Imaging of Vanadium in Microfossils: A New Potential Biosignature.

The inability to unambiguously distinguish the biogenicity of microfossil-like structures in the ancient rock record is a fundamental predicament facing Archean paleobiologists and astrobiologists. Therefore, novel methods for discriminating biological from nonbiological chemistries of microfossil-like structures are of the utmost importance in the search for evidence of early life on Earth. This, too, is important for the search for life on Mars by in situ analyses via rovers or sample return missions for future analysis here on Earth.

Glutathione transferase P1-1 as an arsenic drug-sequestering enzyme.

Arsenic-based compounds are paradoxically both poisons and drugs. Glutathione transferase (GSTP1-1) is a major factor in resistance to such drugs. Here we describe using crystallography, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, mutagenesis, mass spectrometry, and kinetic studies how GSTP1-1 recognizes the drug phenylarsine oxide (PAO).

Mechanisms of murine cerebral malaria: Multimodal imaging of altered cerebral metabolism and protein oxidation at hemorrhage sites.

Using a multimodal biospectroscopic approach, we settle several long-standing controversies over the molecular mechanisms that lead to brain damage in cerebral malaria, which is a major health concern in developing countries because of high levels of mortality and permanent brain damage. Our results provide the first conclusive evidence that important components of the pathology of cerebral malaria include peroxidative stress and protein oxidation within cerebellar gray matter, which are colocalized with elevated nonheme iron at the site of microhemorrhage. Such information could not be obtained previously from routine imaging methods, such as electron microscopy, fluorescence, and optical microscopy in combination with immunocytochemistry, or from bulk assays, where the level of spatial information is restricted to the minimum size of tissue that can be dissected.

Reactivity and Speciation of Anti-Diabetic Vanadium Complexes in Whole Blood and Its Components: The Important Role of Red Blood Cells.

Reactions with blood components are crucial for controlling the antidiabetic, anticancer, and other biological activities of V(V) and V(IV) complexes. Despite extensive studies of V(V) and V(IV) reactions with the major blood proteins (albumin and transferrin), reactions with whole blood and red blood cells (RBC) have been studied rarely. A detailed speciation study of Na3[V(V)O4] (A), K4[V(IV)2O2(citr)2]·6H2O (B; citr = citrato(4-)); [V(IV)O(ma)2] (C; ma = maltolato(-)), and (NH4)[V(V)(O)2(dipic)] (D; dipic = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato(2-)) in whole rat blood, freshly isolated rat plasma, and commercial bovine serum using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy is reported.

Vanadium(V) and -(IV) complexes of anionic polysaccharides: Controlled release pharmaceutical formulations and models of vanadium biotransformation products.

Uncontrolled reactions in biological media are a main obstacle for clinical translation of V-based anti-diabetic or anti-cancer pro-drugs. We investigated the use of controlled-release pharmaceutical formulations to ameliorate this issue with a series of V(V) and (IV) complexes of anionic polysaccharides. Carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, or alginic acid formulations were prepared by the reactions of [VO4](3-) with one or two molar equivalents of biological reductants, L-ascorbic acid (AA) or L-cysteine (Cys), in the presence of excess polysaccharide at pH~7 or pH~4.

Biotransformations of Antidiabetic Vanadium Prodrugs in Mammalian Cells and Cell Culture Media: A XANES Spectroscopic Study.

The antidiabetic activities of vanadium(V) and -(IV) prodrugs are determined by their ability to release active species upon interactions with components of biological media. The first X-ray absorption spectroscopic study of the reactivity of typical vanadium (V) antidiabetics, vanadate ([V(V)O4](3-), A) and a vanadium(IV) bis(maltolato) complex (B), with mammalian cell cultures has been performed using HepG2 (human hepatoma), A549 (human lung carcinoma), and 3T3-L1 (mouse adipocytes and preadipocytes) cell lines, as well as the corresponding cell culture media. X-ray absorption near-edge structure data were analyzed using empirical correlations with a library of model vanadium(V), -(IV), and -(III) complexes.

Localization of the Trace Elements Iron, Zinc and Selenium in Relation to Anatomical Structures in Bovine Ovaries by X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to image 40 histological cross-sections of bovine ovaries (n=19), focusing on structures including: antral follicles at different stages of growth or atresia, corpora lutea at three stages of development (II-IV), and capillaries, arterioles, and other blood vessels. This method identified three key trace elements [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se)] within the ovarian tissue which appeared to be localized to specific structures. Owing to minimal preprocessing of the ovaries, important high-resolution information regarding the spatial distribution of these elements was obtained with elemental trends and colocalizations of Fe and Zn apparent, as well as the infrequent appearance of Se surrounding the antrum of large follicles, as previously reported.

XAS studies of Se speciation in selenite-fed rats.

