Conjugation of organoruthenium(II) 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines and indolo[3,2-d]benzazepines to recombinant human serum albumin: a strategy to enhance cytotoxicity in cancer cells.

Following our strategy of coupling cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitors with organometallic moieties to improve their physicochemical properties and bioavailability, five organoruthenium complexes (1c-5c) of the general formula [RuCl(η(6)-arene)(L)]Cl have been synthesized in which the arene is 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η(6)-benzylamide and L is a Cdk inhibitor [3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines (L1-L3) and indolo[3,2-d]benzazepines (L4 and L5)]. All of the compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Upon prolonged standing (2-3 months) at room temperature, the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions of 1c and 2c(-HCl) afforded residues, which after recrystallization from EtOH and EtOH/H(2)O, respectively, were shown by X-ray diffraction to be cis,cis-[Ru(II)Cl(2)(DMSO)(2)(L1)]·H(2)O and mer-[Ru(II)Cl(DMSO)(3)(L2-H)]·H(2)O. Compound 5c, with a coordinated amidine unit, undergoes E/Z isomerization in solution. The antiproliferative activities and effects on the cell cycle of the new compounds were evaluated. Complexes 1c-5c are moderately cytotoxic to cancer cells (CH1, SW480, A549, A2780, and A2780cisR cell lines). Therefore, in order to improve their antiproliferative effects, as well as their drug targeting and delivery to cancer cells, 1c-5c were conjugated to recombinant human serum albumin, potentially exploiting the so-called "enhanced permeability and retention" effect that results in the accumulation of macromolecules in tumors. Notably, a marked increase in cytotoxicity of the albumin conjugates was observed in all cases.

Introduction

Numerous strategies have been developed for the effective delivery of anticancer drugs to tumor tissue to improve their selectivity and, consequently, to reduce drug side effects.[1−4] By using passive and active targeting strategies, cancer nanotherapeutics, based on polymers (polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, or dendrimers), lipids (liposomes), viruses (viral nanoparticles), and carbon nanotubes, leads to an enhancement of the intracellular concentration of drugs in cancer cells, usually without being blocked by P-glycoprotein, a protein responsible for multidrug resistance.[5] These emerging approaches, mainly applied to organic anticancer drugs (e.g., doxorubicin, paclitaxel),[6] have also been used successfully to deliver inorganic drugs, namely, platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes.[7]

Serum albumin has been observed to accumulate in solid tumors and, consequently, has been exploited as a drug-delivery system,[8] involving both albumin conjugates for the delivery of anticancer agents and albumin nanoparticles for drug encapsulation. Interestingly, albumin conjugates with methotrexate and a doxorubicin derivative and an albumin paclitaxel nanoparticle (nab-paclitaxel; Abraxane) have been evaluated in clinical trials.[8,9] Albumin conjugates of the platinum(II) anticancer drug carboplatin were shown to be as, or more, effective than carboplatin in reducing the tumor size of nude mice bearing human breast tumors and, in some cases, were less toxic.[10] Even if in a less advanced stage of development, an organometallic ruthenium compound has also been conjugated to recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA), with a considerable increase (ca. 20-fold) in cytotoxicity observed (see below).[11,12]

Organometallic ruthenium(II) arene complexes are currently under intensive investigations as anticancer agents,[13−16] with several groups contributing to their design. Within this frame, and as part of our ongoing studies on targeted chemotherapy,[17] involving the development of inhibitors of upregulated receptors and growth factors in cancer cells, we have studied the effect of metal coordination (Ga, Ru, Os, and Cu) of some cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitors (indolo[3,2-d]benzazepines (paullones),[18−23] indolo[3,2-c]quinolines,[24] and 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines[25]) on the antiproliferative activity, bioavailability, etc., of the resulting complexes. The promising effects, e.g., increased solubility in physiologically relevant media and synergistic effects from metal and ligand leading to highly cytotoxic species, warrant further efforts in this area.

Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a series of new ruthenium arene complexes of the general formula [RuCl(η6-arene)(L)]Cl (Chart 1), with a modified arene ligand, 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide, that may be tethered to rHSA and L = 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines (L1–L3) and indolo[3,2-d]benzazepines (L4 and L5), which are potential Cdk inhibitors. In order to achieve targeted drug delivery and potentiate the pharmacological effects of the compounds, conjugation of the ruthenium moiety to modified rHSA was realized via hydrazone bond formation according to reported procedure.[10] Interestingly, cleavage of the hydrazone bond under acidic conditions has been exploited for drug release in cancer cells.[26,27] The complexes and their rHSA conjugates have been screened for antiproliferative activity on different human cancer cell lines, and the observed effect on the antitumor activity of tethering these organometallic compounds to rHSA has been discussed.

Chart 1

Compounds 1c–5c with Atom Numbering Schemes for NMR Spectroscopic Assignment

Experimental Section

General Details

3-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (L1),[25] 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-5-bromo-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (L2),[25] 5-bromo-3-(4-methoxymethyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine (L3),[25] 9-(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)amino-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6(5H)-one (L4),[21] 9-bromo-6-(α-picolylamino)-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepine (L5),[22] and [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2 (where arene = 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide)[11] were prepared according to published protocols (Schemes S1–S3 in the Supporting Informtion). Solvents (ethanol and diethyl ether) were dried using standard procedures. Syntheses of complexes were performed under an argon atmosphere using Schlenk techniques. Elemental analysis (C, H, N, Cl, Br, and S) was performed by the Microanalytical Service of the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the University of Vienna. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectra were recorded on a Bruker Esquire 3000 instrument (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany) using methanolic solutions of the complexes. Values of m/z are quoted for the species with the highest natural abundance. UV–vis spectra were recorded on a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 20 UV–vis spectrophotometer with samples dissolved in methanol (1c–5c) and water (4c and 5c) over 24 h. 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR and 15N,1H HSQC, 13C,1H HSQC, 13C,1H HMBC, 1H,1H COSY, 1H,1H TOCSY, and 1H,1H ROESY NMR spectra were measured on a Bruker DPX500 (Ultrashield Magnet) in DMSO-d6 ([RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2, [RuCl2(η6-arene)(DMSO)], 1c–5c, and 2c), D2O (for 4c only 1H NMR), and MeOH-d4 (for 5c only 1H and 1H,1H ROESY NMR) using standard pulse programs at 500.32 (1H), 125.81 (13C), and 50.70 (15N) MHz. 1H and 13C shifts are referenced relative to the solvent signals. 2D NMR spectra for 5c were registered at an equilibrium of E/Z isomers (for a 2-day-old DMSO-d6 solution).

Synthesis of [RuCl2(η6-arene)(DMSO)]

Red crystals of [RuCl2(η6-arene)(DMSO)]·0.5H2O suitable for X-ray diffraction study have been obtained from a 1% DMSO/H2O solution of [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2 upon standing at room temperature for 1 month. An upscaled synthesis of [RuCl2(η6-arene)(DMSO)] along with analytical data is given in the Supporting Information.

Synthesis of [RuCl(η6-arene)(L1)]Cl (1c)

[RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2·0.5H2O (149.7 mg, 0.17 mmol) and L1 (123 mg, 0.52 mmol) were heated in ethanol (25 mL) at 85 °C for 1.5 h. The solvent was evaporated to half of the initial volume, forming a brick-red precipitate that was removed by filtration and dried in vacuo at 50 °C. Yield: 172.8 mg, 75%. Anal. Calcd for C29H24Cl2N6O3Ru·0.75H2O (1c·0.75H2O) (Mr = 690.03 g mol–1): C, 50.48; H, 3.72; N, 12.18; Cl, 10.28. Found: C, 50.57; H, 3.52; N, 12.01; Cl, 10.20. ESI-MS in MeOH (positive): m/z 605 [1c – HCl – Cl]+, 641 [1c – Cl]+, 663 [1c – HCl + Na]+. ESI-MS in MeOH (negative): m/z 639 [1c – HCl – H]−. UV–vis [MeOH; λmax, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1)]: 269 (28 807), 283 (31 573), 289 (32 451), sh 333 (17 493). 1H NMR (500.32 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 14.82 (br s, 1H, H1b), 9.88 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.12 (d, 1H, J = 6.22 Hz, H4a), 8.81 (tr, 1H, J = 6.26 Hz, H8d), 8.78 (d, 1H, J = 5.19 Hz, H6a), 8.10 (dd, 1H, J = 1.84 and 6.82 Hz, H4b), 7.84 (d, 2H, J = 8.83 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.81 (dd, 1H, J = 1.94 and 6.10 Hz, H7b), 7.57 (dd, 1H, J = 4.62 and 8.21 Hz, H5a), 7.55–7.51 (m, 2H, H5b + H6b), 7.06 (d, 2H, J = 8.72 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.52 (tr, 1H, J = 5.83 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.46 (m, 2H, H2d or H4d + H1d or H5d), 6.33 (br s, 1H, H1d or H5d), 5.99 (t, 1H, J = 5.67 Hz, H3d), 4.59 (s, 2H, H10d), 4.34 (tr, 2H, J = 4.62 Hz, H7d). 13C NMR (125.81 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 191.83 (C17d), 168.09 (C9d), 162.69 (C11d), 153.61 (C8a), 150.73 (C6a), 146.74 (C2b), 141.41 (C9b), 134.90 (C3a), 134.58 (C8b), 132.12 (C13d + C15d), 131.51 (C4a), 130.62 (C14d), 125.35 (C5b or C6b), 124.89 (C5b or C6b), 119.38 (C5a), 117.84 (C4b), 115.66 (C12d + C16d), 113.90 (C7b), 111.76 (C9a), 101.93 (C6d), 85.39 (C2d or C4d), 85.09 (C2d or C4d), 83.92 (C3d), 82.67 (C1d or C5d), 82.31 (C1d or C5d), 67.19 (C10d), 40.46 (C7d). 15N NMR (50.70 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 89.5 (N8d). Orange crystals of cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)]·H2O suitable for X-ray diffraction study were grown by recrystallization from ethanol of the product, obtained by the slow evaporation (2–3 months) of a DMSO solution of 1c.

Synthesis of [RuCl(η6-arene)(L2)]Cl (2c)

Synthesis of 2c·H2O

[RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2·0.5H2O (100 mg, 0.11 mmol) and L2 (80 mg, 0.26 mmol) were heated in ethanol (20 mL) at 85 °C for 1.5 h. The solvent was evaporated to half of the initial volume, and the yellow precipitate of [RuCl(η6-arene)(L2–H)] (2c) was removed by filtration and dried in vacuo at 50 °C. Yield: 151.8 mg, 92%. Anal. Calcd for C29H22BrClN6O3Ru·H2O (2c·H2O) (Mr = 736.97 g mol–1): C, 47.26; H, 3.28; N, 11.40; Cl, 4.81; Br, 10.84. Found: C, 47.53; H, 2.97; N, 11.16; Cl, 4.90; Br, 11.04. ESI-MS in MeOH (positive): m/z 721 [2c + H]+, 743 [2c + Na]+. ESI-MS in MeOH (negative): m/z 719 [2c – H]−. 1H NMR (500.32 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 13.89 (br s, 1H, H1b), 9.87 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.03 (tr, 1H, J = 5.96 Hz, H8d), 8.99 (d, 1H, J = 2.06 Hz, H4a), 8.55 (d, 1H, J = 2.04 Hz, H6a), 8.01 (d, 1H, J = 8.02 Hz, H4b), 7.84 (d, 2H, J = 8.76 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.72 (d, 1H, J = 7.54 Hz, H7b), 7.47 (tr, 1H, J = 7.11 Hz, H5b or H6b), 7.43 (tr, 1H, J = 7.14 Hz, H5b or H6b), 7.13 (d, 2H, J = 8.69 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.39 (tr, 1H, J = 5.79 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.25 (d, 1H, J = 5.81 Hz, H1d or H5d), 6.14 (tr, 1H, J = 5.39 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.06 (m, 2H, H1d or H5d + H3d), 4.75 (dd, 2H, J = 14.49 and 25.44 Hz, H10d), 4.42 (d, 2H, J = 5.94 Hz, H7d). The yellow crystals of mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2-H)]·H2O suitable for X-ray diffraction study were grown from a EtOH/H2O solution of the product, obtained by the slow evaporation (2 months) of a DMSO solution of 2c.

Synthesis of 2c·0.5H2O

A total of 37% HCl (24 mg) was added to 2c·H2O (130 mg, 0.18 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL). The suspension was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue (2c) was suspended in diethyl ether, collected by filtration, and dried in vacuo at 50 °C. Yield: 135 mg, 100%. Anal. Calcd for C29H23BrCl2N6O3Ru·0.5H2O (2c·0.5H2O) (Mr = 764.42 g mol–1): C, 45.57; H, 3.16; N, 10.99; Cl, 9.28. Found: C, 45.75; H, 2.86; N, 10.86; Cl, 8.75. ESI-MS in MeOH (positive): m/z 743 [2c – HCl + Na]+. ESI-MS in MeOH (negative): m/z 719 [2c – HCl – H]−. UV–vis [MeOH; λmax, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1)]: 256 (18 146), 300 (24 730), 360 (10 018). 1H NMR (500.32 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 14.42 (br s, 1H, H1b), 9.88 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.22 (br s, 1H, H4a), 8.88 (tr, 1H, J = 5.77 Hz, H8d), 8.70 (br s, 1H, H6a), 8.06 (d, 1H, J = 7.23 Hz, H4b), 7.84 (d, 2H, J = 8.83 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.78 (dd, 1H, J = 1.4 and 7.27 Hz, H7b), 7.50 (m, 2H, H5b + H6b), 7.08 (d, 2H, J = 8.75 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.46 (tr, 1H, J = 5.76 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.39 (d, 1H, J = 6.35 Hz, H1d or H5d), 6.35 (tr, 1H, J = 4.21 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.23 (d, 1H, J = 5.63 Hz, H1d or H5d), 6.04 (t, 1H, J = 5.49 Hz, H3d), 4.63 (dd, 2H, J = 14.34 and 18.53 Hz, H10d), 4.35 (ddd, 2H, J = 6.06, 15.03, and 22.65 Hz, H7d). 13C NMR (125.81 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 191.81 (C17d), 168.07 (C9d), 162.68 (C11d), 155.35 (C8a), 150.43 (C6a), 147.32 (C2b), 141.46 (C9b), 134.49 (C8b), 133.23 (C3a), 132.11 (C13d + C15d), 131.16 (C4a), 130.63 (C14d), 125.05 (C5b or C6b), 124.70 (C5b or C6b), 117.64 (C4b), 115.66 (C12d + C16d), 114.25 (C5a or C9a), 113.66 (C7b), 112.69 (C5a or C9a), 101.19 (C6d), 85.26 (C2d or C4d), 84.51 (C2d or C4d), 83.97 (C3d), 83.04 (C1d or C5d), 82.79 (C1d or C5d), 67.19 (C10d), 40.30 (C7d). 15N NMR (50.70 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 123.7 (N1b), 88.6 (N8d).

Synthesis of [RuCl(η6-arene)(L3)]Cl (3c)

[RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2·0.5H2O (100 mg, 0.11 mmol) and L3 (91.5 mg, 0.26 mmol) were heated in ethanol (20 mL) at 85 °C for 1 h. The solvent was evaporated to one-third of the initial volume, and the yellow precipitate (3c) that formed was removed by filtration and dried in vacuo at 50 °C. Yield: 166 mg, 90%. Anal. Calcd for C31H27BrCl2N6O4Ru·1.5H2O (3c·1.5H2O) (Mr = 826.49 g mol–1): C, 45.05; H, 3.66; N, 10.17; Cl, 8.58; Br, 9.67. Found: C, 45.31; H, 3.24; N, 10.06; Cl, 8.30; Br, 9.36. ESI-MS in MeOH (positive): m/z 727 [3c – HCl – Cl]+, 749 [3c – 2HCl + Na]+, 765 [3c – Cl]+, 785 [3c – HCl + Na]+. ESI-MS in MeOH (negative): m/z 726 [3c – 2HCl – H]−, 763 [3c – HCl – H]−. UV–vis [MeOH; λmax, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1)]: 259 (29 157), 302 (37 725), 361 (16 424). 1H NMR (500.32 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 14.03 (br s, 1H, H1b), 9.88 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.46 (s, 1H, H4a), 8.88 (tr, 1H, J = 5.65 Hz, H8d), 8.69 (d, 1H, J = 1.74 Hz, H6a), 8.01 (d, 1H, J = 7.85 Hz, H4b), 7.84 (d, 2H, J = 8.81 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.49 (m, 2H, H5b + H6b), 7.07 (d, 2H, J = 8.68 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.45 (tr, 1H, J = 5.65 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.39 (d, 1H, J = 6.08 Hz, H1d or H5d), 6.34 (tr, 1H, J = 4.46 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.23 (d, 1H, J = 6.05 Hz, H1d or H5d), 6.03 (tr, 1H, J = 5.54 Hz, H3d), 4.87 (dd, 2H, J = 12.39 and 16.13 Hz, H10b), 4.63 (dd, 2H, J = 14.74 and 21.11 Hz, H10d), 4.35 (ddd, 2H, J = 5.88, 15.17, and 19.74 Hz, H7d), 3.39 (s, 3H, H11b). 13C NMR (125.81 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 191.81 (C17d), 168.03 (C9d), 162.65 (C11d), 154.91 (C8a), 150.59 (C6a), 147.44 (C2b), 141.69 (C9b), 133.23 (C3a), 132.98 (C8b), 132.10 (C13d + C15d), 131.78 (C4a), 130.62 (C14d), 124.91 (C5b or C6b), 124.63 (C5b or C6b), 124.54 (C7b), 117.22 (C4b), 115.65 (C12d + C16d), 114.31 (C5a or C9a), 112.74 (C5a or C9a), 101.36 (C6d), 85.24 (C2d or C4d), 84.56 (C2d or C4d), 84.34 (C3d), 83.26 (C1d or C5d), 82.99 (C1d or C5d), 70.13 (C10b), 67.17 (C10d), 57.97 (C11b), 40.30 (C7d). 15N NMR (50.70 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 123.8 (N1b), 88.9 (N8d).

Synthesis of [RuCl(η6-arene)(L4)]Cl (4c)

[RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2·0.5H2O (100.3 mg, 0.11 mmol) and L4 (80.03 mg, 0.23 mmol) were heated in ethanol (15 mL) at 85 °C for 3 h. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was filtered and evaporated to a minimum volume. The addition of diethyl ether resulted in the precipitation of a brown product, which was removed by filtration and dried in vacuo. Yield: 163 mg, 87%. Anal. Calcd for C38H31Cl2N5O4Ru·2H2O (4c·2H2O) (Mr = 829.69 g mol–1): C, 55.01; H, 4.25; N, 8.44. Found: C, 55.04; H, 4.10; N, 8.41. ESI-MS in MeOH (positive): m/z 758 [4c – Cl]+, 723 [4c – HCl – Cl]+. ESI-MS in MeOH (negative): m/z 756 [4c – HCl – H]−, 720 [4c – 2HCl – H]−. UV–vis [MeOH; λmax, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1)]: 218 (63 208), sh 251 (42 884), sh 261 (42 361), sh 281 (36 827), sh 289 (35 680), 315 (33 347), 375 (12 616). UV–vis [H2O; λmax, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1)]: sh 216 (54 985), 288 (35 202), sh 313 (27 554), 381 (10 800). 1H NMR (500.32 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 12.08 (s, 1H, H12′), 10.21 (s, 1H, H5′), 9.87 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.61 (d, 1H, J = 5.25 Hz, H18′), 8.98 (s, 1H, H14′), 8.78 (t, 1H, J = 5.94 Hz, H8d), 8.32–8.27 (m, 2H, H15′ + H16′), 8.08 (d, 1H, J = 1.93 Hz, H8′), 7.85 (d, 2H, J = 8.84 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.84 (m, 1H, H1′ or H17′), 7.80 (dd, 1H, J = 1.15 and 7.73 Hz, H1′ or H17′), 7.77 (dd, 1H, J = 2.05 and 8.64 Hz, H10′), 7.64 (d, 1H, J = 8.66 Hz, H11′), 7.44 (t, 1H, J = 7.77 Hz, H3′), 7.32 (m, 2H, H2′ + H4′), 7.11 (d, 2H, J = 8.72 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.17 (t, 1H, J = 5.96 Hz, H3d), 5.95–5.91 (m, 2H, H2d + H4d), 5.76–5.71 (m, 2H, H1d + H5d), 4.69 (dd, 2H, J = 14.94 and 20.42 Hz, H10d), 4.29 (ddd, 2H, J = 5.74, 15.36, and 33.98 Hz, H7d), 3.61 (s, 2H, H7′). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 125.81 MHz): δ 191.78 (C17d), 171.94 (C6′), 168.25 (C9d), 166.55 (C14′), 162.83 (C11d), 156.61 (C18′), 155.53 (C14a′), 145.69 (C9′), 140.41 (C16′), 138.08 (C11a′), 136.19 (C4a′), 135.43 (C12a′), 132.16 (C13d + C15d), 130.66 (C14d), 129.76 (C15′), 129.05 (C3′), 128.75 (C17′), 127.58 (C1′), 126.68 (C7b′), 124.29 (C2′), 122.89 (C4′), 122.83 (C12b′), 118.86 (C10′), 115.69 (C12d + C16d), 112.55 (C11′), 111.22 (C8′), 108.91 (C7a′), 102.16 (C6d), 88.49 (C1d or C5d), 88.37 (C3d), 85.86 (C2d or C4d; C1d or C5d), 85.80 (C2d or C4d; C1d or C5d), 85.11 (C2d or C4d), 67.28 (C10d), 39.93 (C7d), 32.32 (C7′). 15N NMR (DMSO-d6, 50.70 MHz): δ 116.38 (N5′), 110.02 (N12′), 88.51 (N8d).

Synthesis of [RuCl(η6-arene)(L5)]Cl (5c)

[RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2·0.5H2O (108 mg, 0.12 mmol) and L5 (102.3 mg, 0.25 mmol) were heated in ethanol (15 mL) at 85 °C for 3 h. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was filtered and evaporated to a minimum volume. Diethyl ether was added, and the yellow-brown precipitate was collected and dried in vacuo. Yield: 185 mg, 87%. Anal. Calcd for C38H32BrCl2N5O3Ru·H2O (5c·H2O) (Mr = 876.59 g mol–1): C, 52.07; H, 3.91; N, 7.99. Found: C, 51.97; H, 3.95; N, 7.73. ESI-MS in MeOH (positive): m/z 825 [5c – Cl]+, 789 [5c – HCl – Cl]+. ESI-MS in MeOH (negative): m/z 823 [5c – HCl – H]−, 786 [5c – 2HCl – H]−. UV–vis [MeOH; λmax, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1)]: sh 230 (43 177), 268 (44 722), 319 (21 929). UV–vis [H2O; λmax, nm (ε, M–1 cm–1)]: sh 217 (32 402), sh 237 (26 864), 273 (28 107), 314 (13 462).

NMR Characterization of E/Z Isomers in DMSO-d6

1H NMR (500.32 MHz, DMSO-d6): E-isomer, δ 12.05 (s, 1H, H12′), 9.87 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.11 (d, 1H, J = 5.56 Hz, H18′), 9.07 (s, 1H, H5′), 8.69 (t, 1H, J = 5.9 Hz, H8d), 8.22 (d, 1H, J = 1.66 Hz, H8′), 8.09 (t, 1H, J = 7.86 Hz, H16′), 7.85 (d, 2H, J = 8.42 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.83 (d, 1H, J = 7 Hz, H1′), 7.65 (d, 1H, J = 7.87 Hz, H15′), 7.59 (t, 1H, J = 6.64 Hz, H17′), 7.46 (m, 2H, H3′ + H11′), 7.37 (d, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz, H10′), 7.34 (m, 2H, H2(′ + H2(′), 7.26 (d, 1H, J = 7.94 Hz, H4′), 7.09 (d, 2H, J = 8.72 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.03 (t, 1H, J = 5.74 Hz, H2d or H4d), 5.95 (t, 1H, J = 5.73 Hz, H2d or H4d), 5.90 (d, 1H, J = 6.05 Hz, H1d or H5d), 5.84 (d, 1H, J = 18.4 Hz, H14′), 5.83 (t, 1H, J = 5.59 Hz, H3d), 5.77 (d, 1H, J = 5.88 Hz, H1d or H5d), 5.22 (d, 1H, J = 17.07 Hz, H14′), 4.77 (d, 1H, J = 13.21 Hz, H7′), 4.64 (s, 2H, H10d), 4.09 (d, 2H, J = 6.09 Hz, H7d), 3.47 (d, 1H, J = 15.25 Hz, H7′). 1H NMR (500.32 MHz, DMSO-d6): Z isomer, δ 11.85 (s, 1H, H12′), 9.88 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.67 (s, 1H, H5′), 9.03 (d, 1H, J = 5.39 Hz, H18′), 8.89 (t, 1H, J = 5.93 Hz, H8d), 8.32 (d, 1H, J = 1.69 Hz, H8′), 7.96 (t, 1H, J = 7.65 Hz, H16′), 7.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.72 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.81 (d, 1H, J = 7.76 Hz, H1′), 7.72 (d, 1H, J = 8.26 Hz, H4′), 7.51 (m, 2H, H3′ + H17′), 7.41 (m, 2H, H11′ + H15′), 7.34 (m, 2H, H2(′ + H2(′), 7.22 (dd, 1H, J = 1.8 and 8.52 Hz, H10′), 7.15 (d, 2H, J = 8.69 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.27 (t, 1H, J = 5.79 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.14 (t, 1H, J = 5.66 Hz, H2d or H4d), 6.06 (d, 1H, J = 5.84 Hz, H1d or H5d), 5.98 (m, 2H, H3d + H1d or H5d), 5.16 (d, 1H, J = 18.15 Hz, H14′), 4.99 (d, 1H, J = 18.27 Hz, H14′), 4.92 (d, 1H, J = 13.99 Hz, H7′), 4.76 (s, 2H, H10d), 4.42 (ddd, 2H, J = 5.86, 14.81, and 47.62 Hz, H7d), 3.69 (d, 1H, J = 14.18 Hz, H7′). 13C NMR (125.81 MHz, DMSO-d6): E isomer, δ 191.82 (C17d), 168.16 (C9d), 167.64 (C6′), 162.75 (C11d), 161.52 (C14a′), 155.37 (C18′), 140.07 (C16′), 136.50 (C11a′), 135.78 (C4a′), 135.35 (C12a′), 132.17 (C13d + C15d), 130.67 (C14d), 129.39 (C3′), 128.66 (C7b′), 127.75 (C1′), 125.43 (C2′, C10′, or C17′), 125.34 (C2′, C10′, or C17′), 124.74 (C2′ or C10′), 122.31 (C4′), 122.19 (C12b′), 121.23 (C8′ or C15′), 121.18 (C8′ or C15′), 115.67(C12d + C16d), 114.18 (C11′), 112.61 (C9′), 107.21 (C7a′), 103.28 (C6d), 90.03 (C2d or C4d), 89.49 (C2d or C4d), 82.49 (C1d or C5d), 81.97 (C1d or C5d), 80.78 (C3d), 67.27 (C10d), 62.52 (C14′), 40.71 (C7d), 24.02 (C7′). 13C NMR (125.81 MHz, DMSO-d6): Z isomer, δ 191.82 (C17d), 168.36 (C9d), 165.62 (C6′), 162.87 (C11d), 160.54 (C14a′), 155.24 (C18′), 139.65 (C16′), 136.44 (C11a′), 136.13 (C4a′), 133.89 (C12a′), 132.17 (C13d + C15d), 130.67 (C14d), 128.75 (C7b′), 128.48 (C3′), 127.55 (C1′), 125.15 (C2′, C10′, or C17′), 124.98 (C2′, C10′, or C17′), 124.85 (C2′, C10′, or C17′), 123.57 (C4′), 123.08 (C8′), 122.56 (C12b′), 121.12 (C15′), 115.73 (C12d + C16d), 113.37 (C11′), 111.69 (C9′), 109.13 (C7a′), 102.16 (C6d), 88.96 (C2d or C4d), 88.29 (C2d or C4d), 83.19 (C1d or C5d), 82.28 (C1d, C5d, or C3d), 81.74 (C1d, C5d, or C3d), 67.41 (C10d), 62.68 (C14′), 40.71 (C7d), 32.77 (C7′). 15N NMR (50.70 MHz, DMSO-d6): E isomer, δ 109.42 (N12′), 107.95 (N5′), 88.39 (N8d). 15N NMR (50.70 MHz, DMSO-d6): Z isomer, δ 107.95 (N12′), 107.46 (N5′), 88.39 (N8d).

NMR Characterization of E/Z Isomers in MeOH-d4

1H NMR (500.32 MHz, MeOH-d4): E isomer, δ 9.87 (s, 1H, H17d), 9.42 (s, 1H, H5′), 9.08 (d, 1H, J = 5.13 Hz, H18′), 8.11 (d, 1H, J = 1.72 Hz, H8′), 8.06 (t, 1H, J = 7.76 Hz, H16′), 7.88 (d, 2H, J = 8.81 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.84 (dd, 1H, J = 1.46 and 7.58 Hz), 7.70 (d, 1H, J = 7.79 Hz, H15′), 7.54 (t, 1H, J = 6.66 Hz, H17′), 7.45–7.33 (m, 3H), 7.29 (m, 2H, H4′ + 1H), 7.12 (d, 2H, J = 8.76 Hz, H12d + H16d), 5.94 (t, 1H, J = 5.81 Hz, H2d, H3d, or H4d), 5.78 (d, 1H, J = 17.1 Hz, H14′), 5.75–5.72 (m (d + t), 2H), 5.66 (t, 1H, J = 5.67 Hz, H2d, H3d, or H4d), 5.56 (d, 1H, J = 5.88 Hz, H1d or H5d), 5.29 (d, 1H, J = 17.01 Hz, H14′), 4.90 (d, 1H, J = 15.08 Hz, H7′), 4.64 (d, 2H, J = 2.99 Hz, H10d), 4.13 (dd, 2H, J = 13.07 and 50.57 Hz, H7d), 3.29 (d, 1H, J = 14.81 Hz, H7′) [based only on the 1H,1H ROESY NMR plot and due to absence of NH signals (except H5), protons H1, H2, H3, H10, and H11 (5H) were not assigned]. 1H NMR (500.32 MHz, MeOH-d4): Z isomer, δ 9.84 (s, 1H, H17d), 8.99 (d, 1H, J = 5.24 Hz, H18′), 8.35 (d, 1H, J = 1.73 Hz, H8′), 7.92 (t, 1H, J = 7.68 Hz), 7.85 (d, 2H, J = 8.78 Hz, H13d + H15d), 7.79 (dd, 1H, J = 1.44 and 7.82 Hz), 7.61 (d, 1H, J = 8.11 Hz), 7.49 (t, 1H, J = 6.95 Hz), 7.45–7.33 (m, 4H, H15′ + H17′ + 2H), 7.23 (dd, 1H, J = 1.86 and 8.6 Hz), 7.18 (d, 2H, J = 8.74 Hz, H12d + H16d), 6.21 (t, 1H, J = 5.75 Hz, H2d, H3d, or H4d), 6.05 (t, 1H, J = 5.68 Hz, H2d, H3d, or H4d), 6.03 (d, 1H, J = 5.99 Hz, H1d or H5d), 5.92 (d, 1H, J = 6.13 Hz, H1d or H5d), 5.89 (t, 1H, J = 5.55 Hz, H2d, H3d, or H4d), 5.11 (d, 1H, J = 18.09 Hz, H14′), 4.97 (d, 1H, J = 14.08 Hz, H7′), 4.92 (d, 1H, J = 17.77 Hz, H14′), 4.82 (m, 2H, H10d), 4.59 (m, 2H, H7d), 3.69 (d, 1H, J = 13.95 Hz, H7′) [based only on the 1H,1H ROESY NMR plot and due to the absence of NH signals, protons H1, H2, H3, H4, H10, H11, and H16 (7H) were not assigned].

