This gene encodes a 3'-to-5' exonuclease specific for small (primarily 5 nucleotides or less in length) single-stranded RNA and DNA oligomers. This protein may have a role in DNA repair, replication, and recombination, and in RNA processing and degradation. It may also be involved in resistance of human cells to UV-C-induced cell death through its role in the DNA repair process. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011].