The biological activity of selenium is dependent on its chemical form. Therefore, knowledge of Se chemistry in vivo is required for efficacious use of selenium compounds in disease prevention and treatment. Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Se speciation in the kidney, liver, heart, spleen, testis and red blood cells of rats fed control (∼0.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a class of mitochondrially-targeted gadolinium(III) agents.

A structure-activity relationship study of a library of novel bifunctional Gd(III) complexes covalently linked to arylphosphonium cations is reported. Such complexes have been designed for potential application in binary cancer therapies such as neutron capture therapy and photon activation therapy. A positive correlation was found between lipophilicity and cytotoxicity of the complexes.

Solid-state structural studies of chromium(III) nicotinato nutritional supplements.

While Cr(III) dietary supplements are widely consumed, some commercial supplements have yet to be structurally characterized. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and other spectroscopic methods were used to characterize Cr(III) nicotinato nutritional supplements that have long been used in complementary medicine. Different ratios of nicotinic acid and CrCl3·6H2O (trans-[CrCl2(OH2)4]Cl·2H2O) at different pH values gave a range of products.

Reactivity-activity relationships of oral anti-diabetic vanadium complexes in gastrointestinal media: an X-ray absorption spectroscopic study.

The reactions of oral V(V/IV) anti-diabetic drugs within the gastrointestinal environment (particularly in the presence of food) are a crucial factor that affects their biological activities, but to date these have been poorly understood. In order to build up reactivity-activity relationships, the first detailed study of the reactivities of typical V-based anti-diabetics, Na3V(V)O4 (A), [V(IV)O(OH2)5](SO4) (B), [V(IV)O(ma)2] (C, ma = maltolato(-)) and (NH4)[V(V)(O)2(dipic)] (D, dipic = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylato(2-)) with simulated gastrointestinal (GI) media in the presence or absence of food components has been performed by the use of XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) spectroscopy. Changes in speciation under conditions that simulate interactions in the GI tract have been discerned using correlations of XANES parameters that were based on a library of model V(V), V(IV), and V(III) complexes for preliminary assessment of the oxidation states and coordination numbers.

Speciation of copper in a range of food types by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Copper (Cu) is an essential element and the effects of diets deficient in it are well established. However, the effects of long-term high copper intake are less clear. The chemical form of copper from food sources and its resultant bioavailability is a potentially important factor in its biological activity.

The Fe-heme structure of met-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 determined by X-ray absorption fine structure.

Multiple-scattering (MS) analysis of EXAFS data on met-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 (IDO2) and analysis of XANES have provided the first direct structural information about the axial donor ligands of the iron center for this recently discovered protein. At 10K, it exists in a low-spin bis(His) form with Fe-Np(av)=1.97Å, the Fe-NIm bond lengths of 2.

XAS and XFM studies of selenium and copper speciation and distribution in the kidneys of selenite-supplemented rats.

Dietary selenium has been implicated in the prevention of cancer and other diseases, but its safety and efficacy is dependent on the supplemented form and its metabolites. In this study, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) have been used to investigate the speciation and distribution of Se and Cu in vivo. In kidneys isolated from rats fed a diet containing 5 ppm Se as selenite for 3 weeks, Se levels increased 5-fold.

Parkinson's disease-linked human PARK9/ATP13A2 maintains zinc homeostasis and promotes α-Synuclein externalization via exosomes.

α-Synuclein plays a central causative role in Parkinson's disease (PD). Increased expression of the P-type ATPase ion pump PARK9/ATP13A2 suppresses α-Synuclein toxicity in primary neurons. Our data indicate that ATP13A2 encodes a zinc pump; neurospheres from a compound heterozygous ATP13A2(-/-) patient and ATP13A2 knockdown cells are sensitive to zinc, whereas ATP13A2 over-expression in primary neurons confers zinc resistance.

Key role of bismuth in the magnetoelastic transitions of Ba3BiIr2O9 and Ba3BiRu2O9 as revealed by chemical doping.

The key role played by bismuth in an average intermediate oxidation state in the magnetoelastic spin-gap compounds Ba3BiRu2O9 and Ba3BiIr2O9 has been confirmed by systematically replacing bismuth with La(3+) and Ce(4+). Through a combination of powder diffraction (neutron and synchrotron), X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and magnetic properties measurements, we show that Ru/Ir cations in Ba3BiRu2O9 and Ba3BiIr2O9 have oxidation states between +4 and +4.5, suggesting that Bi cations exist in an unusual average oxidation state intermediate between the conventional +3 and +5 states (which is confirmed by the Bi L3-edge spectrum of Ba3BiRu2O9).

High mitochondrial accumulation of new gadolinium(III) agents within tumour cells.

The first bifunctional Gd(III) complexes covalently bound to arylphosphonium cations and the first tumour-cell selective mitochondrial agents designed for potential application in binary cancer therapies are reported. The highest in vitro cellular uptake for any Gd complex reported to date is described, with levels exceeding 10(10) Gd atoms per tumour cell.

