BAP31 interacts with Sec61 translocons and promotes retrotranslocation of CFTRΔF508 via the Derlin-1 complex

BAP31 is an endoplasmic reticulum protein-sorting factor that associates with newly synthesized integral membrane proteins and controls their fate (i.e., egress, retention, survival, or degradation). BAP31 is itself an integral membrane protein and a constituent of several large protein complexes. Here, we show that a part of the BAP31 population interacts with two components of the Sec61 preprotein translocon, Sec61 beta and TRAM. BAP31 associates with the N terminus of one of its newly synthesized client proteins, the Delta F508 mutant of CFTR, and promotes its retrotranslocation from the ER and degradation by the cytoplasmic 26S proteasome system. Depletion of BAP31 reduces the proteasomal degradation of Delta F508 and permits a significant fraction of the surviving protein to reach the cell surface. Of note, BAP31 also associates physically and functionally with the Derlin-1 protein disclocation complex in the Delta F508 degradation pathway. Thus, BAP31 operates at early steps to deliver newly synthesized CFTR Delta F508 to its degradation pathway.