TDP-43 in SGs induced by inhibition of mitochondrial activity can be inhibited by modulation of cellular kinase activity. We have also found that treatment of cells and animal models of neurodegeneration, including an ALS model, with bioavailable bis(thiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) complexes (Cu(II)(btsc)s) can modulate kinase activity and induce neuroprotective effects. In this study we examined the effect of diacetylbis(-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (Cu(II)(atsm)) and glyoxalbis(-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (Cu(II)(gtsm)) on TDP-43-positive SGs induced in SH-SY5Y cells in culture. We found that the Cu(II)(btsc)s blocked formation of TDP-43-and human antigen R (HuR)-positive SGs induced by paraquat. The Cu(II)(btsc)s protected neurons from paraquat-mediated cell death. These effects were associated with inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. Co-treatment of cultures with either Cu(II)(atsm) or an ERK inhibitor, PD98059 both prevented ERK activation and blocked formation of TDP-43-and HuR-positive SGs. Cu(II)(atsm) treatment or ERK inhibition also prevented abnormal ubiquitin accumulation in paraquat-treated cells suggesting a link between prolonged ERK activation and abnormal ubiquitin metabolism in paraquat stress and inhibition by Cu. Moreover, Cu(II)(atsm) reduced accumulation of C-terminal (219-414) TDP-43 in transfected SH-SY5Y cells. These results demonstrate that Cu(II)(btsc) complexes could potentially be developed as a neuroprotective agent to modulate neuronal kinase function and inhibit TDP-43 aggregation. Further studies in TDP-43 animal models are warranted.

Copper complexes of bis(thiosemicarbazone) (Cu(II)(btsc)s) have been studied as potential anti-cancer agents and hypoxia imaging agents. More recently, Cu(II)(btsc)s have been identified as possessing potent neuroprotective properties in cell and animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Despite their broad range of pharmacological activity little is known about how cells traffic Cu(II)(btsc)s and how this relates to potential anti-cancer or neuroprotective outcomes. One method of investigating sub-cellular localization of metal complexes is through confocal fluorescence imaging of the compounds in cells. Previously we harnessed the fluorescence of a pyrene group attached to diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(ii)) (Cu(II)(atsm)), (Cu(II)L(1)). We demonstrated that Cu(II)L(1) was partially localized to lysosomes in HeLa cancer epithelial cells. Here we extend these studies to map the sub-cellular localization of Cu(II)L(1) in M17 neuroblastoma cells. Treatment of M17 or HeLa cells led to rapid association of the Cu-complex into distinct punctate structures that partially co-localized with lysosomes as assessed by co-localization with Lysotracker and acridine orange. No localization to early or late endosomes, the nucleus or mitochondria was observed. We also found evidence for a limited association of Cu(II)L(1) with autophagic structures, however, this did not account for the majority of the punctate localization of Cu(II)L(1). In addition, Cu(II)L(1) revealed partial localization with ER Tracker and was found to inhibit ER stress induced by tunicamycin. This is the first report to comprehensively characterize the sub-cellular localization of a Cu(II)(atsm) derivative in cells of a neuronal origin and the partial association with lysosome/autophagic structures and the ER may have a potential role in neuroprotection.

Copper (Cu) bis(thiosemicarbazonato) metal complexes [Cu(II)(btsc)s] have unique tumor-imaging and treatment properties and more recently have revealed potent neuroprotective actions in animal and cell models of neurodegeneration. However, despite the continued development of Cu(II)(btsc)s as potential therapeutics or diagnostic agents, little is known of the mechanisms involved in cell uptake, subcellular trafficking, and efflux of this family of compounds. Because of their high lipophilicity, it has been assumed that cellular accumulation is through passive diffusion, although this has not been analyzed in detail. The role of efflux pathways in cell homeostasis of the complexes is also largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the cellular accumulation of the Cu(II)(btsc) complexes Cu(II)(gtsm) and Cu(II)(atsm) in human neuronal (M17) and glial (U87MG) cell lines under a range of conditions. Collectively, the data strongly suggested that Cu(II)(gtsm) and Cu(II)(atsm) may be taken into these cells by combined passive and facilitated (protein-carrier-mediated) mechanisms. This was supported by strong temperature-dependent changes to the uptake of the complexes and the influence of the cell surface protein on Cu accumulation. We found no evidence to support a role for copper-transporter 1 in accumulation of the compounds. Importantly, our findings also demonstrated that Cu from both Cu(II)(gtsm) and Cu(II)(atsm) was rapidly effluxed from the cells through active mechanisms. Whether this was in the form of released ionic Cu or as an intact metal complex is not known. However, this finding highlighted the difficulty of trying to determine the uptake mechanism of metal complexes when efflux is occurring concomitantly. These findings are the first detailed exploration of the cellular accumulation mechanisms of Cu(II)(btsc)s. The study delineates strategies to investigate the uptake and efflux mechanisms of metal complexes in cells, while highlighting specific difficulties and challenges that need to be considered before drawing definitive conclusions.

