Updates from the TP53 universe

TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in cancer and its study helped to define fundamental principles underlying tumorigenesis. However, despite over three decades of accumulating knowledge (Figure 1), we still have many open questions concerning most facets of p53 functions that hamper our ability to translate p53 knowhow into therapeutic strategies. In this issue of Cell Death & Differentiation leading scientists in the p53 field elucidate some of these questions taking us a step ahead towards our understanding of this versatile protein.