Emc4, a subunit of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane complex (EMC), is involved in multiple biological processes. It plays a role in the insertion of transmembrane helices of integral membrane and tail-anchored proteins into the ER membrane [4]. It also participates in eIF2B-mediated translation regulation and confers stress resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae [2].

In a rat model of neuropathic pain, decreased expression of EMC4 was detected in the dorsal root ganglia of rats with spared nerve injury, suggesting it could be a biomarker for neuropathic pain development [1]. In viral-related studies, EMC4 promotes Dengue virus membrane fusion during entry, enabling viral genome delivery into the cytosol [3]. It also acts as a molecular tether, helping polyomavirus SV40 move from the late endosome to the endoplasmic reticulum during infection [5].

In summary, Emc4 is essential for protein insertion into the ER membrane, translation regulation, and stress response. Its role in neuropathic pain and viral infections, as revealed by animal and cell-based models, provides important insights into these biological processes and potential therapeutic targets for related diseases.