Previous studies have shown that highly reactive product ions formed by collision-induced dissociation (CID) of precursor ions generated via electrospray can readily react with residual solvent or drying gases, especially in ion trap mass spectrometers. Here we report on the rapid addition of nitrogen to the coordinatively unsaturated organoplatinum cation, [(phen)Pt(CH(3))](+) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) formed via decarboxylation of the acetate complex [(phen)Pt(O(2) CCH(3))](+). This contrasts with the related coordinatively unsaturated group 10 cations: addition of nitrogen to [(phen)Pd(CH(3))](+) occurs at longer reaction times, whereas addition of nitrogen to [(phen)Ni(CH(3))](+) is virtually non-existent. To better understand these reactions, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out at the B3LYP/SDD6-31+G(d) level of theory to determine the N(2)-binding energies of [(phen)M(CH(3))](+). [(phen)Pt(CH(3))](+) has a higher binding energy to N(2) (1.06 eV) than either [(phen)Ni(CH(3))](+) (0.61 eV) or [(phen)Pd(CH(3))](+) (0.66 eV), consistent with the experimental ease of addition of nitrogen to the coordinatively unsaturated organometallic complexes, [(phen)M(CH(3))](+). Finally, [(phen)M(CH(3))](+) are reactive to other background gases, forming [(phen)M(O(2))](.+) (for M=Ni) in reactions with oxygen and undergoing water addition (for M=Ni, Pd and Pt) and water addition/CH(4) elimination reactions to yield [(phen)M(OH)](+) (for M=Ni and Pt)., (Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The molecules known as bis(thiosemicarbazones) derived from 1,2-diones can act as tetradentate ligands for Cu(II), forming stable, neutral complexes. As a family, these complexes possess fascinating biological activity. This critical review presents an historical perspective of their progression from potential chemotherapeutics through to more recent applications in nuclear medicine. Methods of synthesis are presented followed by studies focusing on their potential application as anti-cancer agents and more recent investigations into their potential as therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease. The Cu(II) complexes are of sufficient stability to be used to coordinate copper radioisotopes for application in diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Detailed understanding of the coordination chemistry has allowed careful manipulation of the metal based properties to engineer specific biological activities. Perhaps the most promising complex radiolabelled with copper radioisotopes to date is Cu(II)(atsm), which has progressed to clinical trials in humans (162 references).

Cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease appears to be related to the hyper-phosphorylation of the protein tau as a consequence of increased activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and subsequent formation of neurotoxic neurofibrillary tangles. Abberant metal ion homeostasis, particularly involving copper has been implicitly linked to the pathogenesis of the disease. Increasing intracellular copper concentrations has been found to trigger pathways that result in inhibition of GSK3β. The syntheses and characterisation of tetradentate hybrid hydroxyquinoline-thiosemicarbazone proligands is presented. The ligands form stable complexes with Cu(II) where the copper ion is four coordinate and essentially square planar as characterised by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The reduction of the metal ion to Cu(I) has been studied by electrochemical techniques and occurs at potentials that permit intracellular reduction. The new complexes show class dependent cell membrane permeability in neuronal-like SH-SY5Y cells with subsequent increases in intracellular copper concentrations. The increased intracellular copper results in a dose-dependent inhibition (phosphorylation) of GSK3β.

A new 1,3-diaminopropane bridged bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligand (H(4)L) has been synthesised. The new hexadentate ligand is capable of forming six coordinate complexes with rhenium(V), iron(III) and cobalt(III). In the case of the iron(III) and cobalt(III) complexes the ligand doubly deprotonates to give the monocations [Fe(III)(H(2)L)](+) and [Co(III)(H(2)L)](+) in which the metal ion is in a distorted octahedral environment. In the rhenium(V) complex the ligand loses four protons by deprotonation of both secondary amine nitrogen atoms to give [Re(V)(L)](+) with the metal ion in a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination environment. [Re(V)(L)](+) represents a rare example of a rhenium(V) complex that does not contain one of the ReO(3+), ReN(2+) or Re(NPh)(2+) cores. The new ligand and metal complexes have been characterised by a combination of NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry and microanalysis. The electrochemistry of [Fe(III)(H(2)L)](+), [Co(III)(H(2)L)](+) and [Re(V)(L)](+) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry with each complex undergoing a single electron reduction event. It is possible to prepare the rhenium(V) complex from ReOCl(3)(PPh(3))(2) or directly from [ReO(4)](-) with the addition of a reductant, which suggests the new ligand may be of interest in the development of rhenium radiopharmaceuticals.

Bis(thiosemicarbazonato) metal complexes (M(II)(btsc)) have demonstrated potential neuroprotective activity in cell and animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Metal complexes can activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), leading to inhibition of amyloid peptide accumulation in neuronal cells. As glial cells also have an important role in modulating neuronal health and survival in AD, we examined the effect of M(II)(btsc) on activity of EGFR in an astroglial cell line. Our findings reveal potent activation of glial EGFR by glyoxalbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)Cu(II)] (Cu(II)(gtsm)). Activation of EGFR by Cu(II)(gtsm) involved phosphorylation of multiple tyrosine residues and was mediated by a cognate ligand-independent process involving M(II)(btsc) inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity. EGFR activation resulted in release of growth factors and cytokines with potential modulatory effects on neuronal function. These studies provide an important insight into the mechanism of action of a neuroprotective M(II)(btsc) and provide a basis for future studies into this novel approach to AD therapy.