Progress of the anti-tumor mechanisms of Smac mimics

Abstract

The tolerance of tumor cells to treatment factors is the main reason to limit the therapeutic effect. The high expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) is an important factor in the development of therapeutic resistance in tumor cells. As an effective pro-apoptotic protein, the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac) can significantly enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemoradiotherapy and promote the apoptosis of tumor cells. However, exogenous Smac protein and its active groups can not enter the tumor cells and play their functions. Therefore, the researches on Smac mimics and their functional mechanism have become the focus of attention of researchers. In this paper, the research progress of Smac mimics and their anti-tumor mechanisms were reviewed. Key words: Smac mimics; Inhilitor of apoptosis proteins; Mechanism; Chemoradiotherapy sensitization; Cell apoptosis