Crystal Structure Determinations

X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on a Bruker X8 APEX II CCD diffractometer. Single crystals were positioned at 35, 40, 35, and 35 mm from the detector, and 1335, 752, 2025, and 1096 frames were measured, each for 60, 50, 60, and 60 s over a 1° scan width for [RuCl2(η6-arene)(DMSO)]·0.5H2O, L2·DMSO, cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)]·H2O, and mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)]·H2O, respectively. The data were processed using SAINT software.[28] Crystal data, data collection parameters, and structure refinement details are given in Table 1. The structures were solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques. Non-H atoms were refined with anisotropic displacement parameters. H atoms were inserted into calculated positions and refined with a riding model. One of the chloride ligands in [RuCl2(η6-arene)DMSO]·0.5H2O was found to be disordered over two positions with sof = 0.57:0.43. The structure solution was achieved with SHELXS-97 and refinement with SHELXL-97,[29] and graphics were produced with ORTEP-3.[30]

Table 1

Crystal Data and Details of Data Collection for [RuCl2(η6-arene)(DMSO)]·0.5H2O, L2·DMSO, cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)]·H2O, and mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)]·H2O

	[RuCl2(η6-arene)DMSO]·0.5H2O	L2·DMSO	[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)]·H2O	[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)]·H2O
empirical formula	C18H22Cl2NO4.5RuS	C15H14BrN5OS	C17H23Cl2N5O3RuS2	C19H27BrClN5O4RuS3
fw	528.40	392.28	581.49	702.07
space group	P1̅	P21/c	P1̅	P21/c
a [Å]	8.5676(4)	8.5399(4)	7.8726(6)	11.8408(9)
b [Å]	10.8811(4)	10.2371(6)	11.1638(9)	12.9306(10)
c [Å]	11.4797(5)	18.5633(11)	13.0422(10)	17.9286(2)
α [deg]	72.819(2)		97.546(5)
β [deg]	89.461(3)	94.712(4)	94.461(5)	108.707(4)
γ [deg]	77.030(2)		106.202(5)
V [Å3]	994.49(7)	1617.39(15)	1083.29(15)	2600.0(3)
Z	2	4	2	4
λ [Å]	0.710 73	0.710 73	0.710 73	0.710 73
ρcalcd[g cm–3]	1.765	1.611	1.194	2.520
cryst size [mm3]	0.20 × 0.04 × 0.02	0.38 × 0.14 × 0.08	0.10 × 0.08 × 0.08	0.20 × 0.10 × 0.01
T [K]	100	100	100	100
μ [mm–1]	1.189	2.682	1.194	2.520
R1a	0.0461	0.0428	0.0519	0.0355
wR2b	0.1264	0.0978	0.1390	0.0817
GOFc	1.094	0.965	1.005	0.994

R1 = ∑||Fo| – |Fc||/∑|Fo|.

wR2 = {∑[w(Fo2 – Fc2)2]/∑[w(Fo2)2]}1/2.

GOF = {∑[w(Fo2 – Fc2)2]/(n – p)}1/2, where n is the number of reflections and p is the total number of parameters refined.

Conjugation of Complexes to rHSA

rHSA (50 mg mL–1) was purchased as a 5% solution in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; containing 4 mM sodium caprylate and 4 mM acetyltryptophan; New Century Pharmaceuticals Inc., Huntsville, AL) and was purified by ultrafiltration using Centricon YM-10 (Amicon Bioseparations, Millipore Corp.) against the modification buffer (PBS, pH 7.4). The concentration of the protein was determined using the Bradford assay (Bio-Rad) using bovine serum albumin as the reference protein. The purified protein (33.2 mg of protein mL–1) was shaken with a solution of succinyl HCl terephthalic hydrazine (SHTH; 10 equiv) in DMF (50 μL) for 16 h at room temperature such that the DMF volume did not exceed 5% (v/v). The reaction mixture was then ultrafiltered against the conjugation buffer (100 mM MES, 0.9% NaCl, pH 6.0), and the concentration of the modified protein was determined using the Bradford assay. The modified protein solution (7 mg of protein mL–1) was added to solutions of the complex (1c–5c) in order to achieve a 3:1 metal/protein ratio and shaken for 6 h at room temperature. Afterward, the protein mixture solution was desalted and restored in PBS as described above. The concentration of conjugated rHSA–complex conjugate in PBS was determined using the Bradford assay to be 2 × 10–4 M protein.

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) Analyses

The rHSA samples were characterized by MALDI-TOF-MS using an Axima CFR-Plus (Shimadzu Biotech) mass spectrometer. The samples were prepared using the dried droplet method with freshly prepared sinapinic acid [20 mg mL–1 in CH3CN/H2O/trifluoroacetic acid (50:49.9:0.1)] as the matrix solution. The protein sample solution (0.5 mL, series of 1:10 dilutions) was mixed on the target with the matrix solution (0.5 mL) and allowed to air-dry. The MS spectra were recorded in the m/z 100–80 000 range in a positive linear mode. External calibration was carried out with a mixture of five proteins. Data interpretation was performed using the Kompact v2.4.3 software.

Cell Culture and Inhibition of Cell Growth

Human CH1 (ovarian carcinoma) cells were donated by Lloyd R. Kelland, CRC Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, U.K. Human A549 (nonsmall cell lung carcinoma) and SW480 (colon carcinoma) cells were provided by Brigitte Marian, Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Cells were grown as adherent cultures in 75 cm2 flasks (Iwaki) in Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 1% nonessential amino acids (100×), and 2 mM l-glutamine (all from Sigma-Aldrich Austria) without antibiotics at 37 °C under a moist atmosphere containing 5% CO2 and 95% air. Cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT assay [MTT = 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide]. For this purpose, cells were harvested from culture flasks by trypsinization and seeded in aliquots of 100 μL well–1 into 96-well microculture plates (Iwaki) in the following cell densities to ensure exponential growth of untreated controls throughout drug exposure: 4 × 103 (A549), 1 × 103 (CH1) and 2.5 × 103 (SW480) cells well–1. Cells were allowed for 24 h to settle and resume exponential growth and were then exposed to the test compounds by the addition of 100 μL well–1 aliquots of appropriate dilutions in complete culture medium. For this purpose, DMSO stocks of the compounds were diluted in the medium such that the actual DMSO content in the tested solutions did not exceed 0.5%. After exposure for 96 h, the medium was replaced with 100 μL well–1 RPMI 1640 medium plus 20 μL well–1 MTT dissolved in PBS (5 mg mL–1). After 4 h, the medium/MTT mixture was replaced with 150 μL well–1 DMSO to dissolve the formazan precipitate formed by viable cells. Optical densities at 550 nm (corrected for unspecific absorbance at 690 nm) were measured with a microplate reader (Tecan Spectra Classic) to yield relative quantities of viable cells as percentages of untreated controls, and 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated by interpolation. Evaluation is based on at least three independent experiments, each comprising triplicate samples.

Human A2780 and A2780cisR ovarian carcinoma cell lines were obtained from the European Centre of Cell Cultures (ECACC, Salisbury, U.K.) and maintained in a culture as described by the provider. The cells were routinely grown in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% fetal calf serum and antibiotics at 37 °C and 6% CO2. For evaluation of the growth inhibition tests, the cells were seeded in 96-well plates (Costar, Integra Biosciences, Cambridge, MA) and grown for 24 h in the complete medium. The stock solutions of the ruthenium complexes were prepared by dissolving the compounds in 1 mL of DMSO to reach a concentration of 10–2 M. They were then diluted in a RPMI medium and added to the wells (100 μL) to obtain a final concentration ranging between 0 and 200 μM. DMSO at comparable concentrations did not show any effects on cytotoxicity. rHSA–ruthenium conjugates (2 × 10–4 M) were directly added to the cell culture to achieve a final concentration ranging from 0 up to 100 μM. After 72 h of incubation at 37 °C, 20 μL of a solution of MTT in PBS (2 mg mL–1) were added to each well, and the plates were then incubated for 2 h at 37 °C. The medium was then aspirated, and DMSO (100 μL) was added to dissolve the precipitate. The absorbance of each well was measured at 580 nm using a 96-well multiwell-plate reader (iEMS Reader MF, Labsystems, Bioconcept, Switzerland) and compared to the values of control cells incubated without complexes. The IC50 values for the inhibition of cell growth were determined by fitting the plot of the percentage of surviving cells against the drug concentration using a sigmoidal function (Origin v7.5).

