Agnieszka Szebesczyk

Chiral spin crossover nanoparticles and gels with switchable circular dichroism

Spin crossover complexes represent spectacular examples of molecular switchable materials. We describe a new approach towards homochiral coordination nanoparticles of [Fe(NH2trz)3](L-CSA)2 (NH2trz = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole, L-CSA = L-camphorsulfonate) that display an abrupt switch of chiral properties associated with a cooperative spin transition. This is an original method that generates stable and additive-free colloidal solutions of nanoparticles with a spin transition around room temperature. The introduction of a chiral anion to the coordination framework makes these nanoparticles display specific chiro-optical (circular dichroism) properties that are different in high and low spin states. We also illustrate here an effect of the “chiral memory” which is caused by the hysteretic spin transition. In addition, a bistable chiral composite supramolecular system – a [Fe(NH2trz)3](L-CSA)2–CHCl3 gel – is described here.

Iron Chelating Strategies in Systemic Metal Overload, Neurodegeneration and Cancer

Iron is a trace element required for normal performance of cellular processes. Because both the deficiency and excess of this metal are dangerous, its absorption, distribution and accumulation must be tightly regulated. Disturbances of iron homeostasis and an increase in its level may lead to overload and neurodegenerative diseases. Phlebotomy was for a long time the only way of removing excess iron. But since there are many possible disadvantages of this method, chelation therapy seems to be a logical approach to remove toxic levels of iron. In clinical use, there are three drugs: desferrioxamine, deferiprone and deferasirox. FBS0701, a novel oral iron chelator, is under clinical trials with very promising results. Developing novel iron-binding chelators is an urgent matter, not only for systemic iron overload, but also for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinsons disease. Deferiprone is also used in clinical trials in Parkinsons disease. In neurodegenerative disorders the main goal is not only to remove iron from brain tissues, but also its redistribution in system. Few chelators are tested for their potential use in neurodegeneration, such as nonhalogeneted derivatives of clioquinol. Such compounds gave promising results in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Drugs of possible use in neurodegeneration must meet certain criteria. Their development includes the improvement in blood brain barrier permeability, low toxicity and the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation. One of the compounds satisfying these requirements is VK28. In rat models it was able to protect neurons in very low doses without significantly changing the iron level in liver or serum. Also iron chelators able to regulate activity of monoamine oxidase were tested. Polyphenols and flavonoids are able to prevent lipid peroxidation and demonstrate neuroprotective activity. While cancer does not involve true iron overload, neoplastic cells have a higher iron requirement and are especially prone to its depletion. It was shown, that desferrioxamine and deferasirox are antiproliferative agents active in several types of cancer. Very potent compounds with possible use as anticancer drugs are thiosemicarbazones. They are able to inhibit ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme involved in DNA synthesis. Because the relationship between the development of overload / neurodegenerative disorders, or cancer, and iron are very complex, comprehension of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis is a crucial factor in the development of new pharmacological strategies based on iron chelation. In view of various factors closely involved in pathogenesis of such diseases, designing multifunctional metal-chelators seems to be the most promising approach, but it requires a lot of effort. In this perspective, the review summarizes systemic iron homeostasis, and in brain and cancer cells, iron dysregulation in neurodegenerative disease and possible chelation strategies in the treatment of metal systemic overload, neurodegeneration and cancer.

Metal Transport and Homeostasis within the Human Body: Toxicity Associated with Transport Abnormalities

In this work, latest reports about metal toxicity, transport and homeostasis have been thoroughly described and discussed. Although diseases associated with transport and homeostasis abnormalities are those of great interest, still a variety of the phenomena associated with these processes are under debate. In this paper, we try to summarize the newest theses on this topic, presenting contradictory points of view. We focus on toxic and essential metal pathways crossing and try to follow the exact metal binding molecules within the body and provide insight into the transport mechanism. Special attention is given to the mechanism of action of lately investigated metal transporters.

Ferrichrome has found its match: biomimetic analogs with diversified activity map discrete microbial targets

Siderophores provide an established platform for studying molecular recognition principles in biological systems. Herein, the preparation of ferrichrome (FC) biomimetic analogues varying in length and polarity of the amino acid chain separating between the tripodal scaffold and the pendent FeIII chelating hydroxamic acid groups was reported. Spectroscopic and potentiometric titrations determined their iron affinity to be within the range of efficient chelators. Microbial growth promotion and iron uptake studies were conducted on E. coli, P. putida and U. maydis. A wide range of siderophore activity was observed in the current series: from a rare case of a species-specific growth promotor in P. putida to an analogue matching FC in cross-phylum activity and uptake pathway. A fluorescent conjugate of the broad-range analogue visualized siderophore destination in bacteria (periplasmic space) vs. fungi (cytosol) mapping new therapeutic targets. Quantum dots (QDs) decorated with the most potent FC analogue provided a tool for immobilization of FC-recognizing bacteria. Bacterial clusters formed around QDs may provide a platform for their selection and concentration.