Research progress in targeting voltage-dependent anion channel-1 for cancer therapy

doi:10.16352/j.issn.1001-6325.2026.10.1424

Abstract

Abstract: Voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1), a key regulator of mitochondrial function, is highly expressed in various cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. It participates in tumor progression through multiple mechanisms: by enhancing glycolysis upon channel closure, driving metabolic reprogramming to support tumor proliferation, and influencing the tumor microenvironment; upon oligomerization, it increases mitochondrial outer membrane permeability, inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis; and it can also activate PINK1/Parkin-dependent autophagy, promoting tumor cell survival. Current VDAC1-targeted therapeutic strategies primarily include miRNA/siRNA-based gene silencing to reduce VDAC1 expression, VDAC1-specific targeted agents to inhibit glycolysis/induce cell death, and other non-specific targeted drugs that exert effects through VDAC1.

Key words: VDAC1, metabolic reprogramming, cell death, targeted therapy, cancer

CLC Number:

R730

XU Jiaai, GUO Ying, ZHANG Chao, LI He, YANG Chunhua. Research progress in targeting voltage-dependent anion channel-1 for cancer therapy[J]. Basic & Clinical Medicine, 2026, 46(10): 1424-1428.

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