Enables L-aspartate:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase activity. Involved in positive regulation of glutamate metabolic process. Located in cytoplasm. Expressed in head; neurons; and tail. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; and transient cerebral ischemia. Is an ortholog of human GOT1 (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1).