The function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000158296 (SLC13A3, solute carrier family 13 member 3) is as follows. High-affinity sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter that accepts a range of substrates with 4-6 carbon atoms, such as the citric acid cycle intermediates succinate and alpha-ketoglutarate (2-oxoglutarate), as well as other compounds including N-acetyl-L-aspartate (PubMed:10794676, PubMed:10992006, PubMed:15561973, PubMed:17356845, PubMed:17426067, PubMed:24247155, PubMed:30635937, PubMed:39622972). Transports the dicarboxylate into the cell with a probable stoichiometry of 3 Na(+) for 1 divalent dicarboxylate, rendering the process electrogenic (PubMed:10794676, PubMed:10992006). Can transport citrate in a Na(+)-dependent manner, recognizing the divalent form of citrate rather than the trivalent form which is normally found in blood (PubMed:10794676). Imports itaconate in hepatocytes leading to activation of TFEB-dependent lysosomal biogenesis involved in antibacterial innate immune response (PubMed:39116875). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10794676, ECO:0000269|PubMed:10992006, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15561973, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17356845, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17426067, ECO:0000269|PubMed:24247155, ECO:0000269|PubMed:30635937, ECO:0000269|PubMed:39116875, ECO:0000269|PubMed:39622972}.