Metal-Complexes Bearing Releasable CO Differently Modulate Amyloid Aggregation.

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with an uncontrolled amyloid aggregation. Hence, many studies are oriented to discover new compounds that are able to modulate self-recognition mechanisms of proteins involved in the development of these pathologies. Herein, three metal-complexes able to release carbon monoxide (CORMs) were analyzed for their ability to affect the self-aggregation of the amyloidogenic fragment of nucleophosmin 1, corresponding to the second helix of the three-helix bundle located in the C-terminal domain of the protein, i.e., NPM1, peptide. These complexes were two cymantrenes coordinated to the nucleobase adenine () and to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin () and a Re(I)-compound containing 1,10-phenanthroline and 3-CCCHNHCOCHCH-6-bromo-chromone as ligands (). Thioflavin T (ThT) assay, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) indicated that the three compounds have different effects on the peptide aggregation. and act as aggregating agents. induces the formation of NPM1 fibers longer and stiffer than that formed by NPM1 alone; irradiation of complexes speeds the formation of fibers that are more flexible and thicker than those found without irradiation. induces the formation of longer fibers, although slightly thinner in diameter. Conversely, acts as an antiaggregating agent. Overall, these results indicate that metal-based CORMs with diverse structural features can have a different effect on the formation of amyloid fibers. A proper choice of ligands attached to metal can allow the development of metal-based drugs with potential application as antiamyloidogenic agents.