Evidence for activation of mutated p53 by apigenin in human pancreatic cancer

► Mutant p53 exhibits signs of enhanced function following treatment with apigenin. ► Apigenin-induced apoptosis involves activation of PUMA and mitochondrial cell death. ► p53 and PUMA act in parallel, independent of transcription-dependent p53 function. ► Apigenin is non-toxic and pharmacologically active in vivo.