The function of SENP8 (SUMO peptidase family member, NEDD8 specific, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000166192) is as follows. Protease that catalyzes two essential functions in the NEDD8 pathway: processing of full-length NEDD8 to its mature form and deconjugation of NEDD8 from targeted proteins such as cullins or p53. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:12730221, ECO:0000269|PubMed:12759362, ECO:0000269|PubMed:12759363, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15242646, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15775960}.