Adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) (ANT)

The Adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), also known as the ADP/ATP carrier, is a vital transport protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its primary biological function is to facilitate the 1:1 exchange of mitochondrial ATP for cytosolic ADP, a process essential for maintaining the energy supply of the cell and supporting oxidative phosphorylation. Beyond its role in metabolism, ANT is a key component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), making it a central regulator of apoptosis and cell death. In many cancers, the ANT2 isoform is overexpressed and acts as an anti-apoptotic factor, making it a promising target for pro-apoptotic anticancer therapies. Conversely, mutations in ANT1 are associated with various mitochondrial myopathies and ophthalmological disorders. Pharmacological modulation of ANT involves inhibitors like carboxyatractyloside and bongkrekic acid, which trap the transporter in specific conformational states, though many clinical drugs can also interact with ANT as an off-target, potentially leading to mitochondrial toxicity.

Other names

ADP/ATP carrierMitochondrial ADP/ATP translocaseSolute carrier family 25 member 4Solute carrier family 25 member 5Solute carrier family 25 member 6Solute carrier family 25 member 31AACANT1ANT2ANT3ANT4

Inhibition of the exchange of mitochondrial ATP for cytosolic ADP, modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) to induce or inhibit apoptosis, and regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential.