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Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel

Meaning

A family of essential porin proteins embedded within the outer mitochondrial membrane that act as the primary, non-selective channel for the passage of ions, metabolites, and small molecules between the mitochondrial intermembrane space and the cytosol. The Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) is a critical regulator of cellular energy metabolism, controlling the flux of key molecules like ATP, ADP, and calcium. Its conductance is directly influenced by the electrical potential across the membrane.