A family of plasma membrane neurotransmitter transporter proteins that couple the uptake of GLUTAMATE with the import of SODIUM ions and PROTONS and the export of POTASSIUM ions. In the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM they regulate neurotransmission through synaptic reuptake of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Outside the central nervous system they function as signal mediators and regulators of glutamate metabolism.

Synonyms: Neurotransmitter Transporters, Glutamate-Specific, Sodium Glutamate Cotransporter, Sodium-Glutamate Cotransporter, Excitatory Amino Acid Transport Proteins, EAAT Proteins, Cotransporter, Sodium-Glutamate, Glutamate Plasma Membrane Transporter Proteins, Glutamate Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins, Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins, Glutamate Specific, Sodium-Glutamate Transporter, Glutamate-Specific Neurotransmitter Transporters, 0, Transporters, Glutamate-Specific Neurotransmitter, Sodium Glutamate Transporter, Neurotransmitter Transporters, Glutamate Specific, Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins, Glutamate-Specific, Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter Proteins