This gene is a member of the Nei endonuclease VIII-like gene family which encodes DNA glycosylases. The encoded enzyme participates in the DNA repair pathway by initiating base excision repair by removing damaged bases, primarily oxidized pyrimidines. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2012],catalytic activity:Removes damaged bases from DNA, leaving an abasic site.,catalytic activity:The C-O-P bond 3′ to the apurinic or apyrimidinic site in DNA is broken by a beta-elimination reaction, leaving a 3′-terminal unsaturated sugar and a product with a terminal 5′-phosphate.,function:Involved in base excision repair of DNA damaged by oxidation or by mutagenic agents. Acts as DNA glycosylase that recognizes and removes damaged bases. Has a preference for oxidized pyrimidines, such as thymine glycol, formamidopyrimidine (Fapy) and 5-hydroxyuracil. Has marginal activity towards 8-oxoguanine. Has AP (apurinic/apyrimidinic) lyase activity and introduces nicks in the DNA strand. Cleaves the DNA backbone by beta-delta elimination to generate a single-strand break at the site of the removed base with both 3′- and 5′-phosphates. Has DNA glycosylase/lyase activity towards mismatched uracil and thymine, in particular in U:C and T:C mismatches.,induction:Up-regulated during S-phase.,similarity:Belongs to the FPG family.,tissue specificity:Ubiquitous.,