Multiubiquitin chain receptor involved in modulation of proteasomal degradation. Binds to ‘Lys-48’-linked polyubiquitin chains in a length-dependent manner and with a lower affinity to ‘Lys-63’-linked polyubiquitin chains. Proposed to be capable to bind simultaneously to the 26S proteasome and to polyubiquitinated substrates and to deliver ubiquitinated proteins to the proteasome.; Involved in nucleotide excision repair and is thought to be functional equivalent for RAD23B in global genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER) by association with XPC. In vitro, the XPC:RAD23A dimer has NER activity. Can stabilize XPC.; (Microbial infection) Involved in Vpr-dependent replication of HIV-1 in non-proliferating cells and primary macrophages. Required for the association of HIV-1 Vpr with the host proteasome.