the voltage dependent anion channels all function in ion and metabolite transport although their physiological roles are different. because of their role, dysfunction of the channels can lead to various diseases. vdac1 has been implicated in cancer through its interactions with the antiapoptotic family of proteins, bcl-2 proteins, particularly bcl-xl, and mcl-1, which are overexpressed during cancer. these two bcl-2 proteins interact with vdac1 to regulate calcium ion transport across the omm and, ultimately, ros production. while high levels of ros induce cell death, non-lethal levels interfere with signal transduction pathways that can then promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in cancer cells. moreover, vdac1 overexpression has been associated with increased apoptotic response and anti-cancer drugs and treatment efficacy, further supporting vdac1 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.