Structure-based design, synthesis and biochemical testing of novel and potent Smac peptido-mimetics.

Structure-based design, chemical synthesis and biochemical testing of a series of novel Smac peptido-mimetics as inhibitors of XIAP protein are described. The most potent compound, 6j, has a binding affinity (K(i) value) of 24 nM to XIAP BIR3 protein and is 24 times more potent than the native Smac AVPI peptide. Further optimization of these potent Smac mimetics may ultimately lead to the development of a novel class of anticancer drugs for the treatment of human cancer by overcoming apoptosis-resistance of cancer cells through targeting the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins.