Deubiquitination of γ-tubulin by BAP1 prevents chromosome instability in breast cancer cells.

Microtubule nucleation requires the γ-tubulin ring complex, and during the M-phase (mitosis) this complex accumulates at the centrosome to support mitotic spindle formation. The posttranslational modification of γ-tubulin through ubiquitination is vital for regulating microtubule nucleation and centrosome duplication. Blocking the BRCA1/BARD1-dependent ubiquitination of γ-tubulin causes centrosome amplification.