this protein is a voltage-dependent anion channel and shares high structural homology with the other vdac isoforms (vdac2 and vdac3), which are involved in the regulation of cell metabolism, mitochondrial apoptosis, and spermatogenesis. over expression and misregulation of this pore could lead to apoptosis in the cell leading to a variety of diseases within the body. in particular, since vdac1 is the major calcium ion transport channel, its dysfunction is implicated in cancer, parkinson's (pd), and alzheimer's disease.in addition, recent studies have shown that an over expression within the vdac1 protein is linked to type 2 diabetes. lund university released a study that demonstrated the effects of blocking vdac1 over expression can prevent the spread of type 2 diabetes.