VDAC: Voltage Dependant Anion Channel

Abstract

VDAC (Voltage Dependent Anion Channel) is a channel protein located on the outer mitochondrial membrane. It regulates mitochondria functions and cell respiration through the exchange of molecules between the cytoplasm and the organelle, such as ADP, ATP, anions, cations, and other small, hydrophilic molecules. VDAC has been implicated in cardiac ischemia‐reperfusion injury as well as cancer cell survival. Yet, the precise functional roles of VDAC in cardiac injury and cancer have not been elucidated. Recent structural information of VDAC obtained at a high resolution provides essential clues to the molecular mechanism that governs this protein. Movement of the positive N Terminus voltage sensor into and out of the protein coupled with putative sites of phosphorylation facing both the cytoplasm and the intermembrane space give VDAC greater regulatory abilities. In fact, VDAC may regulate several cell survival and cell death signals, as it can potentially prevent the release of Cytochrome C and, consequently, prevent apoptosis. If scientists learn more about the functions of this protein, it very well could represent a viable target for new therapeutics to treat ischemia‐reperfusion injury in the heart and cancer. The Marquette University High School SMART Team (Students Modeling A Research Topic) created a physical model of VDAC using 3D printing technology. Supported by a grant from NIH‐NCRR‐SEPA.