This gene encodes a member of the sodium/calcium exchanger integral membrane protein family. Three mammalian isoforms in family 8 have been identified. Na+/Ca2+ exchange proteins are involved in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis in a wide variety of cell types. The protein is regulated by intracellular calcium ions and is found in both the plasma membrane and intracellular organellar membranes, where exchange of Na+ for Ca2+ occurs in an electrogenic manner. Alternative splicing has been observed for this gene and multiple variants have been described.