← Back

Anticancer, Azonafide‐Inspired Fluorescent Ligands and Their Rhenium(I) Complexes for Cellular Imaging

A Journal of Accepted Article Title:Anticancer, azonafide-inspired fluorescent ligands and their rhenium(I) complexes for cellular imaging Authors:Simon J. Pope, Emily Langdon-Jones, Ariana Jones, Catrin Williams, Anthony Hayes, David Lloyd, and Huw Mottram This manuscript has been accepted after peer review and appears as an Accepted Article online prior to editing, proofing, and formal publication of the final Version of Record (VoR). This work is currently citable by using the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) given below. The VoR will be published online in Early View as soon as possible and may be different to this Accepted Article as a result of editing. Readers should obtain the VoR from the journal website shown below when it is published to ensure accuracy of information. The authors are responsible for the content of this Accepted Article. To be cited as: Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 10.1002/ejic.201601271 Link to VoR: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejic.201601271 European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER Anticancer, azonafide-inspired fluorescent ligands and their rhenium(I) complexes for cellular imaging Emily E. Langdon-Jones,[a] Ariana B. Jones,[a] Catrin F. Williams,[b,c] Anthony J. Hayes,[c] David Lloyd,[c] Huw J. Mottram,[d] and Simon J.A. Pope*[a] Dedication ((optional)) Abstract: Two dipicolyamino-conjugated anthracene-1,9- emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission dicarboximide fluorophores and their corresponding Re(I) complexes computed tomography (SPECT). Both Tc and Re are obvious have been synthesized and photophysically examined. All species choices in this respect,[3] hence 99mTc (t = 6.01 h, g = 142.7 1/2 were fluorescent in the visible region ca. 490 nm with lifetimes up to keV) continuing to be routinely used in the clinic, and 186/188Re 16 ns. The anticancer potency of the ligands and complexes was (186Re t = 3.68 d, b = 1.07 MeV, g = 137 keV; 188Re t = 16.98 1/2 1/2 demonstrated across a range of cancer cell lines (LOVO, PC3, A549, h, b = 2.12 MeV, g = 155 keV) being increasingly investigated in MCF-7). Cell imaging studies using MCF7 cells and radiopharmaceutical therapies.[4] Both PET and SPECT have Schizosaccharomyces pombe show that these fluorophores show relatively poor imaging resolution and cannot be utilised as variable intracellular localization patterns that are structure dependent. imaging techniques at the micron-to-nanometer cellular level.[5] Therefore, to identify any cellular uptake and localisation phenomena it is essential to tag such ions with fluorescent labels (in this case ligands) that allow confocal fluorescence microscopy Introduction to be used. This is an essential tool in the assessment and validation [6] of prospective bioimaging or therapeutic agents based on metal complexes. In particular, the design of The combination of a fluorophore (i.e. fluorescent ligand) with a theranostic agents [7] should benefit greatly from such as selected metal ion of bioimaging or therapeutic relevance and approach. confocal fluorescence microscopy is a powerful approach for investigating the biological behavior of metal complexes.[1] In this context, the fluorescent ligand should be compatible with the H N 2 excitation light sources of the microscope, and can help track the distribution of the complex in an intracellular environment. Of course, the ligand can also be designed to be biologically active, for example through interactions with biological molecules (e.g. DNA, proteins), and can thus deliver therapeutic activity in its own O N O O N O right. The choices of metal ion in such a complex also provides a rich gamut of design options, particularly if one considers the use of metallo-radionuclides.[2] Such ions can be used in positron N N [a] Dr. E.E. Langdon-Jones, Ms A.B. Jones, Dr. S.J.A. Pope Amonafide Azonafide School of Chemistry Cardiff University Cardiff, UK CF10 3AT Scheme 1. The molecular structures of amonafide and azonafide. E-mail: [b] Dr. C.F. Williams School of Engineering Cardiff University Early examples of this approach were described by Alberto and Cardiff, UK CF24 3AA co-workers and involved the development of fac-tricarbonyl [c] Dr. C.F. Williams, D. A.J. Hayes, Prof. D. Lloyd 99mTc(I) complexes. In these cases, either pyrene [8] or acridine School of Biosciences orange [9] based fluorophores were conjugated to the complex Cardiff University and allowed the cell uptake and nuclear targeting behavior of the Cardiff, UK CF10 3AT complexes to be established. More recently we have explored [d] Mr. H Mottram the use of substituted naphthalimide fluorophores as component School of Pharmacy of cell imaging agents. Ligands based upon 4-amino-1,8- Cardiff University Cardiff, UK CF10 3NB naphthalimide can be functionalised to allow conjugation with either Re(I) (via a dipicolyl amine unit) [10] or Au(I) (via a terminal Supporting information for this article is given via a link at the end of the alkyne).[11] In all of these cases the specific nature of document.((Please delete this text if not appropriate)) functionalization at the naphthalimide core promotes very distinct intracellular localisation patterns.