p53 Activator 17 is an activator of p53-Y220C. It exhibits selective cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic (apoptosis) activity in cancer cell lines with the p53-Y220C mutation, with minimal effects on wild-type or p53-null cells. This compound promotes the conversion of intracellular p53-Y220C from a mutant to a wild-type conformation, activating the transcription of classic p53 target genes, including BBC3 (PUMA) and MDM2. p53 Activator 17 is applicable for research on hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer.

p53 Activator 17 (Compound JC36) selectively induces a wild-type conformation in p53-Y220C mutant protein in HUH7 cells at 60 μM for 24 hours without affecting wild-type p53 in MCF7 cells. At concentrations of 30-120 μM for 48 hours, it selectively inhibits the viability of HUH7 cells carrying the p53-Y220C mutation, as well as MCF7 and other cells. Furthermore, it significantly enhances apoptosis in HUH7 p53-Y220C cells at 60 μM for 48 hours. The compound noticeably upregulates the expression of p53 target genes in HUH7 p53-Y220C and MCF7 p53-Y220C cells at 60 μM for 24 hours. Additionally, it increases total p53 protein levels in MCF7 p53-Y220C cells at the same concentration, whereas no significant changes are observed in HUH7 p53-Y220C and MCF7 p53wt cells.