Cell Cycle Analysis

The effects of the compounds on the cell cycle of human cancer cells were studied by flow cytometric analysis of the relative DNA content of cells. For this purpose, CH1 cells were harvested from culture flasks by using trypsin, seeded in complete MEM into 90-mm Petri dishes (1 × 106 cells dish–1), and allowed to recover for 24 h. Cells were then exposed for 24 h to the test compounds (diluted from DMSO stocks with complete medium), collected by scratching, washed with PBS, and stained with 5 μg mL–1 propidium iodide overnight. The fluorescence of 2.5 or 3.0 × 104 cells per sample was measured with a FACSCalibur instrument, and the obtained histograms were analyzed with CellQuest Pro software (both from Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ). At least two independent experiments were performed for each setting.

Results and Discussion

Synthesis and Characterization of Complexes

The metal-free ligands (L1–L5) and [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2 (where arene is 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide) were prepared via various multistep reaction pathways. The 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines were obtained in seven (L1), eight (L2), or eleven (L3) steps by modified literature procedures (Scheme S1 in the Supporting Information).[25] Indolo[3,2-d]benzazepines (L4 and L5) were synthesized in five steps, as described elsewhere (Scheme S2 in the Supporting Information).[21,22] [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2 was obtained in four steps, as reported in the literature (Scheme S3 in the Supporting Information).[11] Finally, the ligands (L1–L5) were reacted with the ruthenium(II) dimer in a 2:1 molar ratio in ethanol under reflux to give [RuCl(η6-arene)(L)]Cl (1c and 3c–5c) in quantitative yield. In the case of L2, the reaction carried out under similar conditions resulted in the formation of [RuCl(η6-arene)(L2–H)] (2c), which was further converted into 2c by acidification with HCl.

ESI-MS spectra of 1c–5c in MeOH show peaks corresponding to ions [M – Cl]+ and [M – HCl – H]−, confirming their structures. Additional peaks resulting from the loss of the chlorido ligand along with concomitant deprotonation of the organic ligands, namely, [M – HCl – Cl]+ and [M – 2HCl – H]−, are observed with peaks attributed to [M – HCl + Na]+ ions.

NMR spectra of 1c–4c and 2c show one set of signals, whereas complex 5c was found to undergo E/Z isomerization at the exocyclic amidine bond (C6′=N13′) in solution (Chart 2). Analogous behavior was documented recently for [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L5)]Cl (where M = Ru, Os).[21] The full assignment of proton, nitrogen, and carbon resonances for [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2 and 1c–5c is given in Tables S1–S6 in the Supporting Information.

Chart 2

(left) and (right) Isomers of 5c

The E/Z isomerization of 5c is solvent-dependent; the relative intensities of the two signal sets for 5c in DMSO-d6 change from 1:0.6 immediately after dissolution to 1:2.4 at equilibrium after 48 h. According to the 1H,1H ROESY NMR plot, the predominant signal set at equilibrium belongs to the Z isomer, which shows H14′,H5′ cross-peaks (Figure S7 in the Supporting Information). In MeOH-d4, the E/Z equilibrium for 5c is reached faster than that in DMSO-d6 and the relative abundance of E and Z isomers changes from 1:0.5 to 1:0.36 in 3 h (1:0.33 after 24 h). The dominant E isomer was identified due to the 1H,1H ROESY NMR couplings of H5′ with arene protons (H1d–H5d), as well as H7′ with H14′. The Z isomer shows cross-peaks of H7′ with arene protons (H1d–H5d). It should be noted that only one NH (H5′) signal, originating from the E isomer, is present in the 1H NMR spectrum after dissolution in MeOH-d4. This dissapears gradually (the intensity decreases by a factor of 10.8 after 3 h, 65 after 9 h to zero after 14 h).

Dissociation of the complexes may be excluded because the chemical shifts of both signal sets differed from that of metal-free L5 (Table S5 in the Supporting Information). Moreover, these two sets were not affected by excess chloride ions in MeOH-d4, providing evidence against solvolysis of the Ru–Cl bond. Thus, at equilibrium the Z isomer dominates in DMSO-d6, whereas the E isomer dominates in MeOH-d4, in line with reported data for [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L5)]Cl.[21]

The coordination of the ligands (L1–L5) to the ruthenium(II) arene moiety results in significant changes to the resonances of both the ligands and η6-arene. For instance, significant upfield shifts were observed for the resonances of the η6-phenyl fragment protons H1d, H5d, H2d, and H4d of 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide in 4c and 5c (E isomer) compared to those in [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2, whereas they are shifted downfield in 1c–3c, 2c, and 5c (Z isomer); the resonance of the H3d proton in all complexes is shifted downfield.

The number of signals in the 1H NMR spectra of 1c–3c and 2c is in agreement with their C1 symmetry, and five-membered chelate cycle formation via the nitrogens N2a and N3b is evident. The 1H,1H ROESY NMR coupling of H1b (14.03 ppm) with the CH2 group (H10b at 4.87 ppm) in 3c indicates stabilization of the 7b–L3 tautomer (Chart 3). The same coordination mode was reported for [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L3)]Cl (where M = Ru, Os).[25]

Chart 3

Coordination of L3 [7b–L3 (left) and 4b′–L3 (right) Tautomers]

Upon coordination of L1–L3 to the ruthenium(II) arene moiety, significant shifts were observed for the resonances of the benzimidazole ring protons: H1b [by 1.71 (L1), 0.7 (L2 in 2c), 1.23 (L2 in 2c), 0.78 (L3) ppm] and H4b [by 0.29 ppm in 3c; the H4b and H7b proton resonances in L1 and L2 (at 7.54 and 7.75–7.77 ppm) were not assigned; the proton H4b gives a peak at 8.1, 8.06, and 8.01 ppm for 1c, 2c, and 2c, respectively]. The resonance for the pyrazolopyridine proton H1a (the proton nearest to the metal center) was not detected in DMSO-d6 in 1c–3c.

The signals originating from benzimidazole CH C4b and quaternary C7b carbons in 3c and the 7b–L3 tautomer are observed near the same positions [C4b at 118.97 (7b–L3) and 117.22 (3c) ppm; C7b at 122.95 (7b–L3) and 124.54 (3c) ppm] and differ significantly from those in the 4b′–L3 tautomer (quaternary C4b′ at 129.38 ppm; CH carbon C7b′ at 111.17 ppm). These data provide further evidence of 7b–L3 tautomer coordination to ruthenium in 3c.

The coordination of L4 results in a significant downfield shift for the resonances corresponding to H8′ (by 0.28 ppm), H10′ (by 0.43 ppm), and H18′ (by 0.88 ppm). Carbon resonances C14′ (166.55 ppm) and C18′ (156.61 ppm) also differ relative to the free ligand, by 8.18 and 6.14 ppm, respectively, indicating bidentate paullone coordination via the pyridine (N19′) and azomethine nitrogens (N13′) to ruthenium with the formation of a five-membered chelate ring. The azepine methylene protons H7′ of 4c display no diastereotopic splitting (singlet at 3.61 ppm), as was the case for free L4 and [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L4)]Cl (M = Ru, Os).[21]

Ligand L5 (with an endocyclic double bond C6′=N5′) adopts a configuration with an exocyclic double bond C6′=N13′ upon coordination and protonated N5′ instead of the N13′ atom (Chart 4). As a result, the triplet corresponding to H13′ at 7.81 ppm for L5 disappears and proton H5′ of 5c emerges as a singlet at 9.67 (Z isomer) and 9.07 (E isomer) ppm. Because of this rearrangement of the ligand tautomeric form, a large 15N shift for the protonated amidine N atom from 77.4 (L5) to 107.46 (Z isomer) and 107.95 ppm (E isomer) is observed (Table S4 in the Supporting Information).

Chart 4

Tautomers of L5

The methylene groups of the azepine ring [H7′; 3.47 and 4.77 ppm (E isomer); 3.69 and 4.92 ppm (Z isomer)] and α-picolylamine moiety [H14′; 5.22 and 5.84 ppm (E isomer) and 4.99 and 5.16 ppm (Z isomer)] in 5c show diastereotopic splitting, as reported for [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L5)]Cl,[21] whereas for the L5 proton H7′, resonance, in accordance with fast inversion of the seven-membered azepine ring, was found at 3.41 ppm as a singlet and proton H14′ gives rise to a doublet at 4.51 ppm.

