Abstract

The tumour suppressor function of p53 is due to its highly regulated activity as a transcriptional factor. This very important player is a frequent target of mutation in majority of human cancers. p53 activation is a valid anticancer approach that can result in development of new cancer treatments. New discoveries are emerging rapidly about the functional control of p53 that attempts to exploit the system for developing better therapeutics and diagnostics. This article is an attempt to explore the recent advancements in p53 biology for its restoration in human tumors. We have highlighted some of the potential molecules targeting the p53 pathway for tumor suppression and it is hoped that they will become effective and powerful weapons against tumors/cancers.

Key words: p53, tumour suppressor function, human tumors, cancers.