[11] Interest in the For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER biological application and cell imaging capability of substituted i) ii) naphthalimide fluorophores has grown significantly over the last five years. Recent examples include antitumor [12] and antiviral O O O O O [13] derivatives, biocompatible fluorescent micelles for imaging iii) iv) [14], live cell imaging of metal ions,[15] mitochondrial localising NH2 two-photon absorption probes,[16] and imaging in live N N zebrafish.[17] v) N O N O O N O v) NH2 Our initial interest in naphthalimide derivatives [10,11] emanated O N O N2 from the biological properties of the structurally related species NH2 N1 O N O amonafide (Scheme 1), an anticancer drug [1,18] currently in N N phase III clinical trials.[19] However, the anthracene-1,9- N N dicarboximide derivative azonafide,[20] which is a prospective L1 L2 N N anticancer drug, has shown dramatically enhanced anticancer properties versus amonafide. Functionalised anthracene-1,9- vi) vi) dicarboximide derivatives were first developed in the 1980s by O Braña et al where their DNA intercalating properties were N BF4 BF4 investigated.[21] Subsequent work led to the development of O O azonafide (Scheme 1), and studies have examined the structure- N N N activity relationships of closely related species.[22] Generally, N Re CO O N Re CO azonafide derivatives have shown a greater potency when N CO N CO CO CO compared to amonafide, where the enhanced DNA binding [23] fac-[Re(CO)3(L1)]BF4 fac-[Re(CO)3(L2)]BF4 strength is thought to play an important role.[24] Scheme 2. Synthetic route to the ligands and complexes: i) oxalyl chloride, CS, 2 anhydrous AlCl; ii) NaOH, 30% HO, 1,4-dioxane; iii) 1,6-diaminohexane, 3 2 2 EtOH; iv) 1,2-ethylenediamine, EtOH; v) 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, 1,2- The reactivity and dimerization of anthracene-1,9-dicarboximide dichloroethane; (iv) fac-[Re(CO)(MeCN)]BF, CHCl. 3 3 4 3 derivatives have been reported [25] and anthracene-1,9- dicarboximide fluorophore can emit in the green part of the visible spectrum.[25] However it is remarkable that in the course of the For the synthesis (Scheme 2) of the fluorescent probes, biological studies of these species described earlier the anthracene–1,9–dicarboxylic anhydride (ADCA) was obtained via literature methods.[28] Treatment of ADCA with either 1,6- fluorescent properties have not been more widely exploited in a diaminohexane or 1,2-ethylenediamine in ethanol gave the amine bioimaging context. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, only one terminated imide intermediates, N1 and N2. These were then report (from 1999) exists on the investigation of azonafide treated with a one–pot reductive amination procedure using 2– analogues in a cell imaging context.[26] Interestingly, despite the pyridinecarboxaldehyde in the presence of triacetoxyborohydride demonstrated biological activity of azonafide-type species there in 1,2–dichloroethane. However, somewhat surprisingly, L2 was are no reports on the incorporation of the fluorescent anthracene- not isolable using this approach. Therefore as an alternative, N,N- 1,9-dicarboximide moiety into ligand architectures for bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (obtained from mono–BOC–protected 1,2–ethylenediamine) was reacted directly coordination complexes. This naturally raises the opportunity for with ADCA, giving L2 in high yield. Due to the potential light the design of dual-functional diagnostic imaging agents that can sensitivity of the compounds, as a precaution all reaction vessels also deliver therapy [27] and we herein report the first were wrapped in foil. The successful synthesis of both L1 and L2 investigation into the anticancer properties and cell imaging was confirmed using 1H, 13C{1H} NMR and IR (two distinct capabilities of metal complexes incorporating the anthracene-1,9- carbonyl stretches at ca. 1680 and 1650 cm-1) spectroscopies. HR dicarboximide fluorophore. mass spectrometry showed the [M]+ parent ion for L2, and [M+H]+ and [M+Na]+ cations for L1. The rhenium precursor complex fac-[Re(CO) (MeCN) ]BF was 3 3 4 reacted with the ligands in chloroform to give fac- [Re(CO) (L1)]BF and fac-[Re(CO) (L2)]BF . 1H NMR 3 4 3 4 spectroscopy showed a subtle shift in the imide N–CH 2 upon coordination, while the pyridyl methylene signal revealed a pronounced and characteristic appearance (SI, Fig S2) as a set of diastereotopic protons with a 2J geminal coupling [29] (16–17 HH Results and Discussion Hz). This is consistent with the formation of a rigid, facially capping chelating ligand. The observation of two CO stretching frequencies in the IR spectra of both complexes (ca. 2030 and Synthesis and Characterization 1905 cm-1) further supported the facially capped Re(I) geometry (consistent with an assumed pseudo C symmetry at Re). 3v For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER Furthermore, high resolution mass spectrometry confirmed the studies on Re(I) complexes of amino-substituted naphthalimides formulation of the complexes, showing [M]+ with the correct where the excited state is ICT dominated.