Proteasome-associated deubiquitinase which releases ubiquitin from the proteasome targeted ubiquitinated proteins (PubMed:35145029). Ensures the regeneration of ubiquitin at the proteasome (PubMed:18162577, PubMed:28396413). Is a reversibly associated subunit of the proteasome and a large fraction of proteasome-free protein exists within the cell (PubMed:18162577). Required for the degradation of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 which is critical for CXCL12-induced cell chemotaxis (PubMed:19106094). Serves also as a physiological inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) under the non-stressed condition by inhibiting the degradation of unfolded endoplasmic reticulum proteins via interaction with ERN1 (PubMed:19135427). Indispensable for synaptic development and function at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) (By similarity). Plays a role in the innate immune defense against viruses by stabilizing the viral DNA sensor CGAS and thus inhibiting its autophagic degradation (PubMed:27666593). Inhibits OPTN-mediated selective autophagic degradation of KDM4D and thereby negatively regulates H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 (PubMed:35145029).