Involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. Component of an evolutionarily conserved system for ubiquitin-mediated mitochondria-associated protein degradation (MAD), which is necessary to maintain mitochondrial, cellular, and organismal viability. Interacts with CDC48 and NPL4. translocates from the cytosol to mitochondria upon mitochondrial stress. Leads to progressive mitochondrial failure, hypersensitivity to oxidative stress, and decreased chronological life span. Present with 3930 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the ANKZF1/VMS1 family.