Reactivation of mutant p53: a new strategy for cancer therapy.

The specific DNA binding activity of p53 is crucial for its tumor suppression function. Naturally occurring mutant forms of p53 are deficient for specific DNA binding. However, several studies have indicated that their specific DNA binding can be reactivated. Short peptides derived from the p53 C-terminus can reactivate at least some mutant p53 proteins and trigger a p53-dependent biological response. These results may provide the basis for the design of p53-reactivating anti-cancer drugs.