Novel Platinum(II) compounds modulate insulin-degrading enzyme activity and induce cell death in neuroblastoma cells

Grazia R Tundo1,2, Diego Sbardella1,2, Sandra A De Pascali2,3

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.

Insights

Three novel platinum(II) compounds were tested against insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE). One compound, [Pt(O,O'-acac)(γ-acac)(DMSO)], acts as a competitive inhibitor, showing potential for developing IDE-specific cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Enzymology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is implicated in neuroblastoma progression.
  • Novel platinum(II) compounds have demonstrated anti-cancer properties.
  • Understanding IDE's role is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of three novel platinum(II) compounds on insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) activity.
  • To evaluate the potential of these compounds as IDE inhibitors for cancer treatment.
  • To characterize the interaction of platinum(II) compounds with IDE.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro enzymatic assays were performed under physiological conditions.
  • The activity of IDE was measured in the presence of varying concentrations of platinum(II) compounds.
  • Cell viability and apoptosis assays were conducted using neuroblastoma cell lines.

Main Results:

  • Two compounds exhibited dual modulatory behavior on IDE activity (activation/inhibition) depending on concentration.
  • [Pt(O,O iterac)-acac)(γ-acac)(DMSO)] demonstrated competitive inhibition of IDE with a K i of 0.95 ± 0.21 μM.
  • All compounds induced cell death in neuroblastoma cells at concentrations >2 μM, but two compounds also promoted proliferation at lower concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • The competitive inhibitor [Pt(O,O iterac)-acac)(γ-acac)(DMSO)] shows significant promise as a lead compound for developing IDE-specific inhibitors.
  • Targeting IDE with platinum(II) compounds could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma.
  • Further research is warranted to synthesize and characterize IDE-specific inhibitors based on this lead compound.