The Native Conformation of the Human VDAC1 N Terminus

Roll out the barrel: The conformation of the N-terminal domain of a functional human voltage-dependent anion channel (hVDAC1) in lipid bilayers has been determined (see picture; overlay of NMR model (blue) and X-ray structure (red/gray)). Solid-state NMR spectroscopy reveals that the N terminus assumes a well-defined, rigid structure and that its removal induces a conformational change in the hVDAC1 β-barrel.