[10,11] 185/187Re isotopic pattern in both cases. Table 1. Luminescence properties of the ligands and complexes. Compound [a] lem / nm[a, b] t / ns[c] F[a,d] L1 489 3.3, 10.6 - L2 490 16.0 - [Re(CO)(L1)]BF 489 6.7 0.36 3 4 [Re(CO)(L2)]BF 489 14.5 0.19 3 4 [a] MeCN; [b] λ = 425 nm, 5 × 10-5 M; [c] λ = 459 nm; [d] using exc exc [Ru(bipy) 3 ](PF 6 ) 2 in aerated MeCN as standard (F = 0.016).[32] Figure 1. UV–vis absorption profiles of the ligands and complexes in MeCN at 2.5 × 10-5 M. Inset shows an expansion of the visible region for L1. In photophysical studies, solutions of L1 and L2 were found to be highly emissive (Fig 1, Table 1) as aerated MeCN solutions. Using The solution state absorption spectra of L1 and L2 (Fig 1) were an excitation wavelength of 345–425 nm, L1–2 revealed a visible recorded as MeCN solutions at 2.5 × 10-5 M and were closely emission band peaking at 490 nm, with a lower energy shoulder comparable to related literature examples that are based on the at 510 nm (Fig 1), which are assigned to the anthracene-1,9- anthracene-1,9-dicarboximide chromophore.[30] Both ligands dicarboximide fluorophore. The corresponding excitation spectra showed two strong (ε >104 M-1cm-1) π–π* transitions in the UV revealed a band at 265 nm with an additional, weaker, structured region at 200-300 nm. In addition, a weaker (ca. ε = 8000 M-1cm- lower energy excitation band between 350–500 nm (Fig 1) that 1), broad and moderately structured low energy π–π* transition closely correlates with the observations from the UV-vis studies. was also observed at 350–480 nm. It is also likely that n–π* The emitting state of L1–2 is assigned to 1π–π* character, with transitions occur in this region, but possess lower molar examples showing weak vibronic structure consistent with the absorption coefficients. As expected, the length of the saturated rigid anthracene core. Time-resolved luminescence data was also alkyl linker had little effect on the absorption properties. The collected and both ligands showed lifetimes of <20 ns (Table 1), comparison to more common naphthalimide analogues [31] consistent with fluorescence (1π–π*). The data for L1 best fit to a shows that the extended π–system of L1 and L2 results in a bi–exponential decay, with a minor quenched species (3.3 ns, bathochromically shifted π–π* absorption profile. 34 %) and major, longer component (10.6 ns, 66 %). On the other hand, the lifetime of L2 was shown to be single component and relatively extended compared to L1. Luminescence data for fac-[Re(CO) (L)]BF showed that 3 4 coordination of the ligands to Re(I) had minimal effect upon the excitation and emission profiles (Fig 1) which were clearly ligand- dominated in both cases, although a minor shortening of the lifetimes was observed (Table 1). Both complexes displayed excellent quantum yields at 36 % and 19 % for fac- [Re(CO) (L1)]BF and fac-[Re(CO) (L2)]BF , respectively. The 3 4 3 4 luminescence studies revealed that the ligands and complexes should be ideally suited to confocal fluorescence microscopy. Anticancer properties and cell imaging studies Figure 2. Excitation (dashed) and emission (solid) spectra of L2 and corresponding Re(I) complex in MeCN at 5 × 10-5 M (λ = 425 nm). exc UV-vis spectroscopy on [Re(CO) (L)]BF were almost identical to 3 4 the free ligands. The lack of perturbation by the cationic Re(I) complex unit again suggests electronic transitions that are dominated by π–π* transitions and contrasts with our previous For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER Confocal fluorescence microscopy was conducted to assess the cell imaging capability of these new fluorophores. The compounds were incubated with Schizosaccharomyces pombe Table 2. Cytotoxicity IC 50 (µM) values of the ligands and (S. pombe - fission yeast cells) and MCF7 breast cancer cells. complexes.[a] The uptake for L1 and L2 into S. pombe was substantially Compound [a] LOVO A549 PC3 MCF7 improved once higher incubation concentrations were utilized and resulted in bright emission. L1 had the better uptake into all cells, L1 5.32 6.46 8.72 1.92 showing the advantageous lipophilicity of the hexyl chain, and (0.14) (1.27) (0.94) (0.40) revealed distinct foci of staining. Lambda scans for imaged cells revealed an emission profile consistent with the presence of the L2 29.25 55.37 66.14 57.41 fluorophore. For MCF7 cells, L1 again revealed bright emission (2.76) (5.44) (4.65) (1.30) with a small amount of precipitate. General cytoplasmic labeling [Re(CO)(L1)]BF 7.84 75.04 7.54 6.20 was observed with distinct foci of emission. No nuclear 3 4 penetration was observed, which we have also noted for amino- (0.26) (0.55) (0.50) (0.16) substituted naphthalimide fluorophores,[10] but faint membrane [Re(CO)(L2)]BF 5.74 6.02 6.31 6.05 staining revealed slight membrane blebbing, possibly indicating 3 4 cell apoptosis, consistent with the cytotoxicity data for L1 (IC <2 (0.40) (0.39) (0.28) (0.40) 50 µM vs MCF7). Imaging of MCF7 cells with L2 was not as successful with reduced uptake and precipitate sitting around or [a] using MTT assay; standard deviation given in on top of the cells. parentheses. Before assessment of the cell imaging capabilities, the ligands and complexes were analysed for cytotoxicity effects using the standard MTT assay against LOVO (colon adenocarcinoma), A549 (lung adenocarcinoma), PC3 (prostate adenocarcinoma) and MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines. The IC values 50 obtained from these assays are shown in Table 2. From the results it is clear that all compounds show a strong degree of toxicity to the four cancer cell lines, although not at the very high Figure 4. Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of S. pombe yeast cells potency demonstrated by azonafide (IC <0.1 µM vs MCF7).[33] 50 L2 appears to be the least toxic compound, whilst L1 is the most with fac-[Re(CO) 3 (L2)]BF 4 showing: (left) green fluorescence from the complex toxic, particularly with MCF7, which may be attributable to the (λ exc = 405 nm; λ em = 480–540 nm) and (right) transmitted light image. greater lipophilicity of the latter. It is noteworthy that the anticancer potency of the ligands is generally retained (L1) or enhanced (L2) upon complexation to Re(I). Thus, the effect of complexation was For the complexes, significant differences were observed for the more pronounced for L2, with the resultant complex showing IC 50 imaging capability and cellular localization characteristics. Firstly, values around 6 µM for all four cell lines. Interestingly for fac- in S. pombe, fac-[Re(CO) (L1)]BF showed weaker emission than [Re(CO) (L1)]BF the toxicity towards A549 cells was reduced by 3 4 3 4 an order of magnitude versus the other cell lines. L1; whilst fac-[Re(CO) 3 (L1)]BF 4 was taken up by most of the cells, the faint emission revealed little detail. Imaging studies on the S. pombe cells showed a viable population count of 84 % after imaging against the unstained control. fac-[Re(CO) (L2)]BF was 3 4 only seen to label a subset of cells, possibly indicating organisms at a specific cell division cycle stage (SI, Fig. S4-S5) that was supported by the observation of ruffled membranes. During the S. pombe imaging with fac-[Re(CO) (L2)]BF , studies 3 4 showed extensive red/green channel bleed-through, consistent with a broad emission peak from the fluorophore. This was further supported with a Lambda scan (SI, Fig. S6) revealing a broadened peak at ca. 545 nm (cf Table 1). Similar behaviour is Figure 3. Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of MCF7 cells with L1 showing: (left) green fluorescence from L1 (λ = 405 nm; λ =480–560 nm) known for the commercially available JC-1, a fluorophore that exc em and (right) transmitted light image. localizes within mitochondria by a reversible two-stage accumulation across plasma membranes and mitochondrial inner membranes, dependent on their electrochemical potentials.[34] For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER JC-1 produces green fluorescence as a monomer and red fluorescence upon J-aggregate formation that occurs in high potential membranes.[35] For comparison, the uptake of JC-1 by S. pombe was relatively poor (SI, Fig. S7), but did allow direct observation of the dual green/red emission via the different wavelength detection ranges. Figure 6. Confocal fluorescence microscopy images of MCF7 cells imaged using the Re(I) fluorophores. Left: with fac-[Re(CO)(L2)](BF) showing both 3 4 nucleoli; center: with fac-[Re(CO)(L2)](BF) showing membrane staining; right: 3 4 with fac-[Re(CO)(L1)](BF) showing vacuoles or vesicles (all images λ =405 3 4 exc nm; λ =480–540 nm). em Conclusions In this paper we have shown that anthracene-1,9-dicarboximide ligand derivatives can be developed as fluorescent cell imaging probes. All compounds show anticancer potency, although at a level reduced from that of azonafide. Initial studies, showed that Figure 5. Concentration dependent emission of fac-[Re(CO)(L2)]BF in MeCN the cytotoxicity and cell imaging capability may be dependent 3 4 (using λ = 425 nm). upon the subtle variations in the ligand structure and the overall exc lipophilicity of the fluorophores. Further co-localisation studies are required to elucidate the intracellular behaviour. Future studies The potential of aggregation was investigated via concentration will also assess the toxicity of these and related species against dependent fluorescence studies on fac-[Re(CO) (L2)]BF . non-cancerous cell lines and attempt to identify the mode of action 3 4 Spectra (Fig. 5) revealed a reversible, bathochromic shift (from of this new class of complex. 490 nm to ca. 680 nm) upon increasing concentration (5.0 × 10-5 M to 2.9 × 10-2 M). The spectroscopic studies suggest that an emission peak at 545 nm (cf microscopy lambda scan) Experimental Section corresponds to a concentration of ca. 5.0 × 10-3 M for the complex. The reversibility (upon dilution) of this aggregation negates the possibility of photoreactivity and/or photocyclisation of the Cell incubation and confocal microscopy anthracene-1,9-dicarboximide core. While these observations are reminiscent of the excimer formation in polyaromatic compounds such as pyrene and anthracene, it is notable that the fluorophores The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972 h- was grown in 20 in this study present very large bathochromic shifts. mL medium containing glucose (1%), peptone (1%), and yeast extract (0.3%) in Ehrlenmeyer flasks shaken at 30°C for 2 days, when glucose utilisation was complete. Washed once in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline, Imaging of MCF7 cells with fac-[Re(CO) (L1)]BF and fac- 3 4 pH 7.4) after centrifugation at 1000 g for 2 min, they were incubated 30 [Re(CO) 3 (L2)]BF 4 showed that some of the