– Metalloprotease that specifically cleaves ‘Lys-63’-linked polyubiquitin chains. Does not have activity toward ‘Lys-48’-linked polyubiquitin chains. Component of the BRCA1-A complex, a complex that specifically recognizes ‘Lys-63’-linked ubiquitinated histones H2A and H2AX at DNA lesions sites, leading to target the BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimer to sites of DNA damage at double-strand breaks (DSBs). In the BRCA1-A complex, it specifically removes ‘Lys-63’-linked ubiquitin on histones H2A and H2AX, antagonizing the RNF8-dependent ubiquitination at double-strand breaks (DSBs). Catalytic subunit of the BRISC complex, a multiprotein complex that specifically cleaves ‘Lys-63’-linked ubiquitin in various substrates. Mediates the specific ‘Lys-63’-specific deubiquitination associated with the COP9 signalosome complex (CSN), via the interaction of the BRISC complex with the CSN complex. The BRISC complex is required for normal mitotic spindle assembly and microtubule attachment to kinetochores via its role in deubiquitinating NUMA1. Plays a role in interferon signaling via its role in the deubiquitination of the interferon receptor IFNAR1; deubiquitination increases IFNAR1 activity by enhancing its stability and cell surface expression. Down-regulates the response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via its role in IFNAR1 deubiquitination.