Deubiquitinating enzyme that regulates the degradation of various proteins. Deubiquitinates and prevents proteasomal degradation of RNF123 which in turn stimulates CDKN1B ubiquitin-dependent degradation thereby playing a role in cell proliferation. Involved in decreased protein synthesis in atrophying skeletal muscle. Modulates transcription of major myofibrillar proteins. Also involved in turnover of endoplasmic-reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) substrates. Regulates the stability of BIRC2/c-IAP1 and BIRC3/c-IAP2 by preventing their ubiquitination. Required for cells to mount an appropriate response to hypoxia and rescues HIF1A from degradation in a non-catalytic manner. Plays an important role in 17 beta-estradiol (E2)-inhibited myogenesis. Decreases the levels of ubiquitinated proteins during skeletal muscle formation and acts to repress myogenesis. Exhibits a preference towards ‘Lys-63’-linked ubiquitin chains.