stained cells had an min with fluorophores in DMSO at 100 µg.mL-1 (final concentrations in unhealthy 'foamy' appearance with some membrane blebbing, growth medium) at 20°C before washing again in PBS. JC-1 was used at indicating apoptosis. This is consistent with the cytotoxicity data 10 µg.mL-1. Human MCF7 adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells (from showing relatively low IC values for MCF7. However, fac- 50 European Collection of Cell Cultures, Porton Down, Wiltshire, UK) were [Re(CO) (L1)]BF again showed very bright green emission that 3 4 maintained by subculture every five days in Dulbeco’s Modified Eagle’s revealed many round intracellular structures with stained medium plus 10% foetal bovine serum, penicillin and streptomycin. membranes (Fig 6). Uptake of fac-[Re(CO) (L2)]BF into MCF7 3 4 Detached from the plastic flasks using trypsin EDTA solution, they were was much improved when compared to L2, presumably due to washed and re-suspended in excess volume of growth medium. The cell the overall cationic charge of the complex.[36] fac- suspensions were distributed into 1 mL aliquots: fluorophores in DMSO at [Re(CO) (L2)]BF was seen to stain the plasma and nuclear 3 4 100 µg.mL-1 (final concentrations in growth medium). Preparations were membranes (Fig 6) in a similar fashion to L1. Thus, despite the viewed by epifluorescence and transmitted light (Nomarski differential comparable cytotoxicities of the agents, different MCF7 interference contrast optics) using a Leica TCS SP2 AOBS confocal laser localization patterns were observed from the two complexes. microscope (Leica, Germany) using ´63 or ´100 objectives, ´4 zoom For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER factor and laser power of 20 %. Excitation of the fluorophore was at 405 and the data fits yielded the lifetime values using the provided DAS6 nm using a diode laser, with detection between 480–540 nm (and 630– deconvolution software. Quantum yield measurements were obtained on 690 nm to probe red emission). Initial imaging yielded minimal aerated MeCN solutions of the complexes using [Ru(bpy)](PF) in 3 62 fluorescence so the concentration of the fluorophore was increased to 100 aerated MeCN as a standard (Φ = 0.016).[32] μg.mL–1 final concentration, which was then incubated with the cells at room temperature for a further 30 minutes. All reactions were performed with the use of vacuum line and Schlenk techniques. Reagents were commercial grade and used without further Cytotoxicity assessment via MTT assay purification. fac-[Re(CO)(MeCN)]BF [38] and N-Boc- 3 3 4 ethylenediamine,[39] and bis(pyridin–2–ylmethyl)ethane–1,2–diamine [40] were prepared according to the literature. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was assessed using the colorimetric and quantitative MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, first reported by Mosmann.[37] Quantification was Synthesis of (N–1',6'–diaminohexyl)–anthracene–1,9–dicarboximide achieved using a multi-well scanning spectrophotometer and reported as (N1) an IC value. 50 1,6–diaminohexane (0.61 mL, 4.66 mmol) was added to anthracene–1,9– Method for cytotoxicity analysis dicarboxylic anhydride (289 mg, 1.16 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) and heated at reflux, under a nitrogen atmosphere for 48 hours. After cooling the ethanol was removed in vacuo and the product dissolved in minimal Anti-tumor evaluation in MCF7, LOVO, A549 and PC3 cell lines was chloroform. Water was added and the product neutralized with 1M HCl performed by MTT assay. Compounds were prepared as 0.1–100 mM after which the mixture was paper filtered into a separating funnel. The stock solutions dissolved in DMSO and stored at -20 °C. Cells were crude product was washed with copious amounts of water, dried over seeded into 96-well microtitre plates at a density of 5 × 103 cells per well MgSO 4 and filtered. The solvent was reduced to a minimal volume, and and allowed 24 h to adhere. Decimal compound dilutions were prepared precipitation was induced with diethyl ether, allowing subsequent filtration in medium immediately prior to each assay (final concentration 0.1–100 and drying to afford the intermediate product N1 as a brown solid. Yield: µM). Experimental medium was DMEM +10% FCS (PC3 and Lovo) or 153 mg, 36 %. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ H = 9.79 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 9.1 RPMI +10% heat inactivated FCS (A549 and MCF7). Following 96 h Hz), 8.56 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 7.0 Hz), 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.12 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 8.4 Hz), compound exposure at 37 °C, 5% CO 2 , MTT reagent (Sigma Aldrich) was 7.90 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 8.4 Hz), 7.69 (app. t, 1H, 3J HH = 7.0 Hz), 7.56 (dd, 1H, added to each well (final concentration 0.5 mg/ml). Incubation at 37 °C for J HH = 8.5, 6.9 Hz), 7.50 (app. t, 1H, 3J HH = 7.9 Hz), 4.15 (t, 2H, 3J HH = 7.8 4 h allowed reduction of MTT by viable cells to an insoluble formazan Hz, CH 2 ), 2.69–2.60 (broad m, 2H), 1.83–1.69 (broad m, 4H), 1.57–1.35 product. MTT was removed and formazan solubilized by addition of 10% (broad m, 4H) ppm. Triton X-100 in PBS. Absorbance was read on a Tecan Sunrise spectrophotometer at 540 nm as a measure of cell viability; thus inhibition relative to control was determined (IC 50 ) from four independent sets of data Synthesis of (N’,N’–bis(pyridin–2–ylmethyl) hexyldiamine)– and the standard deviations calculated from these data sets. anthracene–1,9–dicarboximide (L1) General N1 (0.117 g, 0.34 mmol) was added to a solution of 2– pyridinecarboxaldehyde (0.1 mL, 0.98 mmol) in 1,2–dichloroethane (5 mL) and stirred for 2 hours at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. 