VDAC

The Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) is a crucial protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane, serving as the main interface between the mitochondrial and cellular metabolisms. VDAC facilitates the transport of ions, nucleotides, and metabolites between the mitochondrion and the cytosol, playing a key role in energy production and metabolic regulation. It is also involved in apoptosis, regulating the release of apoptotic factors from mitochondria. Due to its central role in cell life and death, VDAC is a significant target for drugs aimed at modulating apoptosis, particularly in cancer therapy, where it can be targeted to promote cancer cell death or prevent undesired cell survival, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.