Sodium/calcium exchanger 3 (SLC8A3)

Mediates the electrogenic exchange of Ca(2+) against Na(+) ions across the cell membrane, and consequently 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 mind.

In a first stage, voltage-gated channels mediate the rapid growth of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels due to release of Ca(2+) stores in the endoplasmic reticulum. SLC8A3 mediates the export of Ca(2+) in the cell during the next stage, so that cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels quickly return to baseline.