VDAC1 is an outer membrane mitochondrial protein. The VDAC proteins are thought to form aqueous channels, or pores, through which adenine nucleotides cross the outer mitochondrial membrane. VDACs have been implicated in the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex in apoptotic cells. This complex, formed by VDAC, adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), and cyclophilin D (CypD), is thought to allow the mitochondria to undergo metabolic uncoupling and irreversible morphologic changes that ultimately destroy the mitochondria during apoptosis. VDACs are highly expressed in heart, liver and skeletal muscle, where concentrations of mitochondria are at their highest.