USP44

USP44

A gene on chromosome 12q22 that encodes a deubiquitinase which plays a key role in the mitotic spindle checkpoint by preventing the premature onset of anaphase. USP44 deubiquitinates CDC20, a negative regulator of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), stabilising the MAD2L1-CDC20-APC/C ternary complex (i.e., mitotic checkpoint) and preventing premature APC/C activation. USP44 is transcriptionally regulated by POU5F1/OCT4 in embryonic stem cells.