Smac mimetics are small molecules designed to mimic the activity of the endogenous protein Smac/DIABLO (Second Mitochondria-derived Activator of Caspases). They are developed to antagonize the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), thereby promoting apoptosis in cells. IAPs are a family of proteins that block the apoptotic pathways by inhibiting caspases, the proteases that execute apoptosis.
