IdentityOther names: KIAA0529; UNPH4; Unph-2 HGNC (Hugo): USP15 Location: 12q14.1
DNA/RNANote USP15 is a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family; these cysteine proteases comprise the largest sub-group of deubiquitinase enzymes (DUBs). USP15 cleaves the isopeptide bonds of polyubiquitin chains, and can cleave linear ubiquitin fusion proteins (Baker et al., 1999).
DescriptionThe USP15 gene spans 145 kb of genomic DNA.
TranscriptionFour transcripts of the human USP15 gene are described by Ensembl and are summarized in the accompanying diagram and table. According to Entrezgene, USP15 encodes a single reference sequence mRNA of 4611bp (NM_006313.1) composed of 21 exons, which corresponds to USP15-203. However, three other USP15 splice variants utilise several alternative-splicing sites between exon 5 and exon 7 of this reference sequence. USP15-201, a 4698 bp mRNA comprised of 22 exons, is expressed at similar levels to the reference sequence (Angelats et al., 2003). Expression of the remaining variants, USP15-204 and the truncated USP15-202, is less well studied.Schematic illustrating four human USP15 transcripts. The USP15 reference sequence mRNA (USP15-203) and three alternative splice variants are illustrated. The approximate position and size of exons within the USP15 gene, according to Ensembl, is shown for each splice variant. Schematic illustrating four human USP15 isoforms. The domain structure is shown for the reference sequence protein (USP15-203) and three alternative isoforms according to Ensembl. DUSP, domain present in ubiquitin-specific proteases; UBL, ubiquitin-like fold; UCH, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase. The cysteine motifs that form the zinc-binding site are shown in purple and the amino acids comprising the catalytic triad are shown in red. The approximate location of nuclear export sequences (triangles) and a putative nuclear localisation signal (inverted triangle) are shown above isoform USP15-203. Differences in amino acid sequence between isoforms are shown in light blue. The UCH is absent in isoform USP15-202, but USP15-201, USP15-203 and USP15-204 are predicted to be catalytically active.
USP15 (ubiquitin specific peptidase 15)