Disclosed herein are analogs of Salinosporamide A, having the Formula I as
follows:
##STR00001##
Like Salinosporamide A, the compounds of the present invention will
inhibit the proteasome, an intracellular enzyme complex that destroys
proteins the cell no longer needs. Without the proteasome, proteins would
build up and clog cellular machinery. Fast-growing cancer cells make
especially heavy use of the proteasome, so thwarting its action is a
compelling drug strategy.