Crystallographic analysis of an 8-mer p53 peptide analogue complexed with MDM2

The most potent inhibitor of the p53-MDM2 interaction reported to date is an 8-mer p53 peptide analogue (Novartis peptide), which contains 6-chlorotryptophane (Cl-Trp) and phosphonomethylphenylalanine (Pmp) as key residues for the enhanced activity. We report here a crystal structure of the co-complex between MDM2 and the Novartis peptide solved at 1.8 A resolution. The structural basis for the role of the two aromatic residues are delineated by comparing the present structure with crystal structures of the MDM2 co-complex bound to other inhibitors including the wt-p53 peptide itself.