Shepherdin (trifluoroacetate salt)

Shepherdin is a synthetic peptide that corresponds to amino acids 79-87 of human survivin and an inhibitor of the protein-protein interaction between survivin and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90).¹ It binds to the N-terminal domain of Hsp90 in a concentration-dependent manner and inhibits the interaction between recombinant human survivin and Hsp90 in isolated human reticulocyte extracts when used at a concentration of 150 µM. Peptide conjugates of shepherdin with the cell-permeable peptides penetratin or HIV Tat sequence have anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo.