Specifically deubiquitinates 'Lys-14' (H2AK13Ub) and 'Lys-16'(H2AK15Ub) of histone H2A regulating the DNA damage response at double-strand breaks (DSBs) . USP51 is recruited to chromatin after DNA damage and regulates the dynamic assembly/disassembly of TP53BP1 and BRCA1. Exhibits also activity for 'Lys-27' or 'Lys-63'-linked di-ubiquitin .
Subcellular locations: Chromosome
Upon DNA damage, chromatin-bound USP51 disassociates from chromatin immediately following DNA damage and reassociates with chromatin following DNA repair.
Expressed in prostate, brain, lung, aorta and kidney.