VDAC-2: Mitochondrial outer membrane regulator masquerading as a channel?

摘要: The voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the workforce of mitochondrial transport and as such required for cellular metabolism. elaborate interplay between mitochondria apoptotic pathway supports a role VDACs major regulator cell death. Although VDAC-1 has an established in apoptosis homeostasis, VDAC-2 been controversial. In humans, is best known its anti-apoptotic properties. this Viewpoint, we associate various functional studies on with structural reports, to decode unique behavior. well-structured N-terminus, compact barrel form, differences loop regions, specific transmembrane segments abundance thiols enable isoform perform different subset regulatory functions, establish features contribute gametogenesis. that demarcate it from suggest particular better suited regulating reactive oxygen species, steroidogenesis mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane pathways, ion forming secondary role. A understanding VDAC family will aid design inhibitors could alleviate irregularities VDAC-controlled pathways.