E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that acts in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway, which targets misfolded proteins that accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome-mediated degradation. Protects cells from ER stress-induced apoptosis.
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Expressed at highest levels in testis, lower levels in heart, liver, lung, and kidney . Not detected in brain, ovary, and uterus . Down-regulated in testis from patients with maturation arrest (MA) or Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) . Ubiquitously expressed with high expression in testis .