ER membrane protein complex subunit 8 (EMC8)

ER membrane protein complex subunit 8 (EMC8) is a cytosolic subunit of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein complex (EMC), a highly conserved multiprotein complex essential for the insertion of newly synthesized membrane proteins into the ER membrane[1][2]. EMC8, together with EMC9 (its paralog), contributes to membrane insertase activity required for the energy-independent insertion of transmembrane domains (TMDs) with weak hydrophobic or destabilizing features, and for tail-anchored membrane protein integration[1][2][3]. EMC8 does not contain a transmembrane domain and interacts with the rest of the EMC on the cytosolic face of the ER[2]. By regulating the insertion and proper topology of membrane proteins—such as multipass proteins including G protein-coupled receptors—the EMC complex indirectly modulates diverse cellular functions and maintains ER homeostasis[1][3]. Disruption of EMC8 (or EMC complex function more broadly) has pleiotropic effects and can activate ER stress and the unfolded protein response, although EMC8 itself is not currently considered a direct therapeutic target, receptor, enzyme, transporter, or related clinical biomarker[1][4].

Other names

C16orf2C16orf4COX4ALCOX4NBFAM158BNOC4Neighbor of COX4Protein FAM158Bfamily with sequence similarity 158, member BCOX4 neighbor