1H and 13C-{1H} NMR spectra were recorded on an NMR-FT Bruker 400 Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.214 g, 1.01 mmol) was then added, and and 250 MHz spectrometer and recorded in CDCl. 1H and 13C{1H} NMR the mixture was stirred for a further 4 days. The solution was then 3 chemical shifts (δ) were determined relative to residual solvent peaks with neutralized with saturated aq. NaHCO 3 , and the product was extracted digital locking and are given in ppm. Low-resolution mass spectra were using CHCl 3 . The organic layer was washed with water (3 × 25 mL) and obtained by the staff at Cardiff University. High-resolution mass spectra brine (2 × 25 mL) and then dried over MgSO 4 . Following filtration, the were carried out at the EPSRC National Mass Spectrometry Facility at solvent was reduced in vacuo and purified via column chromatography, Swansea University. UV-Vis studies were performed on a Jasco V-570 washed with dichloromethane and eluted with a 95:5 mixture of spectrophotometer as MeCN solutions (2.5 or 5 × 10-5 M). Photophysical DCM:MeOH. Removal of the solvent in vacuo afforded L1 as a brown oil. data were obtained on a JobinYvon–Horiba Fluorolog spectrometer fitted Yield: 62 mg, 27 %. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ H = 9.94 (d, 1H, 3J HH = with a JY TBX picosecond photodetection module as MeCN solutions. 9.1 Hz), 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.69 (dd, 1H, 3J HH = 7.1 Hz, 3J HH = 7.0 Hz), 8.52– Emission spectra were uncorrected and excitation spectra were instrument 8.47 (m, 2H), 8.28 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 7.8 Hz), 8.05 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 8.4 Hz), 7.79 corrected. The pulsed source was a Nano-LED configured for 459 nm (dd, 1H, 3J HH = 6.7, 6.6 Hz), 7.68–7.49 (m, 6H), 7.12–7.04 (m, 2H), 4.19 (t, output operating at 1 MHz. Luminescence lifetime profiles were obtained 2H, 3J HH = 7.7 Hz, CH 2 ), 3.78 (s, 4H), 2.56–2.48 (m, 2H), 1.80–1.65 (broad using the JobinYvon–Horiba FluoroHub single photon counting module m, 2H), 1.65−1.51 (broad m, 2H), 1.44–1.32 (broad m, 4H) ppm; 13C{1H} For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER NMR (75 MHz, CDCl): δ = 165.3 (CO), 163.8 (CO), 149.1, 136.6, 136.4, Prepared as for fac–[Re(CO)(L1)]BF using fac-[Re(CO)(MeCN)]BF 3 C 3 4 3 3 4 134.9, 133.6, 133.5, 132.7, 131.4, 129.9, 129.0, 128.6, 127.8, 127.4, 127.3, (83 mg, 0.17 mmol) and L2 (82 mg, 0.17 mmol) to give fac– 126.9, 126.6, 125.6, 123.1, 122.1 ppm; HRMS (ES+) found m/z 529.2588; [Re(CO)(L2)]BF as a yellow powder. Yield = 88 mg, 67 %. 1H NMR (400 3 4 calculated 529.2598 for [C H NO]+. IR (solid) ν = 1685, 1647 cm−1. MHz, (CDCN): δ = 9.62 (d, 1H, 3J = 9.7 Hz), 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.72 (d, 1H, 34 33 4 2 CO 3 H HH UV−Vis (MeCN): λ (ε/M−1 cm−1) = 457 (3100), 433 (4500), 406 (3300), J = 7.0 Hz), 8.62 (d, 2H), 8.38 (d, 1H, 3J = 8.0 Hz), 8.17 (d, 1H, 3J = max HH HH HH 378 (4100), 360 (1900), 265 (56600) nm. 8.0 Hz), 7.92–7.75 (m, 5H), 7.72 (app. t, 1H), 7.61 (app. t, 1H), 7.31–7.11 (m, 2H, overlapping with residual CHCl peak), 5.61 (d, 2H, 2J = 16.8 Hz, 3 HH 1/2 × 2CH), 4.84 (overlapping m, 4H, including d, 2H, 2J = 16.8 Hz, 1/2 2 HH Synthesis of (N’,N’–bis(pyridin–2–ylmethyl)ethyldiamine)– × 2CH 2 ), 4.1 (t, 2H, 3J HH = 6.2 Hz, CH 2 ) ppm. 13C{1H} NMR (150 MHz, anthracene–1,9–dicarboximide (L2) CD 3 CN): δ C = 196.1 (CO), 194.8 (CO), 165.2 (CO), 163.7 (CO), 160.2, 152.2, 140.5, 137.6, 136.0, 133.8, 133.3, 132.4, 131.8, 130.3, 129.0, 128.5, 126.6, 126.0, 125.8, 125.7, 123.7, 123.6, 122.2, 67.8, 66.7, 36.3 ppm. Prepared as for N1 but using bis(pyridin–2–ylmethyl)ethane–1,2–diamine HRMS (EI+) found m/z = 743.1290; calculated 743.1300 for (106 mg, 0.50 mmol) and anthracene–1,9–dicarboxylic anhydride (122 mg, [C 41 H 40 N 4 O 5 Re]+. IR (solid) ν CO = 2033, 1906, 1719, 1690 cm-1. UV-vis 0.50 mmol) with heating for 72 hours to afford L2 as a dark orange powder. (MeCN): λ max (ε /M-1cm-1) = 436 (3200), 202 (29800), 262 (33400), 355 Yield = 123 mg, 98 %. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl): δ = 9.90 (d, 1H, 3J (1700), 377 (3000) nm. 3 H HH = 9.9 Hz), 8.87 (s, 1H), 8.68 (d, 1H, d, 3J = 7.6 Hz), 8.39 (d, 1H, 3J = HH HH 9.3 Hz), 8.35 (d, 2H, 3J = 3.3 Hz), 8.14 (d, 1H, 3J = 7.7 Hz), 7.80 (app. HH HH t, 1H, 3J = 7.2 Hz), 7.75 (app. t, 1H, 3J = 7.8 Hz), 7.65 (app. t, 1H, 3J Acknowledgements HH HH HH = 7.2 Hz), 7.22 (d, 2H, 3J = 9.3 Hz), 7.09 (app. t, 2H, 3J = 7.2 Hz), 6.87 HH HH (app. t, 2H, 3J HH = 6.0 Hz), 4.51 (t, 2H, 3J HH = 6.2 Hz, CH 2 ), 3.90 (s, 4H, We thank Cardiff University for financial support and the staff of CH 2 ), 2.97 (t, 2H, 3J HH = 6.2 Hz, CH 2 ) ppm; 13C{1H} NMR (75 MHz, CDCl 3 ) the EPSRC Mass Spectrometry National Service (University of δ C = 165.0 (CO), 163.6 (CO), 159.8, 148.8, 136.4, 136.2, 135.1, 133.7, Swansea) for providing MS data. 133.5, 132.6, 131.3, 129.8, 128.9, 128.4, 127.0, 126.6, 125.6, 122.9, 122.7, 77.6, 77.2, 76.7, 60.4, 52.0, 38.1 ppm. HRMS (EI+) found m/z = 473.1967; Keywords: fluorescence • cell imaging • rhenium • azonafide • calculated 473.1972 for [C H NO]+. IR (solid) ν = 1680, 1660 cm-1. 