The voltage-dependent anion channel: Characterization, modulation, and role in mitochondrial function in cell life and death

Authors: Shoshan-Barmatz, Varda¹; Gincel, Dan²

Source: Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, Volume 39, Number 3, October 2003 , pp. 279-292(14)

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Abstract:

Recently, it has been recognized that there is a metabolic coupling between the cytosol and mitochondria, where the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), the boundary between these compartments, has important functions. In this crosstalk, mitochodrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis and ATP production and supply play a major role. The primary transporter of ions and metabolites across the OMM is the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC). The interaction of VDAC with Ca²⁺, ATP glutamate, NADH, and different proteins was demonstrated, and these interactions may regulate OMM permeability. This review includes information on VDAC purification methods, characterization of its channel activity (selectivity, voltage-dependence, conductance), and the regulation of VDAC channel by ligands, such as Ca²⁺, glutamate and ATP and touches on many aspects of the physiological relevance of VDAC to Ca²⁺ homeostasis and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Keywords: VDAC; mitochondria; porin; glutamate; Ca2+ homeostasis; single channel

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1385/CBB:39:3:279

Affiliations: 1: Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel, Email: vardasb@bgumail.bgu.ac.il 2: Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel,

Publication date: 2003-10-01