Voltage dependence and ion selectivity of the mitochondrial channel, VDAC, are modified by succinic anhydride

The mitochondrial protein VDAC forms voltage-dependent anion-selective channels in planar phospholipid membranes. When succinic anhydride was added to these membranes, it virtually eliminated VDAC's voltage-dependence and changed its selectivity from anion to cation. These results were obtained without large changes in open-channel conductance or in energy difference between the open and closed states in the absence of a field. Since succinic anhydride converts amino groups into carboxyl groups, we propose that amino groups are responsible for VDAC's voltage-dependence and anion selectivity. Perhaps the same charges are responsible for both functions.