Loss of p53 function is a critical event in tumor evolution. This occurs through a range of molecular events, typically a missense p53 mutation followed by loss of heterozygosity. In many cancers, there is compelling evidence that cells that can compromise p53 function have a selective advantage. The situation in renal cell carcinoma is unclear. It has recently been suggested that p53 function is unusually compromised in renal carcinoma cells by a novel dominant, MDM2/p14ARF-independent mechanism. This is hard to reconcile with other recent studies that have identified p53 as an important prognostic indicator. Indeed, one of these latter studies found that the best predictor of poor outcome was the presence of high levels of both p53 (usually indicative of p53 mutation) and MDM2. Thus, it is important that we gain a clearer understanding of the regulation of p53 and the role of MDM2 in renal cell cancer. To address this, we have investigated the transcriptional activity of p53 in a panel of renal cell carcinoma cell lines and the contribution of MDM2 and p14ARF to p53 regulation. We have found that p53 is functional in p53 wild-type renal cell carcinoma cells and that this activity is significantly regulated by MDM2 and to a much lesser extent by p14ARF. Moreover, following induction of DNA damage with UV, the p53 response in these cells is intact. Thus, future studies of renal cell carcinoma that focus on p53 and MDM2 and their role in determining disease outcome will be required to create a better understanding of this notoriously difficult to manage disease.