SLC24A1 belongs to a family of potassium-dependent sodium/calcium exchangers. Members of this family have 2 large hydrophilic loops and 2 sets of multiple transmembrane-spanning segments (Schnetkamp, 2004 [PubMed 14770312]).[supplied by OMIM]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Critical component of the visual transduction cascade, controlling the calcium concentration of outer segments during light and darkness. Light causes a rapid lowering of cytosolic free calcium in the outer segment of both retinal rod and cone photoreceptors and the light-induced lowering of calcium is caused by extrusion via this protein which plays a key role in the process of light adaptation. Transports 1 Ca(2+) and 1 K(+) in exchange for 4 Na(+).