DNA damage down-regulates ΔNp63α and induces apoptosis independent of wild type p53

► DNA damage down-regulates of ΔNp63α and induces apoptosis independent of wild type p53. ► DNA damage-induced down-regulation of ΔNp63α occurs mainly at the mRNA level. ► Knockdown of ΔNp63α directly induces apoptosis and sensitizes cells to DNA damage. ► Exogenous expression of ΔNp63α confers cellular resistance to DNA damage.