Aprataxin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the APTX gene.

This gene encodes a member of the histidine triad (HIT) superfamily. The encoded protein may play a role in single-stranded DNA repair through its nucleotide-binding activity and its diadenosine polyphosphate hydrolase activity. Mutations in this gene have been associated with ataxia-ocular apraxia. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been identified for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Aug 2010].
Function: DNA-binding protein involved in single-strand DNA break repair, double-strand DNA break repair and base excision repair. Resolves abortive DNA ligation intermediates formed either at base excision sites, or when DNA ligases attempt to repair non-ligatable breaks induced by reactive oxygen species. Catalyzes the release of adenylate groups covalently linked to 5'-phosphate termini, resulting in the production of 5'-phosphate termini that can be efficiently rejoined. Also able to hydrolyze adenosine 5'-monophosphoramidate (AMP-NH(2)) and diadenosine tetraphosphate (AppppA), but with lower catalytic activity.