Background. Senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30), a calcium binding protein, is preferentially expressed in the renal proximal tubules and hepatocytes and is presumed to play a role in Ca 2ϩ homeostasis. Methods. To explore its physiological functions in the tubular cells, we investigated the effect of SMP30 on Ca 2ϩ efflux via the ATP-dependent plasma membrane calcium pump. LLC-PK1 cells were stably transfected with a cDNA encoding SMP30, and the established transfectants were subjected to ATP responses. Results. Overexpression of SMP30 significantly increased Ca 2ϩ efflux under both basal and ATP-stimulated conditions. Inhibition of calmodulin by trifluoperazine abrogated the enhanced Ca 2ϩ efflux, suggesting that SMP30 activated the calmodulin-dependent Ca 2ϩ pump. It is known that Ca 2ϩ superfluous influx induces cellular injury. Compared with mock-transfected cells, LLC-PK1 cells expressing SMP30 showed resistance to cellular death triggered by Ca 2ϩ superfluous influx. Conclusion. These results suggest the possibility that, in renal tubular cells, endogenous SMP30 participates in Ca 2ϩ efflux via activating the calmodulin-dependent Ca 2ϩ pump and thereby confers resistance of the cells against injury caused by high intracellular Ca 2ϩ concentrations.