Insight on Heterocycles as p53‐MDM2 Protein‐Protein Interaction Inhibitors: Molecular Mechanism for p53 Activation

Abstract Transcription factor p53, also known as tumor suppressor protein. Encoded by the TP53 gene, the guardian of genome p53 regulates many gene pathways. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of p53 functioning have been known for a few decades, and the exact role of p53 in cancer therapy is unclear. Also, comprehensive literature on heterocycles as p53‐MDM2 protein‐protein interaction inhibitors is limited. This review covers the molecular mechanism for the p53‐MDM2 interaction and its inhibition by the heterocyclic small molecules. We hope the present comprehensive study will help to develop heterocycles as anticancer drugs that induce apoptosis in tumor cells.