Rescue of proteotoxic stress and neurodegeneration by the Zn(2+) transporter ZIP7

Proteotoxic stress drives numerous degenerative diseases. In response to misfolded proteins, cells adapt by activating the unfolded protein response (UPR), including endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD). However persistent stress triggers apoptosis. Enhancing ERAD is a promising therapeutic approach for protein misfolding diseases. From plants to humans, loss of the Zn(2+) transporter ZIP7 causes ER stress, however the mechanism is unknown. Here we show that ZIP7 enhances ERAD and that cytosolic Zn(2+) is limiting for deubiquitination of client proteins by the Rpn11 Zn(2+) metalloproteinase as they enter the proteasome in Drosophila and human cells. ZIP7 overexpression rescues defective vision caused by misfolded rhodopsin in Drosophila. Thus ZIP7 overexpression may prevent diseases caused by proteotoxic stress, and existing ZIP inhibitors may be effective against proteasome-dependent cancers.