Hydrolase that can specifically remove 'Lys-48'-linked conjugated ubiquitin from proteins and plays an important regulatory role at the level of protein turnover by preventing degradation. Regulator of T-cell anergy, a phenomenon that occurs when T-cells are rendered unresponsive to antigen rechallenge and no longer respond to their cognate antigen. Acts via its interaction with RNF128/GRAIL, a crucial inductor of CD4 T-cell anergy. Isoform 1 destabilizes RNF128, leading to prevent anergy. In contrast, isoform 2 stabilizes RNF128 and promotes anergy.
[1] "Otubains: a new family of cysteine proteases in the ubiquitin pathway."Balakirev M.Y., Tcherniuk S.O., Jaquinod M., Chroboczek J.EMBO Rep. 4:517-522(2003) [2] "Two isoforms of otubain 1 regulate T cell anergy via GRAIL."Soares L., Seroogy C., Skren
