High impact information on SLC24A3

• Working in the Ca(2+) efflux mode, Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers such as NCKX3 and NCX3 might, therefore, play a role in the Ag-induced mast cell activation by controlling the sustained phase of Ca(2+) mobilization [1].
• Human NCKX3 encodes a protein of 644 amino acids that displayed a high level of sequence identity to the other family members, rod NCKX1 and cone/neuronal NCKX2, in the hydrophobic regions surrounding the "alpha -repeat" sequences thought to form the ion-binding pocket for transport [2].
• Many other tissues also expressed NCKX3 at lower levels, especially aorta, uterus, and intestine, which are rich in smooth muscle [2].
• NCKX3 transcripts were most abundant in brain, with highest levels found in selected thalamic nuclei, in hippocampal CA1 neurons, and in layer IV of the cerebral cortex [2].
• As anticipated from this sequence similarity, NCKX3 displayed K(+)-dependent Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger activity when assayed in heterologous expression systems, using digital imaging of fura-2 fluorescence, electrophysiology, or radioactive (45)Ca(2+) uptake [2].

Anatomical context of SLC24A3

• The purpose of the present study was to identify the expression and function of NCKX in arteries. mRNA encoding NCKX3 and NCKX4 was demonstrated by RT-PCR and Northern blot in both rat mesenteric and aortic smooth muscle [3].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of SLC24A3

• Molecular cloning of a third member of the potassium-dependent sodium-calcium exchanger gene family, NCKX3 [2].
• Northern blot analysis indicated the predominant expression of the K(+)-dependent sodium-calcium exchanger NCKX3 [1].
• RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed mRNA and protein expression for NCX1 and NCKX3 in cultured human PASMC [4].

References