This gene belongs to the sodium:dicarboxylate (SDF) symporter (TC 2.A.23) family, SLC1A7 subfamily. As transportor of L-glutamate; the L-glutamate uptake is sodium- and voltage-dependent and chloride-independent. Its associated chloride conductance may participate in visual processing.It interacts with the PDZ domains of DLG4. Expressed primarily in retina. Detectable in liver, heart, muscle and brain.