Exceptional anticancer photodynamic properties of [1,4-Bis(3,6,9,12-Tetraoxatridec-1-yloxy)phthalocyaninato]zinc(II).

Phthalocyanines have been described as effective photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy and are therefore, being studied for their biomedical applications. The metalation of photosensitizers can improve their photodynamic therapy potential. Here, we focus on the biological properties of [1,4-Bis(3,6,9,12-Tetraoxatridec-1-yloxy)phthalocyaninato]zinc(II) (ZnPc(αEG)) and demonstrate its exceptional anticancer activity upon light stimulation to kill preferentially cancer cells with a start of efficiency at 10 pM.

Photosensitivity of Different Nanodiamond-PMO Nanoparticles in Two-Photon-Excited Photodynamic Therapy.

Background: In addition to their great optical properties, nanodiamonds (NDs) have recently proved useful for two-photon-excited photodynamic therapy (TPE-PDT) applications. Indeed, they are able to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly upon two-photon excitation but not with one-photon excitation; Methods: Fluorescent NDs (FNDs) with a 100 nm diameter and detonation NDs (DNDs) of 30 nm were compared. In order to use the gems for cancer-cell theranostics, they were encapsulated in a bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene-based (ENE) periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) shell, and the surface of the formed nanoparticles (NPs) was modified by the direct grafting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and amino groups using PEG-hexyltriethoxysilane and aminoundecyltriethoxysilane during the sol-gel process.

Assembly of Aggregation-Induced Emission Active Bola-Amphiphilic Macromolecules into Luminescent Nanoparticles Optimized for Two-Photon Microscopy In Vivo.

The (Z) and (E)-isomers of an extended tetraphenylethylene-based chromophore with optimized two-photon-induced luminescence properties are separated and functionalized with water-solubilizing pendant polymer groups, promoting their self-assembly in physiological media in the form of small, colloidal stable organic nanoparticles. The two resulting fluorescent suspensions are then evaluated as potential two-photon luminescent contrast agents for intravital epifluorescence and two-photon fluorescence microscopy. Comparisons with previously reported works involving similar fluorophores devoid of polymer side chains illustrate the benefits of later functionalization regarding the control of the self-assembly of the nano-objects and ultimately their biocompatibility toward the imaged organism.

Synergetic anticancer activity of gold porphyrin appended to phenyl tin malonate organometallic complexes.

The discovery of novel anticancer chemotherapeutics is fundamental to treat cancer more efficiently. Towards this goal, two dyads consisting of a gold porphyrin appended to organotin(iv) entities were synthesized and their physicochemical and biological properties were characterized. One dyad contains a gold porphyrin connected to a tin(iv) cation via a malonate and two phenyl ligands (AuP-SnPh), while the other contains two tin(iv) cations each chelated to one carboxylic acid group of the malonate and three phenyl ligands (AuP-SnPh).

Two-Photon Absorbing AIEgens: Influence of Stereoconfiguration on Their Crystallinity and Spectroscopic Properties and Applications in Bioimaging.

This paper aims at designing chromophores with efficient aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties for two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM), which is one of the best-suited types of microscopy for the imaging of living organisms or thick biological tissues. Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives are common building blocks in the design of chromophores with efficient AIE properties. Therefore, in this study, extended TPE AIEgens specifically optimized for two-photon absorption (2PA) are synthesized and the resulting (/) isomers are separated using chromatography on chiral supports.

Substantial Cellular Penetration of Fluorescent Imidazoquinoxalines.

Fluorescent tools have revolutionized our capability to visualize, probe, study, and understand the biological cellular properties, processes and dynamics, enabling researchers to improve their knowledge for example in cancer field. In this paper, we use the peculiar properties of our Imiqualines derivatives to study their cellular penetration and distribution in a human melanoma cell line A375 using confocal microscopy. Preliminary results on colocalization with the potent protein target c-Kit of our lead are also described.

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine, Imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxaline and Pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline derivatives as IKK1 and IKK2 inhibitors.

The transcription nuclear factor NF-κB plays a pivotal role in chronic and acute inflammatory diseases. Among the several and diverse strategies for inhibiting NF-κB, one of the most effective approach considered by the pharmaceutical industry seems to be offered by the development of IKK inhibitors. In a former study, two potential IKK2 inhibitors have been highlighted among a series of imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives.

Fluorescence Study of Imidazoquinoxalines.

