The sodium/calcium exchanger family-SLC8.

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger gene family encompasses three distinct proteins, NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3, which mediate cellular Ca(2+) efflux and thus contribute to intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis. NCX1 is expressed ubiquitously while NCX2 and NCX3 are limited to brain and skeletal muscle. NCX1 exchanges 3 extracellular Na(+) for 1 intracellular Ca(2+). In addition to transporting Na(+) and Ca(2+), NCX1 activity is also regulated by these cations. NCX1 is especially important in regulating cardiac contractility.