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Abstract The transcription factor p63 shares a high sequence identity with the tumour suppressor p53 which manifests itself in high structural similarity and preference for DNA sequences. Mutations in the DNA binding domain (DBD) of p53 have been studied in great detail, enabling a general mechanism-based classification. In this study we provide a detailed investigation of all currently known mutations in the p63 DBD, which are associated with developmental syndromes, by measuring their impact on transcriptional activity, DNA binding affinity, zinc binding capacity and thermodynamic stability. Some of the mutations we have further characterized with respect to their ability to convert human dermal fibroblasts into induced keratinocytes. Here we propose a classification of the p63 DBD mutations based on the four different mechanisms of DNA binding impairment which we identified: direct DNA contact, zinc finger region, H2 region, and dimer interface mutations. The data also demonstrate that, in contrast to p53 cancer mutations, no p63 mutation induces global unfolding and subsequent aggregation of the domain. The dimer interface mutations that affect the DNA binding affinity by disturbing the interaction between the individual DBDs retain partial DNA binding capacity which correlates with a milder patient phenotype.

The transcription factor p63 mediates different cellular responses affecting epithelial and oocyte biology. Here, the authors generate a mouse model (HET Δ13p63 mice) expressing the p63β isoform and show this affects ovary development, phenocopying a human syndrome, primary ovary insufficiency.