Anti-SLC8A3

This gene encodes a member of the sodium/calcium exchanger integral membrane protein family. Three mammalian isoforms in family 8 have been identified. Na+/Ca2+ exchange proteins are involved in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis in a wide variety of cell types. The protein is regulated by intracellular calcium ions and is found in both the plasma membrane and intracellular organellar membranes, where exchange of Na+ for Ca2+ occurs in an electrogenic manner. Alternative splicing has been observed for this gene and multiple variants have been described. Protein function: Mediates the electrogenic exchange of Ca(2+) against Na(+) ions across the cell membrane, and thereby contributes to the regulation of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels and Ca(2+)-dependent cellular processes. Contributes to cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis in excitable cells, both in muscle and in brain. In a first phase, voltage-gated channels mediate the rapid increase of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels due to release of Ca(2+) stores from the endoplasmic reticulum. SLC8A3 mediates the export of Ca(2+) from the cell during the next phase, so that cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels rapidly return to baseline. Contributes to Ca(2+) transport during excitation-contraction coupling in muscle. In neurons, contributes to the rapid decrease of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels back to baseline after neuronal activation, and thereby contributes to modulate synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Required for normal oligodendrocyte differentiation and for normal myelination (PubMed:21959935). Mediates Ca(2+) efflux from mitochondria and contributes to mitochondrial Ca(2+) ion homeostasis. [The UniProt Consortium]