Abstract: This invention provides isolated peptides comprising a C-terminal fragment of an ARTS protein, isolated nucleotides encoding same, mimetics and small molecule analogues of same, and therapeutic applications comprising administering a peptide, nucleic acid, or mimetic compound of the present invention. This invention also provides isolated complexes comprising a C-terminal fragment of an ARTS protein and either an IAP protein, a Bir3 domain thereof, or a fragment thereof; compounds that bind or interact with same, and use of the compounds in therapeutic applications.