Single-strand selective monofunctional uracil DNA glycosylase (SMUG1)

Recognizes base lesions in the genome and initiates base excision DNA repair. Acts as a monofunctional DNA glycosylase specific for uracil (U) residues in DNA with a preference for single-stranded DNA substrates.

The action is greater toward mismatches (U/G) compared to games (U/A). Excises uracil (U), 5- formyluracil (fU) and uracil derivatives bearing an oxidized group at C5 [5-hydroxyuracil (hoU) and 5-hydroxymethyluracil (hmU)] in ssDNA and dsDNA, but not analogous cytosine derivatives (5- hydroxycytosine and 5-formylcytosine), nor other oxidized bases.