Using two cDNA clones which encode hamster genes specifically induced by glucose starvation, we demonstrated that an 8- and 30-fold increase, respectively, in the transcription rates of these genes was coordinately effected by calcium ionophore A23187 treatment, resulting in a similar increase in the steady-state levels of their mRNAs. This response was observed within several hours of ionophore treatment in several mammalian cell types and appeared to be specifically mediated by A23187 but not by other ionophores in general. To define the regulatory sequence which mediates this Ca2+-induced response, we showed by gene transfection techniques that the 5' flanking sequence of a rat glucose-regulated gene contained the region for induction by A23187. The system reported here offers attractive features for the study of specific gene regulation by Ca2+.