VRAC Channels and the Cellular Redox Balance

Abstract

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRAC) are mainly involved in the regulated transport of osmolytes such as ions or small organic compounds across the plasma membrane during anisosmotic cell swelling. However, they also play additional roles in various pathophysiological processes, such as the transport of metabolites and drugs, extracellular signal transduction and anti-cancer drug resistance. These channels are formed by heteromers of LRRC8 proteins, of which LRRC8A is the essential subunit that combines with its paralogs LRRC8B–E to form hexameric complexes. Despite the extensive research devoted to the understanding of VRACs functions, different aspects of these channels are still to be characterized in depth. In this chapter, recent findings concerning the involvement of VRAC channels in the cellular redox balance will be summarized. Also, their relevance as potential targets of antioxidant therapies will be discussed.