High‐Resolution Structural Characterization of a Helical α/β‐Peptide Foldamer Bound to the Anti‐Apoptotic Protein Bcl‐xL

Abstract
Get into the groove: The first high‐resolution structure of a foldamer bound to a protein target is described (see picture; foldamer in sticks). The foldamer consists of α‐ and β‐amino acid residues and is bound to the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐xL. The overall binding mode and key interactions observed in the foldamer/Bcl‐xL complex mimic those seen in complexes of Bcl‐xL with natural α‐peptide ligands. Additional contacts in the foldamer/Bcl‐xL complex involving β‐amino acid residues appear to contribute to binding affinity.