Synonyms:Deubiquitinating enzyme 15, KIAA0529, Ubiquitin thiolesterase 15, Unph 2, UNPH4, USP15 Background:Hydrolase that removes conjugated ubiquitin from target proteins and regulates various pathways such as the TGF-beta receptor signaling and NF-kappa-B pathways. Acts as a key regulator of TGF-beta receptor signaling pathway, but the precise mechanism is still unclear: according to a report, acts by promoting deubiquitination of monoubiquitinated R-SMADs(SMAD1, SMAD2 and/or SMAD3), thereby alleviating inhibition of R-SMADs and promoting activation of TGF-beta target genes(PubMed:21947082). According to another reports, regulates the TGF-beta receptor signaling pathway by mediating deubiquitination and stabilization of TGFBR1, leading to an enhanced TGF-beta signal(PubMed:22344298). Able to mediate deubiquitination of monoubiquitinated substrates as well as 'Lys-48'-linked polyubiquitin chains, protecting them against proteasomal degradation. May also regulate gene expression and/or DNA repair through the deubiquitination of histone H2B(PubMed:24526689). Acts as an associated component of COP9 signalosome complex(CSN) and regulates different pathways via this association: regulates NF-kappa-B by mediating deubiquitination of NFKBIA and deubiquitinates substrates bound to VCP. Protects APC and human papillomavirus type 16 protein E6 against degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome pathway.