PKB-mediated PHF20 phosphorylation on Ser291 is required for p53 function in DNA damage

► PHD finger protein 20 (PHF20) is a firstly identified in glioma patients. ► PKB can directly phosphorylate PHF20 on Ser291 in vitro and in vivo. ► PHF20 phosphorylation by PKB led to an inhibition of UV-mediated p53 induction. ► Expression of PHF20 and PKB activity is correlated in various human cancer tissues. ► PHF20 is a novel substrate for PKB and could be a key target for glioma patients.