Overexpression of HK2 protects cancer cells against apoptosis induced by oxidants or other stimuli.36 One hypothesis explains that interaction of HK2 with VDAC is responsible for antiapoptosis.23, 26, 36 Given the importance of VDAC in metabolism and cell death, many studies on VDAC have become the focus. The gene discussed is VDAC1; the disease is cancer.