p53 family interactions and yeast: together in anticancer therapy

•p53-family proteins are regulated by interacting partners such as MDMs and mutant p53.•p53-family protein–protein interactions have a central role in cancer development.•p53-family protein–protein interactions are appealing targets for cancer therapy.•Yeast has contributed to the knowledge of p53-family protein–protein interactions.•Anticancer candidates have emerged from yeast by targeting p53-family interactions.

The p53 family proteins are among the most appealing targets for cancer therapy. A deeper understanding of the complex interplay that these proteins establish with murine double minute (MDM)2, MDMX, and mutant p53 could reveal new exciting therapeutic opportunities in cancer treatment. Here, we summarize the most relevant advances in the biology of p53 family protein–protein interactions (PPIs), and the latest pharmacological developments achieved from targeting these interactions. We also highlight the remarkable contributions of yeast-based assays to this research. Collectively, we emphasize promising strategies, based on the inhibition of p53 family PPIs, which have expedited anticancer drug development.