# The Discovery of Molecules and Mechanisms in ERAD Retrotranslocation Pathways

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2023 · $378,590

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Elimination of misfolded proteins by ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) ensures that proteins entering
the secretory pathway are correctly folded and that ER stress is maintained at acceptably low levels. All ERAD
pathways include a protein translocation process termed retrotranslocation, in which ubiquitinated ERAD
substrates are selectively extracted from the ER before degradation by the cytosolic 26S proteasome. Despite
its commonality in ERAD, many features of retrotranslocation have remained mysterious. We have recently
made a major breakthrough in understanding retrotranslocation. By employing whole-genome yeast arrays, we
have discovered the rhomboid family protein Dfm1 to be critical for the removal of membrane substrates, opening
the door to a deep mechanistic understanding of retrotranslocation mechanisms and biology. Specifically, we
w ill:
 1) Determine the machinery and mechanisms involved in Dfm1-mediated retrotranslocation.
 2) Characterize a novel retrotranslocation pathway induced in the absence of Dfm1.
 3) Explore the new stress pathway that can arise in the absence of Dfm1.
We will use a multifaceted approach including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, functional genomics and
proteomics to address these central questions in ERAD and membrane biology. We will leverage our unique in
vivo and in vitro assays-and continue to devise new ones-to dissect the basic mechanisms of rhomboid-mediated
retrotranslocation and its place in cell and organismal biology. A mechanistic understanding of retrotranslocation
and the stress associated with its absence will establish foundational biological insights while unveiling
therapeutic targets for a variety of critical pathways including protein misfolding, protein quality control, ER stress,
and host-pathogen interactions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10654875
- **Project number:** 5R35GM133565-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Sonya Elina Neal
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $378,590
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10654875

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10654875, The Discovery of Molecules and Mechanisms in ERAD Retrotranslocation Pathways (5R35GM133565-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10654875. Licensed CC0.

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