Metalloendopeptidase that acts selectively on DNA-binding proteins. DNA is needed to bring the protease and substrates together to enable proteolysis. Involved in the repair of toxic DNA-protein cross-links (DPCs) such as covalently trapped topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) adducts on DNA lesions or DPCs induced by reactive compounds such as formaldehyde. Belongs to the peptidase M3 family. WSS1-like metalloprotease (WLM) subfamily.