SMAC/DIABLO (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct IAP-binding protein with low PI) is a mitochondrial protein that functions as a regulatory component during apoptosis. It is encoded by a nuclear gene and is subsequently imported into the mitochondria where the N-terminus is removed generating the mature form of the molecule. SMAC/DIABLO has been shown to neutralize the antiapoptotic effect of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, a major group of apoptosis regulators that have been shown to directly block caspase activity thereby blocking apoptosis. 1-6