Regulation of the mitochondrial outer membrane channel, VDAC.

The channel-forming protein, VDAC, located in the mitochondrial outer membrane, is probably responsible for the high permeability of the outer membrane to small molecules. The ability to regulate this channel in vitro raises the possibility that VDAC may perform a regulatory role in vivo. VDAC exists in multiple, quasi-degenerate conformations with different permeability properties. Therefore a modest input of energy can change VDAC's conformation. The ability to use a membrane potential to convert VDAC from a high (open) to a low (closed) conducting form indicates the presence of a sensor in the protein that allows it to respond to the electric field. Titration and modification experiments point to a polyvalent, positively charged sensor. Soluble, polyvalent anions such as dextran sulfate and Konig's polyanion seem to be able to interact with the sensor to induce channel closure. Thus there are multiple ways of applying a force on the sensor so as to induce a conformational change in VDAC. Perhaps cells use one or more of these methods.