Sodium-dependent, high-affinity amino acid transporter that mediates the uptake of L-glutamate and also L-aspartate and D-aspartate (PubMed:7698742, PubMed:7557442, PubMed:9373176). Functions as a symporter that transports one amino acid molecule together with two or three Na+ ions and one proton, in parallel with the counter-transport of one K+ ion. Mediates Cl- flux that is not coupled to amino acid transport, this avoids the accumulation of negative charges due to aspartate and Na+ symport (By similarity). Essential for the rapid removal of released glutamate from the synaptic cleft, and for terminating the postsynaptic action of glutamate (PubMed:9180080).