Influence of equatorial and axial carboxylato ligands on the kinetic inertness of platinum(IV) complexes in the presence of ascorbate and cysteine and within DLD-1 cancer cells.

The rapid and premature reduction of platinum(IV) complexes in vivo is a significant impediment to these complexes being successfully employed as anticancer prodrugs. This study investigates the influence of the platinum(IV) coordination sphere on the ease of reduction of the platinum center in various biological contexts. In the presence of the biological reductants, ascorbate and cysteine, platinum(IV) complexes with dicarboxylato equatorial ligands were observed to exhibit lower reduction potentials and slower reduction rates than analogous platinum(IV) complexes with dichlorido equatorial ligands.

X-ray fluorescence imaging of single human cancer cells reveals that the N-heterocyclic ligands of iodinated analogues of ruthenium anticancer drugs remain coordinated after cellular uptake.

Analogues of KP1019 containing iodinated indazole ligands were prepared to investigate the biological fate of the Ru-N-heterocycle bond in this class of anticancer agents. The new complexes, 5-iodoindazolium trans-tetrachloridobis(5-iodoindazole)ruthen(III)ate (1) and 5-iodoindazolium trans-tetrachlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide)(5-iodoindazole)ruthen(III)ate (3), were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Tetramethylammonium salts of these complexes (2 and 4) were synthesized and characterized in a similar manner.

Chemically synthesised atomically precise gold clusters deposited and activated on titania. Part II.

Synchrotron XPS was used to investigate a series of chemically synthesised, atomically precise gold clusters Au(n)(PPh3)y (n = 8, 9 and 101, y depending on the cluster size) immobilized on anatase (titania) nanoparticles. Effects of post-deposition treatments were investigated by comparison of untreated samples with analogues that have been heat treated at 200 °C in O2, or in O2 followed by H2 atmosphere. XPS data shows that the phosphine ligands are oxidised upon heat treatment in O2.

Selenium metabolism in cancer cells: the combined application of XAS and XFM techniques to the problem of selenium speciation in biological systems.

Determining the speciation of selenium in vivo is crucial to understanding the biological activity of this essential element, which is a popular dietary supplement due to its anti-cancer properties. Hyphenated techniques that combine separation and detection methods are traditionally and effectively used in selenium speciation analysis, but require extensive sample preparation that may affect speciation. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption and fluorescence techniques offer an alternative approach to selenium speciation analysis that requires minimal sample preparation.

Redox activity and two-step valence tautomerism in a family of dinuclear cobalt complexes with a spiroconjugated bis(dioxolene) ligand.

A family of dinuclear cobalt complexes with bridging bis(dioxolene) ligands derived from 3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-1,1'-spirobis(indane-5,5',6,6'-tetrol) (spiroH4) and ancillary ligands based on tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa) has been synthesized and characterized. The bis(dioxolene) bridging ligand is redox-active and accessible in the (spiro(cat-cat))(4-), (spiro(SQ-cat))(3-), and (spiro(SQ-SQ))(2-) forms, (cat = catecholate, SQ = semiquinonate). Variation of the ancillary ligand (Mentpa; n = 0-3) by successive methylation of the 6-position of the pyridine rings influences the redox state of the complex, governing the distribution of electrons between the cobalt centers and the bridging ligands.

Intracellular targeting and pharmacological activity of the superoxide dismutase mimics MnTE-2-PyP5+ and MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ regulated by their porphyrin ring substituents.

Manganese porphyrin-based drugs are potent mimics of the enzyme superoxide dismutase. They exert remarkable efficacy in disease models and are entering clinical trials. Two lead compounds, MnTE-2-PyP(5+) and MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+), have similar catalytic rates, but differ in their alkyl chain substituents (ethyl vs n-hexyl).

Solvent-modified dynamic porosity in chiral 3D kagome frameworks.

Dynamically porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with a chiral quartz-based structure have been synthesized from the multidentate ligand 2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylate (H2diol). Compounds [Ni(II)(H2diol)(S)2]·xS (where S = DMF or DEF) show marked changes in 77 K N2 uptake between partially desolvated [Ni(II)(H2diol)(S)2] (only the pore solvent is removed) and fully desolvated [Ni(II)(H2diol)] forms. Furthermore, [Ni(II)(H2diol)(DMF)2] displays additional solvent-dependent porosity through the rotation of DMF molecules attached to the axial coordination sites of the Ni(II) centre.

Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence studies of a bromine-labelled cyclic RGD peptide interacting with individual tumor cells.

The first example of synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging of cultured mammalian cells in cyclic peptide research is reported. The study reports the first quantitative analysis of the incorporation of a bromine-labelled cyclic RGD peptide and its effects on the biodistribution of endogenous elements (for example, K and Cl) within individual tumor cells.