Voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) is a multifunctional protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), playing a crucial role in regulating cellular metabolism and apoptosis. VDAC1 facilitates the transport of metabolites, ions, and small molecules between the mitochondria and the cytosol, including ATP, ADP, and calcium ions, thereby controlling the metabolic cross-talk between these cellular compartments. Additionally, VDAC1 is involved in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by forming channels that release apoptotic proteins such as cytochrome c into the cytosol. It also interacts with over 150 proteins, including anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and hexokinase, which are often overexpressed in cancer cells, making VDAC1 a potential target for cancer therapy.
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