Na(+)/citrate cotransporter

High-affinity sodium/citrate cotransporter that mediates the entry of citrate into cells, which is a critical participant of biochemical pathways. May function in various metabolic processes in which citrate has a critical role such as energy production (Krebs cycle), fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis. Transports citrate into the cell in a Na(+)-dependent manner, recognizing the trivalent form of citrate (physiological pH) rather than the divalent form. Can recognize succinate as a substrate, but its affinity for succinate is several fold lower than for citrate. The stoichiometry is probably 4 Na(+) for each carboxylate, irrespective of whether the translocated substrate is divalent or trivalent, rendering the process electrogenic. Involved in the regulation of citrate levels in the brain (By similarity).