Application of constrained aza-valine analogs for Smac mimicry

Constrained azapeptides were designed based on the Ala-Val-Pro-Ile sequence from the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) protein and tested for ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Diels-Alder cyclizations and Alder-ene reactions on azopeptides enabled construction of a set of constrained aza-valine dipeptide building blocks, that were introduced into mimics using effective coupling conditions to acylate bulky semicarbazide residues. Evaluation of azapeptides 7-11 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells indicated aza-cyclohexanylglycyine analog 11 induced cell death more efficiently than the parent tetrapeptide likely by a caspase-9 mediated apoptotic pathway. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 235-244, 2016.