The sodium-calcium exchanger (often denoted Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, exchange protein, or NCX) is an antiporter membrane protein that removes calcium from cells. It uses the energy that is stored in the electrochemical gradient of sodium (Na+) by allowing Na+ to flow down its gradient across the plasma membrane in exchange for the countertransport of calcium ions (Ca2+). A single calcium ion is exported for the import of three sodium ions.[1] The exchanger exists in many different cell types and animal species.[2] The NCX is considered one of the most important cellular mechanisms for removing Ca2+.[2]
Quick Facts solute carrier family 8 (sodium/calcium exchanger), member 1, Identifiers ...
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Quick Facts solute carrier family 8 (sodium-calcium exchanger), member 2, Identifiers ...
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Quick Facts solute carrier family 8 (sodium-calcium exchanger), member 3, Identifiers ...
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The exchanger is usually found in the plasma membranes and the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of excitable cells.[3][4]