ER membrane protein complex subunit 4 (EMC4)

ER membrane protein complex subunit 4 (EMC4) is a conserved, multi-pass transmembrane protein that forms part of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein complex (EMC), which consists of 9–10 subunits in mammals[1][2][4]. EMC4 is one of the key transmembrane constituents involved in forming the core insertase cavity and structure of the complex, along with EMC3 and EMC6[1][4]. The EMC plays essential roles in the co- and post-translational insertion of transmembrane helices from a wide range of tail-anchored and multipass membrane proteins into the ER, thus facilitating correct membrane protein topology, folding, assembly, and quality control[1][4]. Loss of EMC function (including by dysfunctional EMC4) is associated with ER stress, disruption of membrane protein biosynthesis, and has been implicated in a variety of diseases such as cancer and metabolic or neurological disorders, but EMC4 itself is not directly a therapeutic target or drug receptor[4].\n\nClarifications\n- EMC4 is a structural component and not currently considered a direct drug target or receptor. Its primary biological function is in supporting the insertase and chaperone activity of the EMC[1][4].\n- No known drugs directly interact with EMC4, nor is EMC4 used as a direct biomarker or therapeutic target. Disruption mostly produces cellular pathology through loss of complex function.\n- The alternative names (aliases) stem from prior gene/protein annotation and predicted proliferative effects, but the canonical name in human gene nomenclature is ER membrane protein complex subunit 4 (EMC4)[2][4].

Other names

EMC4TMEM85HSPC184PIG17FLJ90746MGC24415Cell proliferation-inducing gene 17 proteinTransmembrane protein 85