This gene encodes a member of the peptidase C19 or ubiquitin-specific protease family of cysteine proteases. Members of this family remove ubiquitin molecules from polyubiquitinated proteins. The encoded protein may deubiquitinate and stabilize the transcription factor c-Myc, also known as MYC, an important oncoprotein known to be upregulated in most human cancers. The encoded protease may also regulate the activation of autophagy. This gene exhibits elevated expression in some breast and lung cancers.