Structural basis and pathological implications of the dimeric OS9-SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD Core Complex

The SEL1L-HRD1 complex represents the most conserved branch of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD), a critical quality-control pathway that clears misfolded ER proteins. However, the molecular organization and pathogenic mechanisms of mammalian ERAD have remained elusive. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of the core mammalian ERAD complex, comprising the ER lectin OS9, SEL1L, and the E3 ubiquitin ligase HRD1. The structure, validated by mutagenesis and crosslinking assays, reveals a dimeric assembly of the core complex in which SEL1L and OS9 form a claw-like configuration in the ER lumen that mediates substrate engagement, while HRD1 dimerizes within the membrane that may facilitate substrate translocation. Furthermore, pathogenic SEL1L mutations at the SEL1L-OS9 (Gly585Asp) and SEL1L-HRD1 (Ser658Pro) interfaces disrupt complex formation and impair ERAD activity. A newly identified disease-associated HRD1 variant (Ala91Asp), located in transmembrane helix 3, impairs HRD1 dimerization and substrate processing. These findings provide structural and functional insights for mammalian SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD and elucidate how mutations destabilizing this machinery contribute to human disease. Cells rely on ER-associated degradation (ERAD) to eliminate misfolded proteins. Here, the authors report the cryo-EM structure of the mammalian SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD core complex, revealing a dimeric architecture and explaining how disease-linked mutations disrupt protein quality control.