Small molecules that reactivate mutant p53

Around half of all human tumours carry mutant p53. This allows escape from p53-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Many tumours express mutant p53 proteins at elevated levels. Restoration of wild-type p53 function should trigger massive apoptosis in tumour cells and thus eradicate tumours. Various types of small molecules have been identified that can restore native conformation and wild-type function to mutant p53. Such molecules may serve as leads for the development of novel efficient anticancer drugs. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.