Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC)

Voltage-dependent anion channel(VDAC) proteins are abundant, pore-forming proteins belonging to the eukaryotic mitochondrial porins. It was discovered in the mitochondrial outer membrane. It also is expressed in the plasma membrane. At least three different VDAC genes have been identified in vertebrates. VDAC proteins are known to play an essential role in cellular metabolism and in the early stages of apoptosis. For example, VDAC contitutes a major pathway by which metabolites such as ADP/ATP, succinate and citrate are exchanged between the cytosol and mitochondria. And VDAC1 in the plasma membrane establishes a novel level of apoptosis regulation putatively via its redox activity.