Mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger protein (SLC8B1)

Mitochondrial sodium/calcium antiporter that mediates sodium-dependent calcium efflux from mitochondrion, by mediating the exchange of 3 sodium ions per 1 calcium ion (PubMed:20018762, PubMed:22829870, PubMed:23056385, PubMed:24898248, PubMed:28219928). Plays a central role in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis by mediating mitochondrial calcium extrusion: calcium efflux is essential for mitochondrial function and cell survival, especially in cardiomyocytes (By similarity).

Regulates rates of glucose-dependent insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells during the initial phase of insulin secretion: acts by mediating efflux of calcium from mitochondrion, thereby affecting cytoplasmic calcium responses (PubMed:23056385). Required for store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) and Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel regulation: sodium transport by SLC8B1 contributes to encourage calcium-shuttling that modulates mitochondrial redox status, thereby regulating SOCE activity (PubMed:28219928).