DNA repair enzyme that can remove a variety of covalent adducts from DNA through hydrolysis of a 3'-phosphodiester bond, giving rise to DNA with a free 3' phosphate. Catalyzes the hydrolysis of dead-end complexes between DNA and the topoisomerase I active site tyrosine residue. Hydrolyzes 3'-phosphoglycolates on protruding 3' ends on DNA double-strand breaks due to DNA damage by radiation and free radicals. Acts on blunt-ended double-strand DNA breaks and on single-stranded DNA. Has low 3'exonuclease activity and can remove a single nucleoside from the 3'end of DNA and RNA molecules with 3'hydroxyl groups. Has no exonuclease activity towards DNA or RNA with a 3'phosphate.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Cytoplasm
Ubiquitously expressed. Similar expression throughout the central nervous system (whole brain, amygdala, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, frontal lobe, hippocampus, medulla oblongata, occipital lobe, putamen, substantia nigra, temporal lobe, thalamus, nucleus accumbens and spinal cord) and increased expression in testis and thymus.