Transports L-glutamate; the L-glutamate uptake is sodium- and voltage-dependent and chloride-independent. Its associated chloride conductance may participate in visual processing. Interacts with the PDZ domains of DLG4. Expressed primarily in retina. Detectable in liver, heart, muscle and brain. Belongs to the dicarboxylate/amino acid:cation symporter (DAACS) (TC 2.A.23) family. SLC1A7 subfamily.