Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Reconstitution of Msp1 Extraction Activity with Fully Purified Components
Published on: August 10, 2021
Roles of ER Membrane Protein Complex in Protein Biogenesis and Quality Control in the Lung and Beyond
Yan Qiao1,2, Yuqing Sun2,3, Yutao Huang2,3
1School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.
None:
The endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex (EMC) is an evolutionarily conserved multi-subunit complex. Due to its essential roles in protein biogenesis and quality control, the EMC has attracted considerable attention in recent years. In this review, we systematically explore the functions and disease-associated regulatory mechanisms of the EMC across various organ systems. We highlight the lung as a paradigmatic model for illustrating the 'molecular switch' function of EMC shaped by spatiotemporal and cell-type-specific contexts. Dysfunction of EMC contributes to pathologies and cancers of diverse organs, positioning EMC subunits as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Despite considerable progress, our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of EMC in health and disease remains far from complete. Future efforts should aim to unravel the regulatory networks centered on EMC to harness their potential for cross-disease therapy development.
Related Concept Videos
Protein Folding Quality Check in the RER
Export of Misfolded Proteins out of the ER
The Endoplasmic Reticulum
Protein Modifications in the RER
Broadly, these modifications can be categorized into four main categories — glycosylation, formation of disulfide bonds, assembly of protein subunits, and specific proteolytic cleavages like removal of signal...
The Unfolded Protein Response
Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane
Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the...

