| abstract |
Peptidomimetics of the formula C-AMBA-X where C is cysteine, X is, for example, methionine or phenylalanine and AMBA is a hydrophobic spacer, notably 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid. These compounds are effective inhibitors of p21 ras farnesyltransferase. Other modifications including alternative spacers for AMBA, and replacement of the A1A2X component of known CA1A2X tetrapeptides by a non-peptide aryl or heterocyclic component are also disclosed as are various phosphonylated and arylated derivatives of peptides and peptidomimetics. Pro-drugs made by functionalizing terminal amino and carboxylic acid groups of peptides and peptidomimetics are also disclosed. Such functionalized derivatives demonstrate increased cell uptake. Other structural modifications are also referred to. |