Biosynthesis of L-glutamate from L-aspartate (PubMed:29649217). Important regulator of levels of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system (PubMed:29649217). 2-oxoglutarate + L-aspartate = L-glutamate + oxaloacetate Homodimer. Expressed in all somatic tissues including the nervous system. In eukaryotes there are cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and chloroplastic isozymes. Belongs to the class-I pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent aminotransferase family.