Component of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD) pathway. Recruits the soluble ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBC7 to the cytoplasmic face of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane where it functions in degradation of misfolded or regulated proteins localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen or membrane via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Targets the E2 conjugating enzyme UBC7 to the DOA10 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is part of the ERAD-C pathway responsible for the rapid degradation of membrane proteins with misfolded cytoplasmic domains, and to the HRD1 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is part of the ERAD-L and ERAD-M pathways responsible for the rapid degradation of soluble lumenal and membrane proteins with misfolded lumenal domains (ERAD-L), or ER-membrane proteins with misfolded transmembrane domains (ERAD-M). Has also a role in cold adaptation, perhaps through effects on sterol biosynthesis. Forms a heterodimer with UBC7. Interacts with SSM4/DOA10 and UBX2/SEL1. Present with 589 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the CUE1 family.