Mitofusin-2 is a novel direct target of p53

► Mfn2 is a novel target gene of p53. ► Mfn2 mRNA and protein levels can be up-regulated in a p53-dependent manner. ► Mfn2 promoter activity can be elevated by the p53 protein. ► P53 protein binds the Mfn2 promoter directly both in vitro and in vivo.