Mediates the exchange of one Ca(2+) ion against three to four Na(+) ions across the cell membrane, and thereby contributes to the regulation of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels and Ca(2+)-dependent cellular processes ( ). Contributes to Ca(2+) transport during excitation-contraction coupling in muscle ( ). In a first phase, voltage-gated channels mediate the rapid increase of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels due to release of Ca(2+) stores from the endoplasmic reticulum ( ). SLC8A1 mediates the export of Ca(2+) from the cell during the next phase, so that cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels rapidly return to baseline ( ). Required for normal embryonic heart development and the onset of heart contractions (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Detected primarily in heart and at lower levels in brain . Expressed in cardiac sarcolemma, brain, kidney, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, placenta and lung .