Over the past five years, ground-breaking clinical and genetic studies have reshaped, expanded, and demonstrated the pivotal roles of splice variants (isoforms) of the p53 gene family in cancer, ageing, neurodegeneration, immune response, and metabolism. Far from being a peripheral curiosity, the isoforms of the p53 gene family are now recognised as central players in all p53-regulated biological processes.

We are on the brink of a new era in p53 research. Insights into the mechanisms of these isoforms are opening up new exciting avenues for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer, neurodegeneration, and other age-related diseases.

We believe that the organisation of The international p53/p63/p73 isoforms workshop is timely to discuss the rapidly growing developments in the field and to foster new collaborations among scientists, clinicians and pharmaceutical companies.