10.1039/c0dt01176b
The research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of copper(II) complexes of hybrid hydroxyquinoline-thiosemicarbazone ligands, which are designed to inhibit glycogen synthase kinase 3b (GSK3b) by increasing intracellular copper concentrations. The study investigates the potential of these complexes as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease, which is associated with the hyper-phosphorylation of the protein tau due to increased GSK3b activity. The experiments involve the synthesis of tetradentate hybrid proligands and their copper(II) complexes, which are characterized using techniques such as single crystal X-ray crystallography, electrochemical analysis, and UV/Vis absorbance to assess stability. The complexes are tested for cell membrane permeability in neuronal-like SH-SY5Y cells, and their effects on intracellular copper concentrations and GSK3b inhibition are evaluated. The reactants used include 2-formyl-8-hydroxyquinoline, 4-N-substituted-3-thiosemicarbazides, and copper(II)acetate, while analyses employed encompass inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for metal content, Western blot for protein analysis, and various spectroscopic methods to confirm complex formation and purity.