The L5 ligand in 5c undergoes significant downfield shifts for H7′ (by 0.06–1.51 ppm), H14′ (by 0.48–1.33 ppm), and H18′ [by 0.52 (Z isomer) and 0.6 (E isomer) ppm]. Carbon signals C14′ and C18′ were shifted compared to those of the free ligand by 15.24 (Z isomer), 15.08 (E isomer), 5.57 (Z isomer), and 5.7 (E isomer) ppm, indicating bidentate paullone coordination via the nitrogens N19′ and N13′ to the ruthenium center, as reported for [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L5)]Cl.[21]

Cross-peaks of high intensity in the 1H,1H ROESY NMR spectra of 1c–3c between the η6-arene ring protons H1d, H5d, H2d, and H4d and the nearest benzimidazole H4b proton reveal strong couplings. Thus, the 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide in 1c–3c in a DMSO-d6 solution must be oriented in such a manner that its substituent R, or H3d, lies above the chelate ring (Figure S8 in the Supporting Information). The closest η6-arene ring pyrazolopyridine proton H1a was not observed in 1c–3c in DMSO-d6. Similar solution structures were suggested for [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L)]Cl (M = Ru, Os; L = L1–L3).[25] Note that orientation of the cymene ring with the isopropyl group above the chelate ring is the preferred orientation in the crystal structures.[25]

The structures of 4c and 5c in DMSO-d6 were determined from 1H,1H ROESY NMR plots and were compared with the solution and X-ray structures of [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L)]Cl.[21] The X-ray structures of p-cymene analogue complexes facilitate the interpretation of the solution structures of 4c and 5c (E/Z isomers). The cross-peak originating from H8′,H14′ is more intense than that of H10′,H14′ (i.e., the H14′ proton is closer to H8′ than H10′), thus the chelating moiety in 4c is rotated out of the plane of the paullone indole ring with a torsion angle ΘC14 > 90°, as observed in [MCl(η6-p-cymene)(L4)]Cl[21] (Figure S9 in the Supporting Information). The orientation of the 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide group in 4c may be deducted from the intensity of the 1H–1H ROESY cross-peaks between protons of the paullone ligand (H8′, H10′, and H18′) and those of the η6-arene ring. Despite the absence of cross-peaks of H14′ with H3d and H7d and the same intensities of the cross-peaks between H18′ and η6-arene ring protons, the most intense couplings, H8′, H10′ with H1d, H5d, assume the η6-arene ring orientation preferably with a substituent R above the chelate ring away from the pyridine ring. Couplings H8′,H7d and H10′,H7d are in accordance with the proposed η6-arene orientation (Figure S10 in the Supporting Information).

The arene ligand orientation with its substituent above the chelate ring was also observed in a DMSO-d6 solution for 5c. For example, the H14′ protons of both isomers oriented toward the arene ring (at 5.16 ppm for the Z isomer and at 5.22 ppm for the E isomer) show couplings with H7d (Figure S11 in the Supporting Information). The intensity of the cross-peaks in the 1H,1H ROESY NMR plot between protons of the paullone, H18′, and the η6-arene ring indicates a strong coupling between H18′ and H1d/H5d. This observation is in agreement with the η6-arene ring orientation with the substituent above the chelate ring toward the pyridine ring (Figure S12 in the Supporting Information). In the Z isomer, the azepine methylene group (H7′) is directed toward the arene ring and shows the 1H,1H ROESY NMR cross-peaks with η6-arene ring protons. In the E isomer, it points away from the arene ring, and as result, there are no 1H–1H ROESY couplings with H1d–H5d (Figure S13 in the Supporting Information).

Solid-State Structures

The molecular structures of [RuCl2(η6-arene)(DMSO)], where η6-arene = 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide, and L2·DMSO are shown in Figures S14 and S15 in the Supporting Information, respectively.

The structures of cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)]·H2O and mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)]·H2O are shown in Figure 1. Selected bond distances and angles are quoted in the legend. The complex cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)]·H2O crystallized in the triclinic centrosymmetric space group P1̅ and mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)]·H2O in the monoclinic space group P21/c. The ruthenium center in both complexes displays a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. In cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)]·H2O, a bidentate neutral ligand L1, one DMSO, and one chloride ligand are bound to ruthenium(II) in the equatorial plane and one chloride and one DMSO ligand in axial positions. Coordination of the bidentate ligand occurs via atoms N1 and N5, and DMSO binds via S. An intramolecular hydrogen bond N2–H···O2 is evident in the structure of cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)] (Figure 1, left). The presence of a proton at N4 is corroborated by the involvement of this atom in hydrogen-bonding interaction with Cl2 (i = –x + 1, –y + 1, –z + 2) [N4···Cl2i 3.123 Å].

Figure 1

ORTEP views of cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)] with an intramolecular hydrogen bond N2–H···O2 [N2–H 0.88, H···O2 2.151, N2···O2 2.822 Å, N2–H···O2 132.6°] (left) and mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)] (right) and thermal ellipsoids drawn at the 50% probability level. Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (deg): (a) cis,cis-[RuIICl2(DMSO)2(L1)], Ru–N1 2.057(4), Ru–N5 2.137(4), Ru–Cl1 2.4141(14), Ru–Cl2 2.4604(14), Ru–S1 2.2352(15), Ru–S2 2.2598(14) Å, N1–Ru–N5 76.95(17), ΘN1–C6–C7–N5 6.7(7)°; (b) mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)], Ru–N1 2.049(4), Ru–N5 2.135(3), Ru–Cl1 2.4228(11), Ru–S1 2.2878(11), Ru–S2 2.2834(12), Ru–S3 2.3485(11) Å, N1–Ru–N5 77.98(13), ΘN1–C6–C7–N5 −3.5(6)°.

In mer-[RuIICl(DMSO)3(L2–H)], the organic molecule acts as a bidentate monodeprotonated ligand. The site of deprotonation appears to be the atom N2, which does not form short contacts to adjacent molecules. Binding to ruthenium(II) is realized via atoms N1 and N5. The other two positions in the equatorial plane are occupied by the Cl1 ligand and one DMSO, while as axial ligands act two DMSO molecules. All three molecules of DMSO are arranged meridionally and bound to the central atom via S.

Preparation of rHSA Conjugates of 1c–5c

The functionalization of the rHSA protein was carried out using established protocols (see the Experimental Section for full details). The protein was modified with the SHTH linker, which reacts with amine groups on the lysine residues of the protein. Because excess modification of the hydrophobic linkers can result in the precipitation of the protein, the optimal reaction conditions were determined to be within 5-fold stoichiometric excess of the linker molecule. Upon modification, the protein was purified and conjugated with the ruthenium compound (3:1 metal/protein ratio) in PBS (pH 7.4), allowing sample incubation for 6 h at room temperature. The samples were then analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. A representative MALDI-TOF-MS spectrum obtained on rHSA samples incubated with 5c is reported in Figure 2 in comparison to the spectrum of pure rHSA. The reaction of 5c with the protein appears to be quantitative, and the main peak at about 67 980 Da clearly indicates an increase of approximately 1600 Da with respect to the one of rHSA, most likely corresponding to the presence of about two bound ruthenium moieties.

Figure 2

MALDI-TOF-MS spectra of rHSA and rHSA–5c conjugate.

