VDAC1

rdf:langString VDAC1

rdf:langString Voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC-1) is a beta barrel protein that in humans is encoded by the VDAC1 gene located on chromosome 5. It forms an ion channel in the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) and also the outer cell membrane. In the OMM, it allows ATP to diffuse out of the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. In the cell membrane, it is involved in volume regulation. Within all eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are responsible for synthesis of ATP among other metabolite needed for cell survival. VDAC1 therefore allows for communication between the mitochondrion and the cell mediating the balance between cell metabolism and cell death. Besides metabolic permeation, VDAC1 also acts as a scaffold for proteins such as hexokinase that can in turn regulate metabolism. This protein is a voltage-dependent anion channel and shares high structural homology with the other VDAC isoforms (VDAC2 and VDAC3), which are involved in the regulation of cell metabolism, mitochondrial apoptosis, and spermatogenesis. Over expression and misregulation of this pore could lead to apoptosis in the cell leading to a variety of diseases within the body. In particular, since VDAC1 is the major calcium ion transport channel, its dysfunction is implicated in cancer, Parkinson's (PD), and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, recent studies have shown that an over expression within the VDAC1 protein is linked to Type 2 Diabetes. Lund University released a study that demonstrated the effects of blocking VDAC1 over expression can prevent the spread of Type 2 Diabetes.