OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of p53 gene in serum-induced cell migration. METHODS: The effects of p53 knockout on serum-induced formation of lamellipodia and cell migration were observed using Transwell cell migration system. RESULTS: p53(+/+) cells developed lamellipodia upon serum stimulation and showed enhanced activity of cell migration, but these effects were not observed in p53 knockout cells after serum stimulation. CONCLUSION: p53 plays a role in serum-induced cell migration.