Assay of Ca²⁺ transport by VDAC1 reconstituted into liposomes

Ca²⁺ permeability mediated by voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1 (VDAC1) can be tested by reconstitution of purified VDAC1 into liposomes. Here, we describe a setup for this membranal system, which has been used to study the transport activity of various transporters, including VDAC1, and allows detection of the passage of molecules across the lipid bilayer. Despite the disadvantage of needing radiolabeled molecules, this system is highly desirable when the transport properties of noncharged molecules and/or active transporters are studied.