Sergey M. Bezrukov

So similar, yet so different: α-synuclein recognition of the isoform-specific VDAC protein-lipid interface

The paper investigates how α-synuclein interacts differently with VDAC isoforms by analyzing binding kinetics and translocation behavior in planar lipid membranes.

Towards VDAC pharmacology: Developing small-peptide channel inhibitors inspired by nature

This study develops small-peptide inhibitors of VDAC inspired by natural proteins, showing they can block the channel in lipid membranes, though with lower potency than the natural inhibitor Syn.

Identifying Novel Estrogenic Mitochondrial Targets in Hypothalamic Proopiomelanocortin Neurons by Chemoproteomics

This study identifies STX, a non-steroidal estrogenic compound, as targeting mitochondrial VDAC2 to enhance bioenergetics and provide neuroprotection in hypothalamic POMC neurons.

Multiple Sclerosis Drug Fingolimod Exhibits Antibacterial Activity through Bacterial Membrane Permeabilization

This study reveals that fingolimod, a multiple sclerosis drug, disrupts bacterial membranes through permeabilization, providing insight into its off-target antimicrobial activity.

A Membrane-Disruptive Action of VBIT-4 Challenges Its Role as a Widely Used VDAC Oligomerization Inhibitor

This paper shows that VBIT-4 disrupts mitochondrial membranes and causes cytotoxicity, challenging its role as a VDAC1 oligomerization inhibitor.

Conformational plasticity of mitochondrial VDAC2 controls the kinetics of its interaction with cytosolic proteins

This study investigates VDAC2's conformational flexibility and its impact on interactions with cytosolic proteins like α-synuclein, revealing kinetic differences without altering binding affinity.

Unlocking the Distinct Roles of the Three Mammalian VDAC Isoforms in Mitochondrial Respiration and Cancer Cell Metabolism

This study investigates the distinct roles of VDAC1, VDAC2, and VDAC3 in mitochondrial respiration and cancer cell metabolism through isoform-specific knockouts in HeLa cells.