38 40 4 2 CO anticancer UV-vis (MeCN): λ (ε /M-1cm-1) = 428 (7300), 373 (9000), 360 (3800), max 265 (79600), 219 (28900) nm. [1] See: The Chemistry of Molecular Imaging Eds. N. Long, W-T. Wong, Wiley: New Jersey, 2015 and references therein. [2] O.F. Ikotun, S.E. Lapi, Future Med. Chem. 2011, 3, 599-621. Synthesis of fac–[Re(CO)(L1)]BF [3] J.R. Dilworth, P.S. Donnelly, in Therapeutic Rhenium 3 4 Radiopharmaceuticals – In Metallotherapeutics – The Use of Metal- Based Drugs in Medicine, 2005, 463; A.R. Cowley, J.R. Dilworth, P.S. Donnelly, S.J. Ross, Dalton Trans. 2007, 73-82; B. Lambert, K. Bacher, L1 (63 mg, 0.12 mmol) and fac–[Re(CO)(MeCN)]BF (54 mg, 0.14 mmol) 3 3 4 L. Defreyne, J. Nucl. Med. Mol. Imaging 2009, 53, 305-310; Dilworth, were dissolved in CHCl (10 mL) and heated at reflux under a nitrogen 3 J.R.; Parrott, S.J.; Chem. Soc. Rev. 1998, 27, 43-55; P.J. Blower, J.R. atmosphere for 12 hours. Reaction progression was monitored by a 14:2:1 Dilworth, R.I. Maurer, G.D. Mullen, C.A. Reynolds, Zheng, J. Inorg. mix of HO:MeCN:sat. KNO. Upon completion the reaction mixture was Biochem. 2001, 85, 15-22; R. Alberto, K. Ortner, N. Wheatley, R. Schibli, 2 3 allowed to cool, the solvent was reduced to 1−2 mL, and precipitation was P.A. Schubiger, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 3135-3136 [4] J.M. Jeong, J-K. Chung, Cancer Biother. Radiopharm. 2004, 18, 707- induced with the addition of diethyl ether. The product was collected by 717; Chen, Y.; Xiong, Q-F.; X-Q. Yang, L. He, Z-W. Huang, Am. J. filtration and washed with diethyl ether, to give fac-[Re(CO)(L1)]BF as a 3 4 Roentgen. 2010, 194, 761-765; B. Lambert, J.M. de Klerk, Nucl. Med. yellow solid. Yield: 61.0 mg, 61 %. 1H NMR (400 MHz, (CDCl): δ = 10.01 3 H Commun. 2006, 27, 223-229. (d, 1H, 3J HH = 9.6 Hz), 8.87 (s, 1H), 8.78 (dd, 1H, J HH = 7.2, 7.1 Hz), 8.68– [5] S.L. Pimlott, A. Sutherland, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2011, 40, 149-162. 8.65 (m, 2H), 8.39 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 8.0 Hz), 8.14 (d, 1H, 3J HH = 8.0 Hz), 7.85– [6] K.A. Stephenson, S.R. Banerjee, T. Besanger, O.O. Sogbein, M.K. 7.74 (m, 7H), 7.24–7.19 (m, 2H), 5.27 (d, 2H, 2J = 16.8 Hz, 1/2 × 2CH), Levadala, N. McFarlane, J.A. Lemon, D.R. Boreham, K.P. Maresca, J.D. HH 2 4.43 (d, 2H, 2J = 16.4 Hz, 1/2 × 2CH), 4.31 (t, 2H, 3J = 8.0 Hz, CH), Brennan, J.W. Babich, J. Zubieta, J.F. Valliant, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, HH 2 HH 2 126, 8598-8599; A.F. Armstrong, J.M. Lebert, J.D. Brennan, J.F. Valliant, 3.79–3.68 (broad m, 2H), 2.14–1.99 (broad m, 2H), 1.93–1.81 (broad m, Organometallics 2009, 28, 2986-2992; D.K. Emerson, K.K. Limmer, D.J. 2H), 1.68−1.49 (broad m, 4H) ppm. HRMS (ES+) found m/z 799.1917; Hall, S-H. Han, W.C. Eckelman, C.J. Kane, A.M. Wallace, D.R. Vera, calculated 799.1927 for [C H NORe]+. IR (solid) ν = 2027, 1904, 37 32 4 5 CO Radiology 2012, 265, 186-193; Y. Yang, L. Zhu, M. Cui, R. Tang, H. 1645, 1610 cm−1. UV−Vis (MeCN): λ max (ε/M−1cm−1) = 456 (4200), 432 Zhang, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2010, 20, 5337-5344; F.L. Thorp- (5900), 408 (4400), 377 (5200), 359 (2600), 264 (40000), 243 (36000), 236 Greenwood, M.P. Coogan, Dalton Trans. 2011, 40, 6129-6143; P. (34300) nm. Hafliger, N. Agorastos, B. Spingler, O. Georgiev, G. Viola, R. Alberto, ChemBioChem 2005, 6, 414-421; V. Polyakov, V. Sharma, J.L. Dahlheimer, C.M. Pica, G.D. Luker, D. Piwnica-Worms, Bioconj. Chem. 2000, 11, 762-771; K.P. Maresca, S.M. Hillier, F.J. Femia, C.N. Synthesis of fac–[Re(CO)(L2)]BF 3 4 Zimmerman, M.K. Levadala, S.R. Banerjee, J. Hicks, C. Sundararajan, J. Valliant, J. Zubieta, W.C. Eckelman, J.L. Joyal, J.W. Babich, Bioconj. Chem. 2009, 20, 1625-1633; M. Sagnou, S. Tzanopoulou, C.P. For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 FULL PAPER Raptopoulou, V. Psycharis, H. Braband, R. Alberto, I.C. Pirmettis, M. [23] S. Bear, W.A. Remers, J. Computer-Aided Mol. Des. 1996, 10, 165-175. Papadopoulous, M. Pelecanou, Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2012, 4279-4286. [24] S. M. Sami, R. T. Dorr, D. S. Alberts, A. M. Sólyom, W. A. Remers, J. [7] S.S. Kelkar, T.M. Reineke, Bioconjugate Chem. 2011, 22, 1879-1903; R. Med. Chem. 1996, 39, 4978-4987 Kumar, W.S. Shin, K. Sunwoo, W.Y. Kim, S. Koo, S. Bhuniya, J.S. Kim, [25] H. Langhals, G. Schonmann, K. Polborn, Chem. Eur. J. 2008, 14, 5290- Chem. Soc. Rev. 2015, 44, 6670-6683. 5303. [8] N. Agorastos, L. Borsig, A. Renard, P. Antoni, G. Viola, B. Spingler, P. [26] C. A. Mayr, S. M. Sami, W. A. Remers, R. T. Dorr, Anti-Cancer Drugs Kurz, R. Alberto, Chem. Eur. J. 2007, 13, 3842-3852. 1999, 10, 163-170. [9] P. Haefliger, N. Agorastos, A. Renard, G. Giambonini-Brugnoli, C. Marty, [27] L.E. Jennings, N.J. Long, Chem. Commun. 2009, 3511-3524; S. R. Alberto Bioconjugate Chem. 2005, 16, 582-587. Faulkner, N.J. Long, Dalton Trans. 2011, 40, 6067; F.L. Thorp- [10] E.E. Langdon-Jones, N.O. Symonds, S.E. Yates, A.J. Hayes, D. Lloyd, Greenwood, M.P. Coogan, Dalton Trans. 2011, 40, 6129-6143. R. Williams, S.J. Coles, P.N. Horton, S.J.A. Pope, Inorg. Chem. 2014, [28] J. H. Yao, C. Chi, J. Wu, K-P. Loh, Chem. Eur. J. 2009, 15, 9299-9302 53, 3788-3797 [29] L. A. Mullice, R. H. Laye, L. P. Harding, N. J. Buurma, S. J. A. Pope, New [11] E.E. Langdon-Jones, D. Lloyd, A.J. Hayes, S.D. Wainwright, H.J. J. Chem. 2008, 32, 2140-2149 Mottram, S.J. Coles, P.N. Horton, S.J.A. Pope, Inorg. Chem. 2015, 54, [30] J. Gawroński, K. Gawrońska, P. Skowronek, A. Holmén, J. Org. Chem. 6606-6615. 1999, 64, 234-241 [12] I. Ott, Y. Xu, J. Liu, M. Kokoschka, M. Harlos, W.S. Sheldrick, X.H. Qian, [31] S. Banerjee, E.B. Veale, C.M. Phelan, S.A. Murphy, G.M. Tocci, L.J. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2008, 16, 7107-7116. Gillespie, D.O. Frimannsson, J.M. Kelly, T. Gunnlaugsson, Chem. Soc. [13] D. Rideout, R. Schinazi, C. D. Pauza, K. Lovelace, L. C. Chiang, T. Rev. 2013, 42, 1601-1618. Calogeropoulou, M. McCarthy, J. H. Elder, J. Cell. Biochem. 1993, 51, [32] M. Frank, M. Nieger, F. Vogtle, P. Belser, A. von Zelewsky, L. de Cola, 446-457 V. Balzani, F. Barigelletti, L. Flamigni, Inorg. Chim. Acta 1996, 242, [14] B-Y. Liu, W-W. Wu, N. Wang, X-Q. Yu, Polym. Chem. 2015, 6, 364-368. 281−291 [15] C. Satriano, G.T. Sfrazzetto, M.E. Amato, F.P. Ballistreri, A. Copani, M.L. [33] S.M. Sami, R.T. Dorr, D.S. Alberts, A.M. Solyom, W.A. Remers, J. Med. Giuffrida, G. Grasso, A. Pappalardo, E. Rizzarelli, G.A. Tomaselli, R.M. Chem. 2000, 43, 3067-3073. Toscano, Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 5565-5567; M. Vonlanthen, C.M. [34] in The Molecular Probes Handbook: A Guide to Fluorescent Probes and Connelly, A. Deiters, A. Linden, N.S. Finney, J. Org. Chem. 2014, 79, Labeling Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., 11th edn., 2010, 6054-6060. ch. 12.2 [16] Y. Dai, B-K. Lv, X-F. Zhang, Y. Xiao, Chin. Chem. Lett. 2014, 25, 1001- [35] S. T. Smiley, M. Reers, C. Mottola-Hartshorn, M. Lin, A. Chen, T. W. 1005. Smith, G. D. Steele Jr., L. B. Chen, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1991, [17] S-A. Choi, C.S. Park, O.S. Kwon, H-K. Giong, J-S. Lee, T.H. Ha, C-S. 88, 3671-3675 Lee, Sci. Rep. 2016, 6, 26203. [36] A.J. Amoroso, M.P. Coogan, J.E. Dunne, V. Fernandez-Moreira, J.B. [18] A. Wu, P. Mei, Y. Xu X. Qian, Chem. Biol. Drug Des. 2011, 78, 941-947; Hess, A.J. Hayes, D. Lloyd, C. Millet, S.J.A. Pope, C. Williams, Chem. C. A. Mayr, S. M. Sami, W. A. Remers, R. T. Dorr, Drug Metab. Dispos. Commun. 2007, 3066-3068; A.J. Amoroso, R.J. Arthur, M.P. Coogan, 1998, 26, 105-109 J.B. Court, V. Fernandez-Moreira, A.J. Hayes, D. Lloyd, C. Millet, S.J.A. [19] R.M. Stone, E. Mazzola, D. Neuberg, S.L. Allen, A. Pigneux, R.K. Stuart, Pope, New J. Chem. 2008, 32, 1097-1102; R.G. Balasingham, F.L. M. Wetzler, D. Rizzieri, H.P. Erba, L. Damon, J-H. Jang, M.S. Tallman, Thorp-Greenwood, C.F. Williams, M.P. Coogan, S.J.A. Pope, Inorg. K. Warzocha, T. Masszi, M.A. Sekeres, M. Egyed, H-A. Horst, D. Chem. 2012, 51, 1419-1426; V. Fernandez-Moreira, F.L. Thorp- Selleslag, S.R. Solomon, P. Venugopal, A.S. Lundberg, B. Powell, J. Clin. Greenwood, M.P. Coogan, Chem. Commun. 2010, 46, 186-202; K.K-W. Oncol. 2015, 33, 1252-1257. Lo, A.W-T. Choi, W.H-T. Law, Dalton Trans. 2012, 41, 6021-6047 [20] G.R. Weiss, H.A. Burris III, J.R. Eckardt, S. Fields, T. O’Rourke, G.I. [37] T. Mosmann, J. Immunol. Methods 1983, 65, 55-63 Rodriguez, M.L. Rothenberg, Cancer Chemother. Biol. Response [38] J.V. Casper, T.J. Meyer, J. Phys. Chem. 1983, 87, 952-957 Modifiers Annu. 1994, 15, 130-151 [39] S.R. Chhabra, A. Mahajan, W.C. Chan, J. Org. Chem. 2002, 67, 4017- [21] M.F. Braña, J.M. Castellano, C.M. Roldan, A. Santos, A. Jimenez, 4029. Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol. 1980, 4, 61-66; M. F. Braña, A.M. Sanz, [40] S. Mizukami, S. Okada, S. Kimura, K. Kikuchi, Inorg. Chem. 2009, 48, J.M. Castellano, C.M. Roldan, C. Roldan, Eur. J. Med. Chem. 1981, 16, 7630-7638. 207-212 [22] S. M. Sami, R. T. Dorr, A. M. Sólyom, D. S. Alberts, W.A. Remers, J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 983-993; M. C. Sharma, S. Sharma, P. Sharma, A. Kumar, Med. Chem. Res. 2013, 22, 5772-5788 For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. FULL PAPER Entry for the Table of Contents (Please choose one layout) Layout 1: FULL PAPER Fluorescent anthracene-1,9- Emily E. Langdon-Jones, Ariana B. dicarboximide derivatives have been Jones, Catrin F. Williams, Anthony J. developed as ligands for Re(I). The Hayes, David Lloyd, Huw J. Mottram, ligands and complexes show and Simon J.A. Pope* anticancer behaviour and can be applied to fluorescence cell imaging Page No. – Page No. using MCF7 and S. pombe cells. ((Insert TOC Graphic here: max. Anticancer, azonafide-inspired width: 5.5 cm; max. height: 5.0 cm)) fluorescent ligands and their rhenium(I) complexes for cellular imaging 350 550 750 Layout 2: FULL PAPER Author(s), Corresponding Author(s)* ((Insert TOC Graphic here; max. width: 11.5 cm; max. height: 2.5 cm)) Page No. – Page No. Title Text for Table of Contents For internal use, please do not delete. Submitted_Manuscript ytisnetnI ecnecseroulF European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 10.1002/ejic.201601271 MCF7 cell imaging wavelength/nm This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.