Catalyzes a reversible aldol reaction between acetaldehyde and D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to generate 2-deoxy-D-ribose 5-phosphate. Participates in stress granule (SG) assembly. May allow ATP production from extracellular deoxyinosine in conditions of energy deprivation. 2-deoxy-D-ribose 5-phosphate = acetaldehyde + D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate Carbohydrate degradation; 2-deoxy-D-ribose 1-phosphate degradation; D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and acetaldehyde from 2-deoxy-alpha-D-ribose 1-phosphate: step 2/2. Interacts with YBX1. Recruited to stress granules but not to processing bodies upon arsenite or clotrimazole treatment or energy deprivation. Mainly expressed in liver, lung and colon. Belongs to the DeoC/FbaB aldolase family. DeoC type 2 subfamily.