Pore-Forming VDAC Proteins of the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane: Regulation and Pathophysiological Role (Review)

Voltage-dependent anion channels of the outer membrane of mitochondria are a family of pore-forming β-barrel proteins (VDAC1-3), which carry out controlled “filtration” of small molecules and ions between the cytoplasm and mitochondria. The possibility of temporary conformational transitions between the closed and open states of VDAC proteins, as well as their interaction with a number of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins, allows these channels not only to regulate membrane permeability for major metabolites and ions, but also to participate in the control of vital intracellular processes and pathological conditions. This work is devoted to the analysis of novel data obtained on the putative molecular structure, regulatory mechanisms, and pathophysiological role of VDAC family proteins, as well as possible future directions in this area of research.