TGF-beta-induced Ca(2+) influx involves the type III IP(3) receptor and regulates actin cytoskeleton.

Ca(2+) influx has been postulated to modulate the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta); however, the underlying mechanism and functional significance of TGF-beta-induced stimulation of Ca(2+) influx are unclear. We show here that TGF-beta stimulates Ca(2+) influx in mesangial cells without Ca(2+) release. The influx of Ca(2+) is prevented by pharmacological inhibitors of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)R) as well as specific antibodies to type III IP(3)R (IP(3)RIII) but not to type I IP(3)R (IP(3)RI). TGF-beta enhances plasma membrane localization of IP(3)RIII, whereas the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) preferentially translocates to the nucleus. Untreated mesangial cells exhibit actin filamentous protrusions on the cell surface, and treatment with TGF-beta dramatically reduces this pattern. The alterations in the actin cytoskeleton by TGF-beta are dependent on TGF-beta-induced Ca(2+) influx. These studies identify a novel pathway by which TGF-beta regulates Ca(2+) influx and induces cytoskeletal alterations.