DNA intercalator korkormicin A preferentially kills tumor cells expressing wild type p53

► Korkormicin A is a natural produced cyclodepsipeptide. ► The compound binds to DNA through intercalation. ► It leads induction of p53 phosphorylation and activation of p53-dependent transcription. ► Korkormicin A increases cellular p53 levels by inhibition of p53 ubiquitination. ► It selectively induces apoptosis in transformed cells expressing wild type p53.