Cytotoxicity Studies

The antiproliferative activity of all compounds was tested in the human cancer cell lines CH1, SW480, and A549. The IC50 values of 1c–5c were compared to those of [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2, free ligands (L1–L3), and corresponding [RuCl(η6-p-cymene)(L)]Cl complexes (1a–5a; Table 2). It should be noted that, as a general trend, the resulting ruthenium complexes are less cytotoxic than the free ligands. However, the observed antiproliferative effects indicate a marked selectivity of the ruthenium compounds toward a cancer cell line compared to the ligands L1–L3 (e.g., complex 2c is more than 10-fold more active in the CH1 cell line than in SW480 and A549 cells). Indeed, the ruthenium complexes showed the strongest effects in the generally quite chemosensitive ovarian carcinoma cell lines CH1, whereas the generally more chemoresistant nonsmall cell lung cancer cell line A549 is the least sensitive to this series of compounds. Concentration–effect curves of 1c–5c and [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2 in the CH1 cells are depicted in Figure S19 in the Supporting Information. While the rank order of the cytotoxicity of the analogous cymene complexes with 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines is in line with the cytotoxicity of the free ligands, 3a > 2a > 1a corresponding to L3 > L2 > L1, indicating that both the bromo and methoxymethyl substituents are advantageous for cytotoxic potency, the structure–activity relationship of 1c–3c is less clear-cut, which may be caused by the borderline solubility associated with the presence of the 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide ligand. In the SW480 and A549 cells, complexes 1c–3c show no antiproliferative activity in concentrations up to 320 μM, and neither do 4c and [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2 in the A549 cells. The most active of the complexes bearing a 4-formylphenoxyacetyl-η6-benzylamide ligand is the paullone complex 5c with IC50 values of 29 μM in CH1 cells, 49 μM in SW480 cells, and 123 μM in A549 cells. This paullone complex with a derivatized lactam unit (5c) shows higher antiproliferative activity than the paullone complex with unmodified lactam group (4c) in all three cell lines, as was reported for [RuCl(η6-p-cymene)(L)]Cl complexes 4a and 5a (as well as their osmium analogues) with paullones L4 and L5.[21]

Table 2

Cytotoxicity of 1c–5c, Compared to [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2, Free Ligands (L1–L3), and Corresponding [RuCl(η6-p-cymene)(L)]Cl Complexes (1a–5a), in Three Human Cancer Cell Lines

	IC50,a μM
compound	CH1	SW480	A549
[RuCl(μ-Cl)(η6-arene)]2	65 ± 21	215 ± 35	>320
L1b	11 ± 3	23 ± 6	29 ± 7
1ab	96 ± 18	>320	>320
1c	142 ± 33	>320	>320
L2b	1.5 ± 0.6	5.1 ± 1.0	6.7 ± 0.3
2ab	21 ± 3	70 ± 8	268 ± 35
2c	32 ± 13	>320	>320
L3b	0.63 ± 0.09	0.74 ± 0.26	5.2 ± 0.5
3ab	11 ± 1	11 ± 2	68 ± 12
3c	153 ± 42	>320	>320
L4
4ac	9.7 ± 1.6	28 ± 5	32 ± 1
4c	55 ± 15	179 ± 24	>320
L5
5ac	1.9 ± 0.4	1.2 ± 0.5	8.5 ± 0.7
5c	29 ± 2	49 ± 2	123 ± 20

50% inhibitory concentrations (means ± standard deviation from at least three independent experiments), as obtained by the MTT assay (exposure time: 96 h).

Taken from ref (25).

Taken from ref (21).

The impact of tethering 1c–5c to rHSA on their antitumor activity in vitro was evaluated in ovarian carcinoma cell line either sensitive (A2780) or resistant to cisplatin (A2780cisR). Table 3 reports the IC50 values obtained for inhibition of the A2780 and A2780cisR cell growth upon treatment with compounds 1c–5c and their rHSA conjugates. As expected from the cytotoxicity data reported above, the ruthenium complexes alone did not significantly affect the cell growth within the tested concentration range, with the most effective being 5c, whereas a marked response was observed in the case of the rHSA–ruthenium conjugates. In the case of rHSA–5c, IC50 values of 26 and 28 μM were observed in the two cell lines, indicating that the conjugation strategy overcomes the resistance mechanism that blocks entry and/or increases efflux of cisplatin from the cells.

Table 3

Inhibition of Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Growth (IC50, μM) for 1c–5c and Their rHSA Conjugates after 72 h of Incubation

	IC50, μM
compound	A2780	A2780cisR
rHSA	>75a
rHSA–hydrazine	>75a
1c	>200	>200
rHSA–1c	45 ± 5	67 ± 3
2c	>200	>200
rHSA-2c	43 ± 3	>100
3c	>200	>200
rHSA–3c	46 ± 2	69 ± 6
4c	>100	>100
rHSA–4c	49 ± 2	43 ± 2
5c	85 ± 4	66 ± 7
rHSA–5c	26 ± 2	28 ± 1

Taken from ref (11).

It is worth mentioning that the potential of macromolecular metal complexes to overcome resistance mechanisms has already been investigated with platinum compounds.[31] In this case, the results showed that albumin binding lowers the cytotoxic activity of platinum complexes in cancer cell lines. However, the HSA–Pt conjugates exhibited comparable activity in the sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cells.

Because the rHSA conjugates contain more than one ruthenium, the increase in the cytotoxicity is not extremely large, but it should be noted that the rHSA conjugates should exploit the so-called “enhanced permeability and retention (EPR)” effect of macromolecules on tumors[32] and, consequently, should selectively accumulate in tumor tissue. The EPR effect is based on the observation that macromolecules are able to penetrate the leaky vasculature surrounding the tumor, and as a result of the increased permeability, the macromolecules “selectively” permeate the tumor tissues compared to the healthy tissues. In addition, the lymphatic drainage system of tumor tissue is impaired, resulting in accumulation of the macromolecules at the tumor site.

Cell Cycle Effects

To study the effects of the compounds on cell cycle distribution in the sensitive ovarian cancer cell line CH1, cells were treated for 24 h, stained with propidium iodide, and analyzed for their DNA content by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). These experiments revealed that complexes 4c and 5c with indolobenzazepine-derived ligands L4 and L5, respectively, induce stronger cell cycle perturbations than 2c with a pyrazolopyridine-derived ligand (L2; Figure 3). In particular, treatment with 5c caused a pronounced G2/M phase arrest in concentrations up to 80 μM (81 ± 4% of cells in G2/M compared to 36 ± 4% in untreated controls), accompanied by a steady decrease of the G1/G0 fraction, but superseded by an S phase arrest at 160 μM (52 ± 0.3% of cells in the S phase). In addition, the appearance of a pronounced sub-G1/G0 fraction (excluded from analysis) and the tremendous decrease of the G2/M fraction (27 ± 6%) at this highest concentration suggest that apoptotic cell death is preferentially induced in G2/M cells. In accordance with the slightly lower cytotoxicity in the MTT assay, 4c is also somewhat less effective on the cell cycle. Neither an S phase arrest nor a comparable sub-G1/G0 fraction could be observed at the highest concentration, but the compound as well induces a G2/M arrest reaching 68 ± 1% at 160 μM. In conclusion, the differences in the position of the chelating moiety in 4c and 5c (whether on the lactam ring or not) seem to merely modulate the antiproliferative potency of the compounds rather than fundamentally change the capacity of inhibiting cell cycle progression.

Figure 3

Concentration-dependent impact of 2c, 4c, and 5c on the cell cycle distribution of CH1 cells after exposure for 24 h. The DNA content of cells stained with propidium iodide was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Final Remarks

Herein we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new series of organometallic complexes of the general formula [RuCl(η6-arene)(L)]Cl [where L = 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines and indolo[3,2-d]benzazepines (L1–L5), which are potential kinase inhibitors]. Complexation of L1–L5 to the ruthenium(II) arene unit yielded compounds with increased solubility in biological media, yet lower, but more selective antiproliferative activity in human cancer cell lines. In order to improve the mild cytotoxic effects of the ruthenium derivatives, we coupled the compounds to serum albumin, which is known to accumulate in tumors. HSA has previously been used to deliver various anticancer drugs such as chlorambucil, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and cisplatin to cancer cells.[33] Chlorambucil– and paclitaxel–HSA conjugates exhibit cytotoxicity comparable to that of the parent drugs in vitro but are less toxic in vivo,[26,27] and a doxorubicin prodrug using endogenous serum albumin as a drug carrier displays excellent in vivo properties.[34,35]

Thus, the five organometallic complexes were conjugated to rHSA, tethering them to the protein via pH-triggered linkers, as previously described for the organometallic RAPTA compounds that are not cytotoxic but active as antimetastatic agents in vivo.[36−38] MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of the rHSA–Ru adducts showed that typically two ruthenium-containing moieties were bound to the protein. The rHSA conjugates were found to be more cytotoxic than the “free” complexes on human ovarian cancer A2780 cell lines sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. These results are encouraging, and the further development of macromolecular organometallic ruthenium complexes that should selectively target tumor tissue appears to be worthwhile.