The fluorescence properties of eleven novel derivatives based on the imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline structures have been studied. The absorption and emission spectra of these compounds have been recorded in dimethylsulfoxide solution. The phenyl substituting group on position 1 gives them particular properties thanks to the diverse hydroxy or methoxy decorating moieties, especially when they are multiplied or mixed.

New imidazoquinoxaline derivatives: Synthesis, biological evaluation on melanoma, effect on tubulin polymerization and structure-activity relationships.

Microtubules are considered as important targets of anticancer therapy. EAPB0503 and its structural imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives are major microtubule-interfering agents with potent anticancer activity. In this study, the synthesis of several new derivatives of EAPB0503 is described, and the anticancer efficacy of 13 novel derivatives on A375 human melanoma cell line is reported.

Lysosomes and unfolded protein response, determinants of differential resistance of melanoma cells to vinca alkaloids.

On account of its strong ability to become chemoresistant after a primary response to drugs, malignant melanoma (MM) remains a therapeutic challenge. This study focuses on acquired resistance to vinca alkaloids (VAs) using VA-resistant MM cell lines (CAL1R-VCR, CAL1R-VDS, and CAL1R-VRB), established by long-term continuous exposure of parental CAL1-wt cells to vincristine (VCR), vindesine (VDS), or vinorelbine (VRB), respectively. Transcriptomic profiling using rma and rdam methods led to distinguish two cell groups: CAL1R-VCR and CAL1R-VDS, CAL1R-VRB, and CAL1-wt.

Differential involvement of glutathione S-transferase mu 1 and multidrug resistance protein 1 in melanoma acquired resistance to vinca alkaloids.

On account of its extreme intrinsic resistance to apoptosis and of its strong ability to become chemoresistant after a primary response to drugs, malignant melanoma (MM) is still a therapeutic challenge. We previously showed that glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) acts in synergy with multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) to protect GSTM1-transfected human CAL1 melanoma cells from toxic effects of vincristine (VCR). Herein, we investigated the role of these proteins in the acquired resistance of CAL1 cells to vinca alkaloids (VAs).

Sequencing of the smallest Apicomplexan genome from the human pathogen Babesia microti.

We have sequenced the genome of the emerging human pathogen Babesia microti and compared it with that of other protozoa. B. microti has the smallest nuclear genome among all Apicomplexan parasites sequenced to date with three chromosomes encoding ∼3500 polypeptides, several of which are species specific.

Recombinant protein Bd37 protected gerbils against heterologous challenges with isolates of Babesia divergens polymorphic for the bd37 gene.

The Bd37gene encoding for a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol anchored protein of Babesia divergens displays genetic polymorphisms among isolates. Five major polymorphic groups (clades) were shown by PCR-RFLP among different B. divergens isolates.

Hydrophobic moeties in recombinant proteins are crucial to generate efficient saponin-based vaccine against Apicomplexan Babesia divergens.

Throughout Europe, bovine babesiosis is mainly caused by Babesia divergens, an Apicomplexan parasite transmitted by tick bites. The intra-erythrocytic development of B. divergens merozoites leads to haemolytic anaemia, and bovine babesiosis is responsible for economic losses in the agro-business industry.

Association between sequence polymorphism in an epitope of Babesia divergens Bd37 exoantigen and protection induced by passive transfer.

In Europe, Babesia divergens is the major agent responsible for babesiosis in cattle and can occasionally infect splenectomised humans. Recently, we reported the characterisation of a 37 kDa exoantigen (Bd37) anchored in the merozoite membrane of B. divergens by a glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol.

Different mechanisms involved in relaxation of guinea-pig trachea by endothelin-1 and -3.

The effects of endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 were investigated on carbachol-contracted guinea-pig isolated trachea. Endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 (0.1-100 nM) induced partial dose-dependent relaxation of the precontracted preparations.

Endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 relax isolated guinea pig trachea through different mechanisms.

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) were investigated on carbachol-contracted guinea-pig trachea. ET-1 and ET-3 induced a dose-dependent relaxation of the precontracted preparations. ET-1-induced relaxation was attenuated by hemoglobin and methylene blue.

Cardiovascular effects of SCA40, a novel potassium channel opener, in rats.

1. Experiments have been performed to investigate the cardiovascular actions in the rat of SCA40, a novel potassium channel opener which is a potent relaxant of guinea-pig airway smooth muscle in vivo and in vitro. 2.