NEIL1

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]

Full Name

Nei Like DNA Glycosylase 1

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. Specifically binds 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), suggesting that it acts as a specific reader of 5hmC.

Biological Process

Base-excision repair Source: UniProtKB
Base-excision repair, gap-filling Source: Reactome
Depyrimidination Source: Reactome
Negative regulation of nuclease activity Source: UniProtKB
Response to oxidative stress Source: UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Nucleus
Cytoskeleton
centrosome
Other locations
Chromosome
Note: During mitosis, associates with centrosomes and condensed chromatin.