Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables L-glutamate transmembrane transporter activity and kainate selective glutamate receptor activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including chemical synaptic transmission; modulation of chemical synaptic transmission; and positive regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid secretion. Located in dendrite; postsynaptic density; and presynaptic membrane. Part of kainate selective glutamate receptor complex. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; genitourinary system; integumental system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in childhood absence epilepsy. Orthologous to human GRIK1 (glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate type subunit 1).