Voltage-dependent anion channels: the wizard of the mitochondrial outer membrane

Biol Chem. 2014 Dec;395(12):1435-42. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2014-0203.

Abstract

Voltage dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the most abundant proteins in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Although they are essential in metabolite exchange, cell defense and apoptosis, the molecular mechanism of these VDAC-mediated processes remains elusive. Here we review recent progress in terms of VDACs' structure and regulation, with a special focus on the molecular aspects of gating and the interaction with effector proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Humans
  • Ions / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / analysis
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / chemistry
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Interaction Maps
  • Signal Transduction
  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels / analysis*
  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ions
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels