DNA glycosylase which prefers single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), or partially ssDNA structures such as bubble and fork structures, to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) (PubMed:20185759, PubMed:22065741, PubMed:22569481, PubMed:22959434, PubMed:23305905, PubMed:23313161). Mediates interstrand cross-link repair in response to replication stress: acts by mediating DNA glycosylase activity, cleaving one of the two N-glycosyl bonds comprising the interstrand cross-link, which avoids the formation of a double-strand break but generates an abasic site that is bypassed by translesion synthesis polymerases (By similarity). In vitro, displays strong glycosylase activity towards the hydantoin lesions spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) and guanidinohydantoin (Gh) in both ssDNA and dsDNA; also recognizes FapyA, FapyG, 5-OHU, 5-OHC, 5-OHMH, Tg and 8-oxoA lesions in ssDNA (PubMed:20185759, PubMed:22065741, PubMed:22569481, PubMed:22959434, PubMed:23305905, PubMed:23313161). No activity on 8-oxoG detected (PubMed:20185759, PubMed:22065741, PubMed:22569481, PubMed:22959434, PubMed:23305905, PubMed:23313161). Also shows weak DNA-(apurinic or apyrimidinic site) lyase activity (PubMed:20185759, PubMed:22065741, PubMed:22569481, PubMed:22959434, PubMed:23305905, PubMed:23313161). In vivo, appears to be the primary enzyme involved in removing Sp and Gh from ssDNA in neonatal tissues (PubMed:20185759, PubMed:22065741, PubMed:22569481, PubMed:22959434, PubMed:23305905, PubMed:23313161). 2'-deoxyribonucleotide-(2'-deoxyribose 5'-phosphate)-2'-deoxyribonucleotide-DNA = a 3'-end 2'-deoxyribonucleotide-(2,3-dehydro-2,3-deoxyribose 5'-phosphate)-DNA + a 5'-end 5'-monophospho-2'-deoxyribonucleoside-DNA + H(+) Recruited to replication stress sites via interaction with ubiquitinated CMG helicase. Expressed in testis, thymus, spleen and bone marrow. In young mice, expressed at higher levels in thymocytes than splenocytes. At 12 dpc, abundant in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. At 17.5 dpc and P0, expression is limited to distinct cells in the cortical SVZ, in cells of the secondary matrix, the dentate gyrus migratory route and the dentate gyrus. Highly expressed in the developing brain at 12 dpc-13 dpc when neurogenesis starts. Expression decreases during later development and is undetectable in adult brain. By mitogen stimulation in splenocytes, and by hypoxic-ischemic injury in the striatum and hippocampus. The N-terminal region (2-282) contains the glycosylase and lyase activities. The RanBP2-type zinc-finger, also named NZF zinc finger, recognizes and binds ubiquitinated CMG helicase complex. The GRF-type zinc-fingers recognize single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), possibly on the lagging strand template. Perinatal mice show reduced regeneration of neural tissue following ischemic brain damage (stroke), associated with fewer activated microglia and impaired neural stem cell proliferation. Aged mice show deficits in learning and memory, decreased anxiety-like behavior, and changes in hippocampal synapse composition. Otherwise viable and fertile. May be due to an intron retention. Belongs to the FPG family. Was originally thought to be inactive as a glycosylase, but recent reports demonstrate that cleavage of the initiator methionine is essential for catalytic activity.