Inhibition of Mitochondrial Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels Increases Radiosensitivity of K562 Leukemic Cells

We studied the effect of inhibition of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels with DIDS on radiosensitivity and mitochondrial status of K562 leukemic cells. The number of apoptotic and necrotic cells, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and mitochondrial mass were evaluated after irradiation of cells in doses of 4 and 12 Gy in the presence and absence of the inhibitor. Inhibition of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels increased radiosensitivity of K562 cells by 50-70% and decreased both mitochondrial transmembrane potential and mitochondrial mass. Inhibitors of voltage-dependent anion channels are promising agents capable of improving the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy.