Stimulation of mono (ADP-ribosyl)ation by reduced extracellular calcium levels in human fibroblasts

Lowering extracellular calcium in cultures of human diploid fibroblast-like cells caused a rapid depletion of NAD pools. This loss of NAD was reversed by restoring extracellular Ca2+ and was inhibited by 3-aminobenzamide, an inhibitor of ADP-ribosyl transfer reactions. The concentrations of 3-aminobenzamide needed to inhibit the loss of NAD were consistent with those required to inhibit cellular mono(ADP-ribosyl) rather than poly(ADP-ribosyl) reactions. Calcium depletion did not inhibit the biosynthesis of NAD. These results suggest that mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation is involved in the regulation of cellular Ca2+ levels.