SLC8B1
Description
The SLC8B1 (solute carrier family 8 member B1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
SLC8B1, also known as Solute carrier family 8 (sodium/lithium/calcium exchanger), member B1, is a protein encoded by the SLC8B1 gene in humans. This protein belongs to a family of Potassium-dependent sodium-calcium exchangers that maintain cellular calcium homeostasis through the electrogenic countertransport of 4 sodium ions for 1 calcium ion and 1 potassium ion.
SLC8B1 is a mitochondrial sodium/calcium antiporter that mediates sodium-dependent calcium efflux from the mitochondrion. This protein exchanges 3 sodium ions for 1 calcium ion, playing a crucial role in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis by mediating calcium extrusion. Calcium efflux is essential for mitochondrial function and cell survival, especially in cardiomyocytes. SLC8B1 regulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells during the first phase of insulin secretion by mediating calcium efflux from the mitochondrion, impacting cytoplasmic calcium responses. It is also required for store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) and Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel regulation. Sodium transport by SLC8B1 promotes calcium shuttling, modulating mitochondrial redox status and regulating SOCE activity. SLC8B1 is involved in B-lymphocyte chemotaxis. This protein can transport Ca(2+) in exchange for either Li(+) or Na(+), explaining how Li(+) catalyzes Ca(2+) exchange. Unlike other members of its family, SLC8B1's function is independent of K(+).
SLC8B1 is also known as NCKX6, NCLX, SLC24A6.
