Ubiquitin recognition factor in ER-associated degradation protein 1 (UFD1)

Essential part of the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway that degrades ubiquitin fusion proteins. The ternary complex containing UFD1, VCP and NPLOC4 binds ubiquitinated proteins and is necessary for the export of misfolded proteins from the ER to the cytoplasm, where they are degraded by the proteasome.

The NPLOC4-UFD1-VCP complex regulates spindle disassembly at the end of mitosis and is vital for the formation of a closed nuclear envelope. It may be involved in the creation of several ectoderm-derived structures (By similarity).