In rat C-6 glioma cells (147, 150, 151, 154, 157), the activation of the NMBR, in addition to increasing cytosolic calcium levels, stimulated the generation of arachidonic acid release, increased tyrosine phosphorylation of p125 focal adhesion kinase [p125FAK], activation of phospholipase D, and transiently elevated c-fos expression. This evidence concerns the gene NMBR and central nervous system cancer.