Solute carrier family 24 member 3 (SLC24A3)

SLC24A3, also known as Sodium/potassium/calcium exchanger 3 (NCKX3), is a member of the solute carrier (SLC) 24 family of potassium-dependent sodium/calcium exchangers. It encodes a plasma membrane transporter that exports 1 intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) and 1 potassium ion (K+) in exchange for importing 4 extracellular sodium ions (Na+), thus playing a critical role in maintaining intracellular calcium homeostasis across a range of tissues. NCKX3 is especially highly expressed in the brain (notably in the thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex) and reproductive tissues, including dynamically regulated expression in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle. Its activity is fundamental for neuronal Ca2+ signaling and electrical conduction, as well as in regulation of hormone-stimulated calcium dynamics in reproductive tissues. Pathogenic variants are associated with neurodevelopmental and ocular diseases, and knockout animal studies implicate this transporter in bone metabolism and endocrine regulation[1][2][3][5].

Other names

Sodium/potassium/calcium exchanger 3Na(+)/K(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange protein 3NCKX3

Not established for drugs, as there are no known direct modulators For potential therapeutic targeting: would involve inhibition or modulation of Na+/K+/Ca2+ exchange activity to alter calcium signaling and homeostasis